Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
CONDOLENCES continue to pour in for veteran journalist and Sunday News Assistant Editor Mkhululi Sibanda, who passed away on Friday evening after a short illness with many a number of people whose lives he touched describing him as a gentle giant whose contribution to national narratives and development deserves recognition.
Famed for his firm and no-nonsense approach to newsroom management, Mkhululi “Mkhays” is also remembered for mentoring many journalists with successful careers. His passion for telling the history of the liberation struggle led to the birth of the popular column Lest We Forget, where he documented stories told by surviving ZPRA and ZANLA forces shaping historical national discourses.
Brigadier-General (Rtd) Abel Mazinyane described his relationship with “MK”, as he affectionately called him.
“He initiated the series Lest We Forget, where every Sunday News edition featured an article. This covered the Liberation Struggle. Fighters and politicians were invited to contribute. This revealed a lot about the struggle, it put ZPRA firmly on the liberation map and it was great.
“I had planned to meet him today (yesterday) after being away for a week and we discussed certain projects towards the Heroes’ Day commemorations. We wanted to take advantage of his expertise in writing about our Angolan Mass Graves, which the Government is planning to mark — the spot where Cde Mangena (Nikita) died and many other related aspects of the struggle,” he said.
He added that they had planned to start the articles early as the nation prepared for Heroes’ Day celebrations, but this was disrupted by his untimely death.
Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mazinyane said Sibanda’s passing has left a gap in the narration of the liberation story.
“We do not know what we will do or how we will move forward. We are still in shock. The impact is growing as we try to process what has happened. We are still in denial, I cannot gauge the extent of the damage to the work he was doing. I pray that those who worked with him will do their best to maintain the momentum,” he said.
Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), Cde Cephas Ncube, described the late Sibanda as a dedicated son of a fighter.
“He was a child of a war veteran himself. I am deeply touched and saddened by his death, because as war veterans, we look forward to our children taking over the mantle and Mkhululi was doing just that. He played a vital role by documenting the history of war veterans. He not only wrote about the Commanders of the revolution but also produced many articles on the revolution itself and Zimbabwe’s Independence,” he said.
Cde Ncube stated that Sibanda further documented both living and departed commanders.
“He provided biographies of these departed cadres when needed. He had written many of their biographies through his column, and when we were stuck on a particular liberation cadre’s history, we discovered he had it and helped us. He played a significant role, much like the late historian Mr Phathisa Nyathi. It is a great loss to us all that we have lost Mkhululi after Pathisa. We thought we would have him longer. We have lost a good man, a freedom fighter, born of a fighter himself. He dedicated his pen to documenting the struggle at his young age,” said Cde Ncube.
Hatred Zenenga — Editor of the Sunday News
We are devastated and still trying to come to terms with Mkhululi Sibanda’s passing. He was taken from us suddenly. We are talking about someone who was a gentleman par excellence — cool, calm and easy-going, even under the pressure of news production. Our united newsroom family and Zimpapers at large, are poorer without him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Lawson Mabhena — Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi was a fountain of knowledge and an experienced gatekeeper. He was one of our most trusted journalists at Zimpapers who trained many others, many of whom are now successful in their careers. He was also a passionate researcher on the liberation struggle and his work in documenting one of the most important chapters of our history will live on forever.
Limukani Ncube — Intake Editor
Mkhululi was a consummate journalist who remained firmly grounded in the core principles of the profession. During his many years as Assistant Editor at Sunday News, he distinguished himself through professionalism, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism. He was a patient mentor who nurtured many young journalists and never compromised on quality. Mkays, as we called him, will also be remembered as an authority on Zimbabwe’s liberation history through his long-running Lest We Forget column, which informed and educated readers every Sunday for more than a decade. His legacy will endure in the many journalists he mentored and the high standards he set for the profession.
He also made friends with many war veterans whom he interviewed for the Lest We Forget column, which attracted academic attention from universities in the UK, where it was used as a resource. He loved football, particularly Highlanders and Manchester United and there was always something to talk about — politics, sport or social issues. We have lost a giant in journalism. It is truly sad.
