The unacknowledged legacy of Pathisa Nyathi

The late Pathisa Nyathi, a celebrated historian, educator, and cultural advocate, whose lifetime of work contributed greatly to the preservation and promotion of Zimbabwe's rich heritage, was overlooked by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for the prestigious civic honours during his lifetime. In a statement dated Wednesday, 5 July 2023, the council explained that while Nyathi's contributions could be appreciated, they did not meet the criteria for civic honours, which are typically awarded for exceptional community work beyond one's professional duties.

Nyathi's name was put forward alongside several other prominent figures, including the late national hero Alderman Joshua Malinga, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, and several political figures, among others. However, the BCC, citing the need for more comprehensive nominations, postponed the matter, leading to his exclusion from the list of individuals to be honoured. The council has since come under scrutiny for failing to recognise the remarkable impact Nyathi had on Zimbabwean society during his lifetime.

Civic honours are generally reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields like sports, arts, culture, or community service. However, the council's reasoning for denying Nyathi the award has been criticised for its narrow view of what constitutes merit. Nyathi's work extended beyond the academic realm, inspiring countless Zimbabweans with his extensive research on the origins of many communities in the country and his tireless advocacy for preserving the country's cultural heritage.

In a tragic twist, the local authority is now considering how to honour Nyathi's legacy after his passing. At his funeral, Bulawayo's Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, proposed the establishment of a "Pathisa Nyathi Corner" in every council-owned library, ensuring that his books, which number over 70 publications, would remain accessible for future generations.

"Mr Nyathi is dear to your hearts as a family but was also dear in the hearts of the people of Bulawayo and indeed the whole country," said Councillor Coltart. "His legacy will remain immortal as he will live on through his writings. His writings can never be taken away from us and they will continue to educate us as well as inspire future generations."

Nyathi's contribution to the nation's understanding of its history is undeniably profound. He dedicated his life to researching and documenting Zimbabwe's cultural and historical narrative, making significant strides in addressing gaps in local scholarship. Yet, despite his extensive body of work, Nyathi was not awarded an honorary doctorate by any of Zimbabwe's universities, an omission that has also sparked disappointment. His academic peers in these institutions failed to recognize his contributions, choosing to remain silent instead of honouring him with the accolades he so richly deserved.

The decision not to award Nyathi an honorary doctorate is particularly troubling given his instrumental role in reshaping the educational landscape of Zimbabwe. His work was integral in promoting the inclusion of African perspectives in academic curricula, a cause that has been historically underrepresented in Zimbabwe's education system. The failure of academic institutions to recognize Nyathi's accomplishments calls into question their commitment to fostering local scholarship and honouring those who contribute to the nation's intellectual and cultural growth.

Nyathi's story highlights a deeper issue within Zimbabwe's academic and civic recognition systems: a tendency to overlook local voices in favour of international acclaim. This pattern of neglect not only diminishes the value of contributions from local scholars but also deprives future generations of role models who have shaped the nation's identity from within.

In response to these oversights, it is imperative that the BCC and educational institutions in Zimbabwe reassess their approach to recognizing contributions to the nation. As the country grapples with its cultural identity and heritage, figures like Nyathi should be celebrated as national treasures, with their work promoted and preserved for the benefit of future generations.

In the end, the failure to honour Pathisa Nyathi while he was alive is a missed opportunity for Bulawayo and the nation as a whole. However, his legacy will live on through his writings, and it is not too late for the city and educational institutions to make amends by ensuring that his contributions are properly acknowledged and celebrated. Nyathi's life serves as a poignant reminder that true recognition should not only come from official awards, but also from the appreciation and preservation of the invaluable work done by local heroes.