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Medical doctor and former Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust and Zimpapers chairperson, Dr Davison Mashizha Sadza (91), has died.
Dr Sadza, who was married to Women’s University in Africa founder and Vice Chancellor Prof Hope Sadza, died on Tuesday in Harare after a short illness.
In a condolence message, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Dr Sadza played a big role in transforming the media landscape after independence when he was appointed as the first chairman of the newly formed ZMMT in 1981.
The trust took controlling interests in Zimbabwe Newspapers, Ziana and Kingstones Holdings.
Minister Mutsvangwa said as its first chairman, Dr Sadza was entrusted with the responsibility of aligning the media sector to the aspirations of the newly-independent Zimbabwe.
She said Dr Sadza was appointed to the post not as a media expert, but as someone who could see and articulate what the media had to do to serve the people of the “infant republic”.
“He brought that passion for service that had already been exhibited in his professional life as a medical doctor.
Dr Sadza oversaw the vast expansion in media coverage.
“He was also passionate about media standards and integrity and he demanded same,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said his contribution to the media sector in Zimbabwe was a legacy the nation will never forget.
“He will be solely missed by many and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Dr Hope Sadza and children,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Family spokesperson and daughter, Ms Lindiwe Sadza, described his father as hardworking and religious.
She said her father also mentored a number of doctors and nurses in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“He was not only a father to us, but to so many other doctors and nurses out there, whom he mentored. We have been robbed of a loving father,” said Ms Sadza.
Dr Sadza who was born in Sadza village, Chivhu in 1929, was initially head at Nyadire Teacher’s Training College before going to the UK where he studied medicine. Soon after his studies, he returned to Zimbabwe where he worked as medical superintendent at Nyadire Mission Hospital before going to Murehwa where he assumed the role of district medical officer.
Dr Sadza retired from public service to concentrate on his private surgeries before re-joining the public sector as medical superintendent for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
He also served as Premier Service Medical Aid Society managing director.
His colleagues elected him as president of the Zimbabwe Medical Doctors Association (ZIMA).
The ZMMT board chairman Mr Honour Mkushi described Dr Sadza as a true patriot and dedicated professional.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Prof Hope Sadza and family for losing such a fine husband and loving father,” said Mr Mkushi.
Dr Sadza is survived by his wife Hope, eight children and several grandchildren. Mourners are gathered at number 159 Haydon Road, Greystone Park.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
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