Nduduzo Tshuma — Day Editor, Chronicle
Everyone, myself included, who had the privilege of working with him will attest to Mkhululi’s unwavering commitment to quality journalism and professional decorum. A devoted father to his two sons and daughter, he went above and beyond to ensure they received the best education. Beyond the newsroom, Mkhululi was a remarkable mentor, colleague and brother — always willing to guide and support others. His passion for telling Zimbabwe’s liberation story was unmatched and will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Vincent Gono — Day Editor, Sunday News
Having worked with Mkhays at Sunday News for more than a decade after his transfer from Chronicle, I would say the man loved journalism, to him it was a calling. We looked up to him for professional guidance and social advice. He was a veteran scribe whose journalism was organic. As one of the last gatekeepers in the newsroom, Mkhays paid meticulous attention to detail — sharp, analytical, affable and an encyclopaedia of regional politics and culture on whom many of us depended for details and contacts. He was a mentor and a gentle giant who welcomed professional and academic arguments without offence even when facts did not align with his views. We are devastated and our newsroom will never be the same. We are poorer without him. Rest in peace, Dawu.
Lovemore Dube — Deputy Sports Editor
It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my colleague and friend. Mkays was a respected journalist, a proud son of Bulawayo, and a trusted confidant. He was the first person I would call for a story check, and the last person to let me get away with a lazy line. As my number-one critic, he shaped my work and character. We have lost a voice of integrity, wit and courage. I had a challenging six weeks in my personal life recently and the man who checked on me every step of the way was him. He counselled me and helped me get through those tough times. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the many lives he touched.
Vusumuzi Dube — Deputy Radar Editor
When Mkhululi was promoted from being the Chronicle News Editor to the Sunday News Assistant Editor, I was still a junior reporter. Having been trained under the Sunday News banner, I had never worked with him but had heard of his reputation for running a tough newsroom. Naturally, I was somewhat apprehensive — I feared that this “tough” person was going to be my boss. However, I soon realised that his “toughness” was simply him being a dedicated journalism mentor. Under him, I grew as a journalist — he was not just my boss but also my brother. He was a walking library of journalism knowledge. There was no subject he would shy away from. He was always ready to offer advice. You could approach Mkays with a simple story idea and after talking with him, it would turn into a masterpiece. I am gutted.
Prosper Ndlovu — National Editor
Mkays was a no-nonsense news editor during our time and would push you to deliver what he wanted. He embodied real journalism and inspired dedication and discipline. He will be remembered for his principled stance, balanced with humanity and humour outside the newsroom. Chronicle House will never be the same without him. Farewell, chief.
Robin Muchetu — Health and Gender Editor
For all the years I worked under Mkays, he always encouraged me to improve academically. We attended Lupane State University and the National University of Science and Technology together and he was the driving force behind me. As the longest-serving female reporter at Sunday News, he developed a soft spot for me, always challenging me to do better and offering support. Even when I wanted to give up being a desk editor, he would occasionally call me into his office, encouraging me to persevere and prove myself.
So, do you think you have failed, Nyembezi, because you are a woman? Go to your desk and bring me a Page 1 health story, right? I would wipe my tears, run off and find the best health story. I will miss you, Mr Sibbs.
Eliah Saushoma — Chief Photographer
A phenomenal news editor and mentor. I closely assisted him on his famous Lest We Forget series, travelling to Hwange to document Cde Nyamupingidza and the Ratanyana Battlefield. I’ll always remember his words to me there: Wena Saushoma, you’re a good photographer, but with your experience, I urge you to step up and start writing.
Today, I write and shoot as a photojournalist — all thanks to Mkays.
Mashudu Netsianda — Deputy National Editor
I was first introduced to Mkays by the late Paul Mambo, then deputy editor of The Chronicle, in 2004, when I visited the newsroom hoping to secure attachment. Little did I realise that this encounter would shape the course of my journalism career and my life.
After spending a short time in the newsroom, Mkays suggested I transfer to Beitbridge to manage the Zimpapers bureau there. Looking back, that decision proved to be one of the defining moments of my career.
It was under his patient mentorship and guidance that I learnt the ropes of journalism. He nurtured me from my early days as a cub reporter, helping me develop my skills and confidence until I eventually rose to become a desk editor. Whatever journalistic ability I possess today is, in no small part, a testament to his belief in me and his willingness to invest in young journalists.
