Journalists, politicians pay tribute to Zvikomborero Sibanda

BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube yesterday described the late broadcaster, Zvikomborero Sibanda, as an exceptional journalist who carried out her work with professionalism and dedication.

Popularly known as “Kombo” or “Zviko”, Sibanda passed away in Bulawayo last Wednesday at the age of 46. She was laid to rest yesterday at Athlone Cemetery in Bulawayo.

A packed church service at the Salvation Army Mpopoma branch drew a diverse crowd, including politicians from various parties, such as Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Pelandaba-Tshabalala Member of Parliament Joe Tshuma, former legislator Temba Mliswa, Ward Nine Bulawayo Councillor Donaldson Mabuto, as well as numerous journalists and friends.

In her address during the service Minister Ncube praised Sibanda’s commitment to journalism, saying she told Zimbabwe’s story with honesty and without exaggeration.

“On behalf of the Government, I bring President Mnangagwa’s condolences. The Bulawayo office stands with the family during this difficult time,” she said.

“Her contribution to the nation was immense. We are proud of journalists like her who portray Zimbabwe’s true story. She was talented and gifted, and I always looked forward to watching her broadcasts. Her presentation was captivating,” Minister Ncube added.

Veteran journalist, Tafuma Machakaire, highlighted Sibanda’s adaptability, noting that she excelled even in challenging times within the media landscape.

“She joined broadcasting at a time of major reshuffles at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which meant she had to take on multiple roles. As a young journalist, she was deployed to head the Midlands Bureau before later being appointed Executive Producer for news hour,” he said.

“Despite the demands of the job, she performed exceptionally well, earning the respect of her peers.”

Several journalists reflected on Sibanda’s impact on the profession. Former ZBC newsreader Sugar Chagonda recalled their close working relationship.

“Zviko was exactly one year younger than me but joined ZBC earlier. When I became a news anchor, she would call me after every bulletin with constructive feedback. If I mispronounced a word, she would tease me, saying, ‘Muzukuru,I could tell you’re from Masvingo today!’ She took great pride in guiding and challenging me to improve. We’ll miss her humility and dedication. Journalism has lost a true gem.”

Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba, who also worked with Zvikomborero at ZBC, said: “I worked with Kombo in 2002 at ZBC when I was a news editor. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration for female journalists. At a time when few women took centre stage in the newsroom, she stood tall — dedicated to the profession.

“As a reporter, she embodied excellence; as a colleague, she inspired and paved the way for many female journalists. Rest in power, Kombo.”

ZBC news anchor Nqobile Malinga, remembered her as a hardworking and engaging journalist, particularly during her time as Midlands Bureau Chief.

Another former ZBC colleague, Terrence Mapurisana, described her passing as a significant loss to the media industry.

“In Zvikomborero, we lost a dedicated journalist with a keen eye for news. She was always smiling and contributed immensely to teamwork. We would review each other’s scripts before recording news bulletins, fostering a culture of excellence,” he said.

“When she left ZBC, it created a huge void. Our generation has lost an outstanding broadcaster.”

Family and friends described Sibanda as a supportive person with a natural ability to resolve complex family matters with ease.

Her high school classmate, Nyasha Museki, explained how much influence Zvikomborero had on her.

“In 1993, I transferred from St Francis and Claire Secondary School to SOS Herman Gmeiner Secondary School. Thrust into Form 3A, I met a lot of new friends and classmates and, among them was Zvikomborero Sibanda.

“Kombo was a friend to all and an enemy to none. She was ever-smiling, a thorough student who competed with the boys and an incredibly smart and highly intelligent person. She was one of our top students, earning multiple As and passing all her subjects,” Museki said.

Born on April 5, 1978, in Mpopoma, Bulawayo, Sibanda attended Nkulumane Primary School before completing her high school education at Usher High and Hermann Gmeiner High School. She then pursued a qualification in Mass Communication and Journalism at Harare Polytechnic.

Her media career began at Chronicle, where she completed her attachment before moving to ZBCtv. She later worked at the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa following her marriage to a South African national.

She returned to Zimbabwe in November last year while battling long-term health issues related to fibroids, a condition for which she had previously undergone surgery.