Online Reporter
Ropafadzo Mapimhidze
Herald Correspondent
Sad to learn about the passing of renowned author and journalist Dr Paul Chidyausiku, the founding editor of Kwayedza Umthunywa, who was one of four scribes who pioneered this vernacular tabloid in August 1985.
Sadly, Isaiah Mhizha, Gervaise Chitewe passed on in the 90s and I now happen to be the only surviving scribe of the four.
The four of us were transferred to Zimbabwe Newspapers from the Department of Information where Dr Chidyausiku was head of Foreign Services, Mhizha and Chitewe from The Peoples Weekly and I was from Mutare, where I worked as a district information officer.
Kwayedza was a very popular newspaper and once hit a landmark circulation of 100 000 per week.
That was incredible, but we did it.
A banquet was held for the four of us to celebrate this achievement. I also got an award for Women’s Affairs writer of the year on two occasions.
This triggered so much interest from the UZ Department of Languages where Professor Hebert Chimhundu sought or consulted about new Shona words to upgrade an existing Shona dictionary that time known as Dura Remazwi.
Dr Chidyausiku was such a down to earth person who turned down offers for company loans to buy a house in the leafy northern suburbs and chose to reside at his Seke home, which he said was much cheaper to maintain in terms of rates, Zesa etc etc.
He once argued that he loved rearing chickens, a hobby he enjoyed so much which he would have abandoned had he moved to the northern suburbs.
He also declined offers to buy a ‘fancy’ car like what other editors and managers were riding, but chose to have a pick up truck as his company vehicle.
It’s unfortunate that I never really got see him since then, but had spoken to him on the phone a couple of times. That was before the Covid era.
Rest in peace nyanzvi yekunyora chiShona . . .I am so proud to be part of this Zimbabwe Newspapers historical project that I loved so much.
I will forever remember him for the love he had for this country and it’s indigenous languages.
Tozosangana kana nguva yanguwo yakwana.
