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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
FORMER Bulawayo councillor and National University of Science and Technology (Nust) lecturer Dr Paul Malaba has died. He was 56. His cousin and family spokesperson Elizabeth Malaba said Dr Malaba died on Thursday afternoon at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after a short illness. She described Dr Malaba’s death as a painful blow to the family and Bulawayo community at large.
“He was in the Intensive Care Unit at UBH complaining of chest pains and died yesterday around 3.30PM. He loved teaching, he was a humble, focused and intelligent man. His death is a blow to us. He had a good sense of humour,” said Elizabeth.
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo said Dr Malaba contributed immensely to the development of the city as councillor for Ward Four from 2008 to 2012.
“Bulawayo has learnt with great sadness of the passing away of Dr Malaba,” he said.
MDC Bulawayo province, to which Dr Malaba was a member, also conveyed its condolence message to his family.
“As the MDC family we are saddened by the passing of our Cde and former provincial chairman. We have lost a true patriot and committed cadre. As a party we are poorer without him,” provincial spokesperson Edwin Ndlovu said.
While in council, Dr Malaba served on the Finance and Development committee, Town lands and Planning committee, Environmental management and Engineering services committee, Health, housing and Education, audit, Municipal Procurement Board and the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committees.
Dr Malaba also served as council’s representative on outside bodies such Hillside Advisory Council and the Rhodes Matopos National Park Committee.
Dr Malaba was born in Bulawayo on April, 27, 1957 and attended Induba Primary School where he did his sub-A. At the age of 13 he joined the liberation struggle on the recommendation of then Chief Mvuthu.
He crossed to Zambia where he was handed over to his uncle as he could not undergo military training because of his age. In 1978 he enrolled at the University of Zambia on a United Nations scholarship where he studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.
He later worked as a teacher at Victory Camp in Zambia where he taught Mathematics.
Dr Malaba secured a scholarship to study at Indiana University in the United States and on his return home he became a lecturer at the Bulawayo Polytechnic College before joining Nust.
Dr Malaba is survived by wife Akim and a son. He will be buried tomorrow at West Park Cemetery.
Mourners are gathered at his 14541 Isambane Road, Selbourne Park.
Online Reporter