Pathisa Nyathi “The Miracle Baby Performing Wonders”
Pathisa Nyathi
By Tapfuma Machakaire 16/11/2022
He is a renowned historian, poet, author, expert in culture and the African tradition, yet he trained as a science and geography teacher. Pathisa Nyathi is a rare breed of an academic who ventures into a wide array of subjects to document for his generation and for posterity.
Some may have tried to bundle him with controversial characters that include Tafataona Mahoso, the late Vimbai Chivaura, the late Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki, Aeneas Chigwedere (late) and James Dzvova (also late). But apparently his modus operandi does not click with that of these men whose activities have been juxtaposed with that of Nyathi.
Hate them or like them, one way or the other the academics mentioned above have had an influence in shaping narratives on African culture and history. The inseparable link between history and politics has seen some of them often taking a political slant in their public discourse, with Chigwedere even rising to serve as a government minister.
Nyathi may not have enjoyed the advantage of ample airtime on national television ZTV that his counterparts who were based in the capital city Harare enjoyed, but he has remained relevant to the national discourse.
The trio of Chavavura, Mpepereki and Mahoso became infamous for their monotonous television programme Zvavanhu (for the people) in which they would literally “sing from one hymn book” agreeing on almost everything, as they attempted to inculcate patriotism among viewers. On the other hand, Chigwedere and Dzvova seemed to command reasonable respect for the manner they unpacked the history of the many tribes in Zimbabwe. Some viewers, however, tended to question the volumes of information they were able to unleash, off the cuff including names of individuals from more than four centuries ago.
Meanwhile, Nyathi from his base in the high density suburbs of the city of Bulawayo has written extensively on African history, culture and the arts earning himself the prestigious status of “the moving encyclopaedia”among the people of his region, Matabeleland.
In his writings, Nyathi even delves into unchartered waters of challenging African history documented from the eyes of early missionaries. He observes that the missionaries paved the way for the invasion of his motherland by Cecil John Rhodes and his men in the 18th century and their narratives required meticulous scrutiny.
In his book Beyond Constrained Missionary Narratives of the Ndebele: Seeking Deeper Meanings from Accounts by Reverends Robert Moffat and Herbert Carter, Nyathi attempts to present a balanced account of events against what had been paddled as gospel truth, though often denigrating the Ndebele people and their leaders.
Nyathi who has several of his publications in his mother language Ndebele is one man who can write anything African. In 2006, his book Zimbabwe’s Cultural Heritage won first prize in the Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association Awards in the Non-fiction: Humanities and Social Sciences category. The book is a collection of pieces of the culture of seven tribes in Zimbabwe which are, Ndebele, Shona, Tonga, Kalanga, Nambiya, Xhosa and Venda. A citation by the Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association Awards stated that “This book will help people change their attitude towards each other in Zimbabwe.”
Nyathi has been holding sessions with communities sharing his knowledge of indigenous knowledge system (IKS) and the importance of good nutrition. The project has seen Nyathi teaming up with development practitioners in advocating for Agro-ecology, a farming method that preserves moisture and the soil, while producing traditional crops mostly small grains. This is part of an education campaign on mitigation and adaptation programmes in response to the devastating effects of climate change.
In interacting with the communities, Nyathi uses humour and impromptu skits to achieve a high rate of retention by his addressees. He does not end his talk without referring to the sex enhancement qualities of small grains, which he demonstrates by imitating a happy woman whose husband does not disappoint in bed.
Nyathi a respected poet and biographer is so engrossed in writing that he has been a columnist with about five publications contributing articles on a variety of topics.
Some of his works include Traditional Ceremonies of AmaNdebele and Material Culture of AmaNdebele. Igugu Lika Mthwakazi (a history of the Ndebele from 1820 -1893, In Search of Freedom: Masotsha Ndlovu, a biography of one of the national heroes, Changing Material Culture of AmaNdebele.Tumbale: A History of the Bhebhe People of Zimbabwe.
Pathisa Nyathi was born on 10 July 1951 in Sankonjana village in Kezi district Matabeleland South province of Zimbabwe. His father George Menyezwa Nyathi had two wives and his mother was Selina Nyathi nee Ndlovu.
In an interview with the Chronicle in June 2021 Nyathi spoke of his bizarre background from birth. He said his mother had several miscarriages and his birth came after his father took his mother to the sacred Njelele shrine in Matopo to appeal to the ancestors for a normal delivery.
“My mother used to miscarry and it got to a point that they were no longer certain they would have children with my father.” He says his name was derived from the Ndebele statement Siyaphathisa abanye which means we help others with the connotation that they were not sure if they would have a baby.
Nyathi thus has every reason to believe that he is a miracle baby.
“I was born within a context of spirituality, because when conception failed, my father approached the religious shrine which is Njelele in the Matobo Hills.I don’t know whether my father went back and thanked them for the baby they asked for. But the bottom line is that I’m here and a product from God as a request from my father,” said Nyathi.
As a young boy Pathisa was naughty and inquisitive. Mebby his sister who was interviewed in October 2021 said her brother often created problems for the family. “When he was in primary school there was a place he used to hide in the bush to avoid going for lessons. I remember one day on his way to Sankonjana primary Pathisa with another boy threw stones at an old man who was passing by. The old man reported the matter to school authorities. When asked what had happened the two boys said they mistook the man for an antelope,” said Mebby.
Nyathi says when he was young he preferred associating more with adults. “I would spend most of my time eavesdropping on the conversations of elders and playing around the yard in Sankonjana.
Upon completion of his primary education in the village, Nyathi proceeded to Mazowe Secondary School in Mashonaland Central province. While doing form three, Nyathi’s talent as a writer began to emerge when he produced a short story titled No God in the Cave which came second in a writing competition at the school.
In 1967 Nyathi enrolled at Mzilikazi High School in Bulawayo and later went to Gwelo Teachers college where he trained as a science teacher.In 1978 he enrolled with University of South Africa (UNISA) majoring in Geography and Development Administration.
In 1982 he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1985 a BA (Hon) from the same university.
Nyathi met his wife Elizabeth Nyathi nee Chamisa in 1974 at Loreto Mission when he was a teacher while Elizabeth was a Form Four student. He married her in August 1981 . She passed away on April 24, 2016. The couple had three children, and three grandchildren.
Nyathi taught at about nine schools in the Midlands and Matabeleland regions. He later worked in various capacities such as Education Officer, Deputy Provincial Education Director, and Public Relations Officer among others.
Nyathi says he is a hard worker who is focused on giving a good account of his existence on earth. “There comes a time that when you come to earth and then you return to the afterlife. But you have to justify and give an account of why you were on earth. I wouldn’t want to get to that place, never mind what they call it, and I fail to account for my stay on earth.”
In 2010 Nyathi founded Amagugu International Heritage Centre in Matobo district 60km west of Bulawayo.The centre organises a variety of cultural, educational and recreational programmes for the public to learn and appreciate different facets of indigenous heritage, history and cultural context
It seeks to develop and enrich the consciousness of the people about their cultural heritage and foster respect for cultural identities.
Nyathi has assumed leadership role in about six associations and set on the boards of seven organisations. He was born in winter but he prefers to celebrate his birthday during the summer season as he is uncomfortable with the cold.
“I was born in winter and I hate winter conditions. For that reason, my birthday July 10 will be a belated celebration,” says Nyathi.
What a legend!
