Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Nicholas Moyo has challenged local universities to honour legends and trailblazers while they are alive.
Pathisa Nyathi, a towering figure in Zimbabwean academia and culture, passed away last week, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical research, cultural commentary, and literary works.
Despite his immense contributions to the field of humanities, he never received a formal academic recognition of a doctorate.
Speaking at the funeral service of the late Nyathi in Bulawayo, last Wednesday, Moyo said failure to honour the historian was a missed opportunity by local universities.
“It is truly unfortunate that our local universities did not recognize Pathisa Nyathi's immense contributions with an honourary doctorate while he was still alive. It would have been a fitting tribute to a scholar of his calibre,” Moyo said.
“Honouring individuals posthumously, while meaningful, cannot fully convey the appreciation and recognition they deserve during their lifetime.
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“Let us learn from this and strive to honour and appreciate our legends while they are still with us.”
Moyo added that people must smell their flowers whilst they still can.
“While naming a street after Nyathi, as suggested by mayor David Coltart, is a commendable gesture, it is typically reserved for the deceased,” he said.
“It’s high time that our arts and sports practitioners receive the same recognition as politicians, including having streets named after them.”
Nyathi’s academic journey was unconventional.
He embarked on his scholarly pursuits through self-education and extensive research, often drawing from oral histories, archival materials, and personal experiences.
His insightful analyses and captivating storytelling style made him a beloved figure among scholars and the general public.
The failure to recognise Nyathi's contributions with a formal doctorate is a missed opportunity for Zimbabwean academia.
His work has inspired countless scholars and students, and his legacy will continue to shape the country's cultural and intellectual landscape.
Nyathi was buried last Wednesday at Lady Stanley in Bulawayo.
Lady Stanley is the final resting place for many notable figures in Bulawayo.