Late Ardas director Nyoni burial on Friday

THE burial for the late veteran agronomist and Matabeleland North Agricultural and Rural Development Services (Ardas) provincial director, Dumisani Nyoni, who died on Monday evening has been set for Friday.

Nyoni who has been described as a hard worker and selfless civil servant who dedicated his life to improving the lives of farmers will be buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.

His sister, Miss Silungile Nyoni, confirmed the developments, saying a funeral service will be held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre at 8AM before the burial.

Nyoni died at the age of 60 at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after a long illness. Miss Nyoni said the late Nyoni will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humour.

“He had an extraordinary sense of humour and at any given chance he would leave you in stitches. He shared his knowledge with many people and this is seen by the number of educational institutions he directly tutored or advised,” she said.

“He lived a life well within the agricultural sector and beyond, touching lives from all corners of the world.”

Miss Nyoni said Dumisani was born on 4 January 1964 and attended primary school at Muzimuni in Gwanda, before attending Mzingwane High School.

“Thereafter, he went to the University of Zimbabwe (BSc) to study animal science,” she said.

“It was during that time that he was president of the Zapu Students Association and the vice-president of the Students Representative Council. He then went on to study for a Masters in the United Kingdom focusing on agricultural extension,” said Miss Nyoni.

She said her brother worked under Agritex from December 1, 1987 until the time of his death.

“From 2003 to 2023 he was the deputy provincial director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Fisheries in Matabeleland North and the Ardas provincial director at the time of his demise,” said Miss Nyoni.

She said Nyoni worked for 36 years as “Umlimisi Omkhulu” and sat as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair marketing and business committee board chairperson.

“He was the chairperson of the Bulawayo Agricultural Society and was an agricultural expert,” said Miss Nyoni.

She said despite being involved in a car accident at the beginning of his career, Nyoni remained dedicated and hands-on. He worked for many years with farmers in Matabeleland North where he gave expert advice mainly on crop and livestock farming.

He worked closely with communities and also co-ordinated programmes from the Central Government in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the media.

Retired veterinarian, Dr Polex Moyo, who worked closely with the late Nyoni described him as a man who loved community work.

“Dumisani was a well-known person who has passion for agriculture and people in our region such that he used his influence to transform lives,” he said.

“He was a very helpful somebody and would proffer an unbiased solution to anybody at any time. He was a fair person.”

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Richard Moyo, described the late Mr Nyoni as a selfless individual who worked for the betterment of the lives of people, particularly in Matabeleland North province.

Prominent Umguza Farmer and Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union member, Mr Winston Babbage, who worked closely with the late agronomist, said Mr Nyoni was a developer and selfless individual who dedicated his time and life towards the upliftment of small-scale farmers.

Mourners are gathered at Plot 6G St Martin’s drive, Upper Rangemore.