Judith Phiri — Business Writer
Mr Sibanda was more than a boss. He was a mentor and a media veteran who provided guidance, feedback and career advice to early-career journalists. He helped us refine our reporting, build professional networks, and navigate the media industry. He shared extensive and valuable knowledge, and we regarded him as a wealth of information.
Dumisani Nsingo — Former Sunday News Senior Business Reporter
The loss of Mkhays is a loss to the entire journalism fraternity. He mentored generations of journalists and those willing to learn from him went on to build successful careers. He was a man who believed deeply in high work ethics, constantly pushing for stories that would sell the newspaper. At the same time, he had an extraordinary gift for nurturing young journalists, patiently guiding them until, in his words, they were “ripe” and ready to stand on their own. His wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment to developing young talent left a lasting mark on our profession.
To me, he was more than a colleague — he was a brother. At my lowest point, he came to my rescue, offering support and giving me the strength to carry on. I will always be grateful for his kindness.
Freedom Mupanedemo – Senior Writer
My first day in the Chronicle newsroom in 2007, as an intern, Mkays said to me, “Welcome, boy. This is Mkhululi Sibanda, the News Editor. Today, we are throwing you into the newsroom. There you will find desk editors, entertainment, business, sport, etc. You have a choice, but if you choose those, you won’t be working with me. My advice: if you want to learn and become a serious journalist, you’d better choose news!”
Mkhululi Ncube — Star FM Bulawayo
I had the privilege of sharing a name with Mkays, and we called each other ‘My Name’. Our conversations always focused on dogs. He loved them very much, as well as our rural areas. He often told me they originated from Bulilima District, where I hail from, before relocating to Kezi. I still can’t process that he is gone.
Gibson Mhaka — Senior Politics Writer
I remember it vividly. It was 2 January 2007, around 9am. I quietly entered the Chronicle newsroom to start my industrial attachment and went straight to the News Editor’s booth, where I met Mkhululi Sibanda. I was trembling with nerves.
As soon as I arrived, he asked why I wasn’t wearing a tie. I sincerely apologised, and he calmly explained what was expected of me as a reporter.
Later that day, I was assigned my first story. In my introduction, I made a rookie mistake. He called me over to revise it. Without raising his voice, he stood up and asked me to sit in his chair so I could review my own story and spot the problem. Still trembling, I read it carefully, identified the mistake and corrected it. The rest, as they say, is history. Mkays, your guidance on that first day remains one of the defining moments of my journalism career.
Andile Tshuma — ZTN Broadcaster
“MaTshuma, it’s high time you left court reporting and came to the newsroom. Buzofunda other beats before you go back to your final year. Next week, I don’t want to see you in court.” That was the best advice!
“You can’t afford mistakes in this journalism profession. Your copy is currency. Better get it right the first time, or don’t do it at all. Aim to never have a retraction!”
I will forever cherish my boss for his fatherly presence and mentorship. May he rest in peace.
Mbulelo Mpofu — Showbiz Writer
My first encounter with Mkays was in 2019, when I was still an intern on the online desk. Usually, when he was the editor on duty, we knew we would knock off earlier than usual. That’s how effective he was. Even as a reporter, he helped me a lot, especially with packing ZITF-related material. He will be missed.
We say rest in peace, Dawu. Mkays, muntu we Kezi, u39. Until we meet again in the next chapter. We sign out as your colleagues.
Njabulo Ncube — Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF) National Co-ordinator
I knew Mkhays personally and on numerous occasions he would bring his beloved son to football matches. All the time he referred to me: The Chief. Muntu weHarare.
We join the Sibanda family, Zimpapers and the entire media fraternity in mourning the untimely passing of a veteran journalist and dedicated editor, Mkhululi “Mkays” Sibanda.
As one of the senior editorial executives at Sunday News, Mkays was a pillar of the newsroom and an institutional repository of history. He was particularly renowned for his meticulous, empathetic and expansive documentation of Zimbabwe’s liberation war history through his insightful interviews with ZIPRA and ZANLA veterans, ensuring that the stories of those who fought for the nation were never forgotten.
His commitment to journalistic excellence, mentorship of younger reporters and leadership within the Southern region media landscape will leave an irreplaceable void. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues in Bulawayo and all who knew and worked with him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
