Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Harare Bureau
FORMER Zimpapers staffer, renowned editor, poet and novelist Dr Paul Chidyausiku, who passed away last Friday, has been accorded a State-assisted funeral. The announcement was made by Acting President Constantino Chiwenga during a visit to the Chidyausiku family home, in Seke yesterday.
Dr Chidyausiku, who died at the age of 98, was the eldest of eight children. Among his siblings were the late national hero and former Chief Justice, Godfrey Chidyausiku, and diplomat and war veteran, Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku.
Acting President Chiwenga said Dr Chidyausiku would be remembered for his immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s literary heritage and national identity. He extended condolences to the Chidyausiku family, particularly to Amai Joyce Chidyausiku and their children.
“This loss is painful, but we must celebrate Dr Paul Chidyausiku’s remarkable legacy through his writings and encourage others to emulate his commitment to the betterment of our country. May the Chidyausiku family, his wife and children, find solace in knowing that their father’s literary works will continue to inspire future generations and remain etched in the annals of our history. For his contribution to the country, President Mnangagwa has directed that he be granted a State-assisted funeral. From now on, the Government will take care of his funeral,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
Speaking on the broader legacy of the Chidyausiku family, the Acting President noted their significant contributions to the nation.
“The legacy of Justice Chidyausiku, particularly his landmark ruling on land restitution, showcases the family’s dedication to justice and equity. Ambassador Chidyausiku, who is here with us, is a war veteran who participated in our armed struggle and served the country in various diplomatic missions.”
Dr Chidyausiku passed away peacefully at his home in Seke.
In an earlier statement, Acting President Chiwenga said: “On behalf of His Excellency, the President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, our party Zanu-PF, Government, my family and on my own behalf, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Chidyausiku family, particularly Amai Joyce Chidyausiku and the children, during this difficult and heartbreaking time.”
He noted that the family belongs to the Vashawasha clan of the Mukanya totem and that the children were raised under the guidance of their parents and clan elders.
“A renowned editor, poet and novelist, Dr Paul Chidyausiku’s literary accomplishments will forever be remembered in Zimbabwe, beginning with his appointment as the first editor of the Catholic-run *Moto* magazine in 1958 at Mambo Press in Gweru.
“His work at the magazine reflected a deep love for his country and support for the oppressed black majority under the colonial regime.
“Dr Chidyausiku used his editorial platform to highlight issues affecting the black majority and supported the armed struggle that led to independence in 1980,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
Dr Chidyausiku left Mambo Press in 1972 and moved to Harare (then Salisbury), where he briefly worked for the urban council in 1973 before joining the African Literature Bureau in 1974.
During his time at the Bureau, he worked tirelessly to promote Pan-African literature in vernacular languages such as Shona and Ndebele. He also supported both emerging and established authors and facilitated the training of editors and writers.
At independence in 1980, Dr Chidyausiku joined the Ministry of Information as an assistant director. His passion for literature led him to spearhead the establishment of Kwayedza, a vernacular language newspaper under Zimpapers.
He later left the Ministry to join Zimpapers full-time, where he worked for Kwayedza until his retirement.
A prolific author, Dr Chidyausiku wrote 13 novels, including Nhoroondo Dzokuwanana, Broken Roots, Pfungwa DzaSekuru Mafusire, Ndakambokuyambira and Karume Kangu. He also penned numerous poems and published articles both locally and internationally.
In recognition of his literary achievements and dedication to fostering a reading culture in Zimbabwe, Dr Chidyausiku was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education by the Women’s University in Africa in 2016.
His younger brother, Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku, thanked the Government for honouring his brother and spoke highly of his contributions to Pan-Africanism and the media landscape, noting that he covered the inaugural Zanu congress in 1963 as editor of Moto magazine.
