How BCC failed Pathisa Nyathi

Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor

 “ON Pathisa Nyathi, he is a historian and has researched extensively on the origins of many people. The committee, however, felt that, while his contribution could be appreciated it was not a distinction of the nature envisaged for civic honours.”

This was the short statement in the Bulawayo City Council’s report dated Wednesday 5 July 2023, that birthed a decision not to award the late renowned historian, Mr Pathisa Nyathi with civic honours.

Civic honours are awarded for community work and not for activities carried out during a person’s normal duties for which they were paid for.

The honours may also be conferred in respect of bringing distinction to the city through various activities such as sports, art and culture. When the matter was brought up for deliberation it however, had to be parked on the pretext that there was a need for more curriculum vitae of possible candidates for the civic honours.

According to council by-laws every August, councillors are expected to draw up a list of nominees for the civic honours but the matter has continuously been postponed for over 14 years after the council’s decision to award the late Vice-President John Nkomo was controversially shelved. Former Bulawayo Councillor Joram Ndebele had also been set to receive a Civic Honour award when the original motion to award the late VP Nkomo was moved.

Since 1980 the city has conferred six Freedom of the City accolades and 54 civic honours. Among those that got the Freedom of the City are President Mugabe (23 July 1986), Bulawayo District Zimbabwe National Army (3 March 1989), One Brigade Zimbabwe National Army (3 March 1989), the late Vice-President of Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (27 February 1992), former South Africa President Cde Thabo Mbeki (5 May 2000), and the late Vice-President of Zimbabwe Cde Joseph Msika (25 August 2006).

When Mr Nyathi’s nomination to the civic honours was rejected he had been nominated together with late national hero and former Bulawayo Mayor, Alderman Joshua Malinga, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, Mr Shepard Ndlovu from Operation Florian and politicians Professor Welshman Ncube, Dr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo and Dr Thokozani Khupe.

Also on the list were former Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association deputy chairperson, Ms Patricia Tshabalala and Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) chief executive officer, Ms Samukeliso Khumalo.

It is sad that only after his death is the local authority considering some form of honour, with the city’s Mayor, Councillor David Coltart calling for the establishment of a “Pathisa Nyathi Corner” at every council-owned library.

Addressing mourners, Clr Coltart had said the corner would be set up to preserve the rich history that Nyathi articulated so well in the more than 70 publications that he authored.

Bulawayo mayor Clr David Coltart pays his condolences at the funeral wake of the late Sihlangu Dlodlo at Mahatshula South suburb recently. On the left are some of the Bulawayo councillors who also visited the late Sihlangu Dlodlo family recently

This would ensure that his literature be easily accessible for generations to come.

“To the councillors here present and the council chamber secretary (Mrs Sikhangezile Zhou), we need to ensure we create in all our libraries a Pathisa Nyathi corner where we will have all the copies of his publications for future generations,” said Clr Coltart.

“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.

“He will be remembered for the many books that he has written in his lifetime. 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,” he said.

The late Mr Nyathi, a celebrated historian and cultural advocate, dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s rich heritage.

As a prolific writer, researcher, educationist and community leader, his contributions to the understanding of Zimbabwean history and culture were invaluable.

Yet, in a lamentable reflection of institutional shortcomings, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) failed to properly honour his legacy during his lifetime instead claiming that while his contribution could be appreciated it was not a distinction of the nature envisaged for civic honours.

The BCC’s rejection of Mr Nyathi’s award for civic honours raises critical questions about the criteria used to recognise contributions to society. While the council acknowledged the late historian’s significant impact, they claimed that his contributions did not meet the “distinction of the nature envisaged for civic honours.”

This statement is troubling, as it implies a narrow understanding of what constitutes merit and recognition within the community. Mr Nyathi’s work extended beyond academia to touch the lives of many, fostering a sense of identity and pride among Zimbabweans.

By failing to honour him with civic recognition, the BCC missed an opportunity to celebrate a local hero whose influence resonated far beyond the walls of historical discourse.

Furthermore, the failure of Zimbabwean universities to award Mr Nyathi an honorary doctorates is equally disheartening.

The late Pathisa Nyathi

Despite his tireless efforts to research and document the nation’s history, and his advocacy for the inclusion of African perspectives in academic curricula, the institutions that should champion such contributions opted for silence.

Mr Nyathi’s works provided critical insights into the nation’s past and were instrumental in shaping the educational landscape in Zimbabwe. The absence of recognition from universities not only diminishes the significance of his contributions but also reflects a broader trend within academia to overlook local scholars in favour of international accolades.

This oversight raises questions about the values prioritised by educational institutions in Zimbabwe. Are they truly committed to honouring local talent, or are they more inclined to adopt a Eurocentric view of scholarship, where only certain types of contributions are deemed worthy of recognition?

By neglecting to acknowledge Mr Nyathi’s works, these institutions failed not only him but also the generations of students who could have learned from his rich scholarship.

In a society that often grapples with issues of identity and cultural heritage, the recognition of figures like Mr Pathisa Nyathi is of paramount importance. It serves as a reminder of the need to celebrate local voices and narratives that contribute to the nation’s history.

The legacy of Mr Nyathi should be a catalyst for change, prompting the BCC and universities to re-evaluate their criteria for honouring contributions that may not fit traditional moulds but are equally deserving of recognition.

As Bulawayo moves forward, both the council and educational institutions must embrace a more inclusive approach to honouring local heroes.

The failure to recognise Pathisa Nyathi’s contributions is not merely an oversight; it is a disservice to the community and a missed opportunity to inspire future generations.

By acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of local scholars and historians, Zimbabwe can foster a culture of appreciation for its rich heritage and ensure that the legacies of its heroes are preserved for years to come.