NguFidelis Trust Nyathi: a mini obituary

NGUFIDELIS Trust Nyathi, the Bulawayo socialite who died on Monday, October 2 and was laid to rest on Saturday October 7 at Luveve Cemetery.

Nyathi, who was born on June 29, 1993, supported local artistes from the bottom of his heart; all he cared about was seeing them succeed against all circumstances.

The large turnout for his funeral highlighted his social influence and beneficial impact on people’s lives, with mourners unable to fit into Lobengula Hall and many forced to watch the ceremony from outside, while at least 10 000 others watched the funeral proceedings live on Facebook.

Nyathi never seemed like someone who could take his own life to those who knew him because of the positivity he carried with him. He motivated others to see light through life’s setbacks and tough times.

He was one of the few individuals who dedicated their lives into making social media, especially Facebook, a stress-free environment through his humorous posts. It is unfortunate that before passing, he deleted his Facebook page which was also dedicated to promoting local content through sharing posts about Bulawayo artistes, their music, and upcoming shows.

Nyathi left a social media legacy in the shape of a YouTube page titled 15 Seconds of Culture, which features over 20 songs from Bulawayo artistes compressed into 15 seconds for marketing purposes.

Bulawayo artistes turned out in their numbers to pay their last respects to a friend who had a dream of seeing them flourish. Artistes such as Mzoe7, Thandi Dhlana, The Shoemaker, Chichi the Poet, Bryce DJ Klasiq, Sanele Keaitse and Ms Dee were spotted at the funeral.

Nyathi also worked with the famous True Elegance restaurant in Bulawayo as a marketing director since its establishment. In her address during the memorial service, True Elegance owner Patscencia Vundla said the restaurant is what it is thanks to Nyathi.

“Trust taught us to focus the camera in the right direction and produce quality pictures that marketed our menu on social media. I started working with him when I was still in the UK and when I came back home, he helped build social connections with people that contributed to my growth as a brand,” she said.

One of his closest friends, Pretty Sibanda described Nyathi as an angel, who was sent to save her from her own sorrows.

“When I met Trust I was broken and hopeless. He was my shoulder, my brother and an amazing uncle to my daughter. I have made friends, I have lost friends but Trust’s passing away is going to be difficult to heal from,” said.

A WhatsApp group that had been created for funeral updates turned into a testimonial platforms when participants began to narrate their encounters with the late and how he helped them overcome depression.

His young brother Ishmael Nyathi described him as a loving man who sacrificed for those he loved.

“Trust was an intelligent man whom I always envied growing up. He always got exceptional results throughout. He was full of love, he loved our mother dearly to a point that he named himself Fidelis after her name Fidelia. He was a listening someone who engaged anyone who approached him.

“He taught me sacrifice. I am where I am today because of him. He dropped his degree programme to fund my diploma studies, that is the kind of man that he as,” he said.

He saved some of his friends including this writer, from suicidal thoughts through his positive advises. He knew and understood the meaning of being “One call away”.

Nyathi was a mental health advocate. His advocacy was rooted in his own anxiety and panic attacks which he hid from many that interacted with him. After his sudden demise, it is clear that there is more to be done as far as depression is concerned. Education and advocacy do not seem to be enough.

He may be gone from this world, but he created relationships through introducing people to each other and this is something that he will be remembered for.

Apart from his media engagements, Nyathi was a dedicated member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police who served in the support unit.