Online Reporter
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO yesterday bid a final farewell to the late, distinguished academic and researcher, Dr Samson Mtisi, whose passing in South Africa on 7 April 2025, at the age of 55, has left a deep void. Dr Mtisi, who succumbed to an illness while in the neighbouring country, was buried at Umvutshwa Park Cemetery, marking the end of a life dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of his field.
His family and colleagues paid glowing tributes to the former National University of Science and Technology (Nust) lecturer, recognising his outstanding contribution to academia and his community.
His brother and family spokesperson, Mr Henry Mtisi, said the family was devastated by Samson’s death and honoured his lasting impact.
“Sam was a lively and engaging person who made everyone around him feel at ease. He was someone everyone looked up to, and as a family, we have suffered a great loss. We shall forever cherish the moments spent together. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Dr Mtisi was also remembered as a devoted and humble Christian by fellow congregants who attended his burial.
“Today I’m surprised to hear that he was a doctor. I never once heard him speak about his job or occupation. He was a humble man and a prayer warrior. Go well, my brother, till we meet again,” said one congregant.
Fellow colleague and Secretary of the Zimbabwe Leather Development Council (ZLDC), Mr Jacob Nyathi, described the late Dr Mtisi as a distinguished academic, researcher, and business strategy expert.
“Dr Mtisi was a passionate SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) development practitioner and mentor. The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council has lost an invaluable partner and member of the ZLDC Steering Committee representing Academia.
“He was a highly respected member of the Nust community and of Bulawayo at large. Dr Mtisi was known for his humility and tireless dedication to advancing the leather value chain and promoting the growth of SMEs across various sectors of the economy,” he said.
Mr Nyathi also described Dr Mtisi as a man of deep faith who championed the values of love and forgiveness.
“To me, Dr Mtisi was more than a research and consultancy partner. He came to regard me as his big brother and would often affectionately call me mnewethu. Through our conversations outside of work, I learnt from Dr Mtisi that forgiveness can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation.”
Another colleague, Professor Gwendoline Vusumuzi Nani, Director of the Nust Graduate School of Business, also paid tribute to Dr Mtisi, describing him as an exceptional academic and professional.
“Dr Mtisi was deeply committed to his work, and his passion was evident in everything he did. He was a seasoned academic and consultant with extensive professional experience. He taught Strategic Management, Strategic Marketing Management, and Business Research Methods to MBA students for many years. He brought with him vast research and consultancy experience in business and socio-economic development, having led various applied research projects funded by both local and international development agencies, as a principal investigator. Dr Mtisi was a guru in qualitative research. The Graduate School of Business Studies is poorer today without him. He has left a void that will be difficult to fill,” said Prof Nani.
Dr Mtisi joined Nust in 1996 as a lecturer in the Graduate School of Business Sciences. In 2010, he was promoted to Senior Lecturer and, six years later, was appointed a full-time research fellow in the same department. In 2016, he attained a PhD in Business Administration, with a focus on Rural Enterprise Development.
