Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga yesterday joined hundreds of mourners in Bulawayo’s Old Pumula suburb to bid farewell to his brother-in-law, Mondliwethu Nyathi, describing him as a brother who lived a life anchored in faith and peace.
Nyathi, born on 24 July 1984, died on 23 September 2026 at Mpilo Central Hospital after a long illness. He was laid to rest yesterday at Umvutsha Cemetery.
In his speech during the funeral service, VP Chiwenga said the family had gathered not only to mourn but to celebrate a life that touched many.
“It is with a deeply saddened heart that I join you, together with my family, in mourning the passing of our beloved Mondliwethu Nyathi, who departed this life on 23 September 2026,” he said.
“As a family, we gather today not only to mourn the loss of a loved one, but also to celebrate the life of a man whose journey, faith and character touched the lives of those around him. We didn’t just lose a brother-in-law, but a brother in every sense that mattered.”
Beyond academic aspirations and life’s disappointments, VP Chiwenga said what defined ‘Mondli’ was his faith in God.
“He distinguished himself as a capable young man who possessed the intellectual ability and determination to pursue his dreams as has been clearly captured by family members and his obituary.
“Beyond academic aspirations and life’s disappointments, what defined Mondli most profoundly was his faith in God. He loved God with all his heart. His life was anchored in prayer, and he found great joy and comfort in worship,” said VP Chiwenga.
“He was a man of peace, and those who knew him will remember the calmness, humility and spirit of peace that he brought into the lives of others.”
Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, which reads: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”, VP Chiwenga said these words remind humanity that a meaningful life is not measured only by the milestones one achieves, but also by the faith one keeps, the lives one touches and the love one leaves behind.
He extended condolences to the Nyathi and Dube families.
“The loss of Mondli is, therefore, deeply felt by the Nyathi and Dube families, and indeed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a family, we share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult period,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The pain of losing a loved one cannot easily be expressed in words, and no words can fully fill the void that his passing has created.
“However, in the midst of our sorrow, let us draw strength from the life he lived, the faith he cherished, the peace he embodied, his warmth, humility, wise counsel and the memories he leaves with us,” he added.
“May Mondliwethu’s soul rest in eternal peace. May God bless and comfort the Nyathi and Dube families.”
Earlier in an interview at the family home in Old Pumula, where mourners had gathered since last week, VP Chiwenga called on Zimbabweans to remain united as one family in times of both joy and sorrow.
The Vice President was accompanied by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga.
In an emotional tribute, Col Baloyi-Chiwenga described her late brother as the most intelligent in the family.
“Mondli was the most intelligent in the family, unfortunately due to his condition he couldn’t continue with school. Even if it’s painful to lose one of our own, we should have hope, knowing that everything has its own time. There is time to plant and time to harvest, time to be happy and time to cry,” she said.
“As a family, we don’t question God’s time, because He knows what He is doing, we have to cry, with hope that Mondli worshipped his God and we hope that he will be looking upon us from the heavens. Mondli used to love his family.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, who also attended the service urged mourners to keep on praying.
“Some fail to hold on to the Lord, which tend to break their hearts. I call upon the family, neighbours and everyone to keep praying.
“The Vice-President, who is also the son in law of this bereaved family is here with us, to comfort the Nyathi and the Dube family, the community and the whole of Bulawayo.”
