adminNokusa Masuku Chronicle Reporter
PROMINENT novelist, playwright and poet, Bernard Ndlovu, has died.
He was 55.Ndlovu died in his sleep at his home in Magwegwe suburb in Bulawayo after attending a book launch during the day at the National Art Gallery in the city on Friday.
His wife Wanele told Chronicle the family was in shock over Ndlovu’s sudden death and were waiting for postmortem results.
“He attended the launch of a novel by Prince Sibanda titled Uphunyuka Bemphethe at the city centre on Friday. Everything was normal when he came back and we never suspected anything,” she said.
“We were shocked to find him dead. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. He was such a loving and caring father.”
Wanele said the prolific novelist was a hardworking man who was also a farmer in Nyamandlovu, Umguza District.
“He practised cattle ranching, poultry and maize production,” she said.
His daughter, Qhamile, said she had lost a great father. Ndlovu penned 17 books in his lifetime among them Umzila Kawulandelwa, Umvuzo Wezinyembezi, Umvundla Uqila uNdlovu.
He is also popularly known for writing poems in Umdumo Wezinkondlo and Ezivusa Usinga series.
The veteran writer was not only endowed with artistic talent but also worked at Dunlop as a personnel officer for over 20 years.
He also had a stint at the Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) as a tutor.
Ndlovu was also a member of the Zimbabwe Writers Association and pocketed two National Arts Merit Awards for his writing genius, working alongside other prominent writers such as the late Ndabezinhle Sigogo.
Ndlovu was born on September 9, 1959 at Engamleni in Lupane. He is survived by his wife, six children – four sons and two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Ndlovu will be buried on Wednesday at his home at Plot 8 Silver Stream Extension near George Silundika Secondary School in Nyamandlovu.
The family said the funeral cortege would leave Bulawayo tomorrow for burial the following day.
Mourners are gathered at 3214 Magwegwe North in Bulawayo.
Online Reporter