THE GREAT TREE HAS FALLEN- DR PATHISA NYATI’S DEATH IS A HUGE BLOW TO SIZWE SIKA MZILIKAZI.
By Gumbi Kazoguda Jere.
Three years ago i was working on an article on King Lobengula KaMzilikazi. I sought to establish if really there was an iota of truth in the theory that he died and was buried in King Mphezeni’s land. This research project took me to Mthenguleni where it is stated King Lobengula first touched base here in Zambia before being taken to King Mphezeni’s capital, Lowengweni (corrupted to Luangeni).
Although my local sources confirmed this, i felt the need to also find out if at all this theory existed in Bulawayo itself. I contacted my fellow historians there and the name that kept popping up was Dr Pathisa Nyati. So i began asking around for his materials and possibly contacts. I stumbled upon one of his articles which he did on King Lobengula and was impressed. I also managed to get his email adress and wrote to him.
Unknown to me, whilst i was searching for him, uBaba Nyati had also heard about me and even read my works. I do not recall getting a reply from him via email but i still got intrigued by this man as i continued reading more of his works. I got inspired by his passion for his history despite the fact that the Nation of Mzilikazi was going through a difficult period.
In March this year i wss humbled to have been called to be part of the Ngoni delegation that was to meet a team of cultural experts from Zimbabwe who were sent to meet His Majesty, King Njengembaso KaKhuzwayo at his base, Ekuphendukeni palace near the Malawian Border. I was not told that Dr Nyati was part of the entourage.
I was elated to have seen that one of the people sent to meet our King was no other than uBaba Pathisa Nyati. We then talked at length and he told me he had heard about me and had wanted to also meet me. He then asked me why despite the rich history that i had, i had not done any books. As i struggled to give an honest answer, one of the Khumalo descendants chipped in and explained my difficulties as a Ngoni researcher here in Zambia. Dr Nyati then told me to email him my works and he would publish a book for me at no charge at all.
He then told me we should comtinue being in touch as we shared contacts. I never emailed him my works- something that will haunt me for a long time. Its sad to lose such a great Nguni man. He was dedicated and zealous in pushing the Mthawakazi agenda. He is irreplaceable and has glued his name onto the annals of Ngunism. The Nation of Mzilikazi and indeed entire Nguni Nations have lost a dear son. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and nation of Zimbabwe in this trying moment.
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