Zimbabwe Farmers Union president dies

Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) president Major Abdul Credit Nyathi (Retired) has passed away at the age of 71.

Rtd Major Nyathi, who also served as vice chairperson of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, died Friday night at his farm in Gwanda.

ZFU secretary-general Mr. Paul Zakariya confirmed the news, describing it as a significant loss to both the union and the agriculture sector.

"The Zimbabwe Farmers Union family has learned of the passing of Rtd Major Nyathi with great shock. A very dark cloud hovers over the entire farming community," Zakariya said. "The union has lost one of its dedicated and passionate leaders who was trained under the tutelage of the late Gary Magadzire and the late Silas Hungwe."

After retiring from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in the late 1980s, Rtd Major Nyathi joined the ZFU as a livestock farmer in Gungwe village, Gwanda. He quickly advanced, becoming the provincial livestock commodity chairperson in 1990. He served in that role until 1995 when he became the national livestock chairperson. In 1999, he was elected ZFU second vice president responsible for the livestock portfolio, and in 2005, he became the first vice president responsible for the administration of the organization.

Upon the retirement of the late Silas Hungwe from ZFU in 2014, Rtd Major Nyathi was elected ZFU president, a position he held until his untimely death.

Rtd Major Nyathi also represented farmers on various boards and platforms, including the Cold Storage Commission, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, Land Board, Green Fuel Chisumbanje, and the Zimbabwe Land Commission.

Details of his burial arrangements will be announced in due course.