Ex-Political Detainee, Traditionalist and Poet Goodboy Nyathi Laid To Rest at Nyathi Provincial Heroes Acre

By Desire Tshuma

Another liberation hero and traditional icon Goodboy Nyathi who succumbed to prostate cancer last week has being laid to rest today at Inyathi Provincial Heroes Acre after being declared provincial hero by His Excellence President Emerson Mnangagwa last week.

Goodboy Nyathi, a renowned poet and traditionalist sadly passed on last week Wednesday after battling with prostate cancer for a long time. He was populary known for his traditional attire (ibhetshu) which he inherited from his grandfather Sihlahla .

Goodboy Nyathi, who died at the age of 83, was born in Makono in Fortrixon Makhandeni. He grew up in Donsa in Silobela. His grandfather Sihlahla who fought during the second world war and was the leader of chiefs, mentored him traditionally on how to wear (ibhetshu) and heal people using traditional medicines.

“My late father inspired me. He taught me how to live traditionally and I managed to rise to the level of being one of the most influential and recognized men in Zimbabwe politically. I have just resigned from being vice president of United Africa National Congress party (UANC) which is led by Dr Gwinyayi Muzorewa. I have just resigned due to political differences and I am joining ZANU PF after my late father had advised me to do so before his death,” narrated Chief Bekezela Bekimpilo Nyathi.

Goodboy Nyathi played a critical role during the liberation struggle. He was a youth chairman for ZAPU in Silobela, and, due to his active role in fighting white colonial system, he was detained and incarcerated at Whawha Prison and sentenced to 10 years. He was released from prison after serving 4 years in 1979 after the Lancaster House Conference.

After his release from prison, he migrated to Nyathi in Matebeleland North from Silobela, he continued with his traditional activities of educating the community and also established a choir which included his sons. His choir was specializing on Ndebele traditional songs called (imbube) and he was registered under the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

The late iconic hero was known for welcoming all government events in Nyathi district through his inspirational poetry. He was populary known for welcoming the late former President Robert Mugabe and also the second regime President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“We thank President Mnangagwa for conferring our father provincial hero status, we shall follow our father’s footsteps and I have requested ZANU PF leadership to accept me into the party and carry on my late father’s legacy,” added chief Bekimpilo Bekezela Nyathi.

Prominent figures sent condolence messages after the passing on of father Goodboy Nyathi.

“Go well the iconic hero Nyathi, you played your role and we shall emulate your legacy,” said LEAD president Linda Masarira.

Renowned Political Analyst and Human rights defender Dr Abigale Mupambi also paid tribute to the late Goodboy Nyathi. “The late Nyathi was declared a Provincial Hero by the Zanu Pf politiburo following a special consideration of his contribution to the social, political and economic development of his immediate community and Zimbabwe at large.”

The outspoken political analyst who hails from Matebelend North described Nyathi as a rare talent and character whose contributions in the arts industry will forever be cherished.

“Abanye besithi ayisuye Mina ngithi Nguye! Nguye indeed who raised the flag of Zimbabwe higher at every social, economic and political gathering. “Goodboy ‘Nguye’ Nyathi as he was populary known was a unifier irrespective of their background, color, creed and political affiliation. Nguye Kanye owangamukela ndawonye labanye abakhokheli esigabeni seBubi lakanye sasebenza sonke kakuhle okwesikhathi eside kakhulu. Ngiyakhumbula ngesikhathi izinto zingamanya kuhle kwezombangazwe elizweni nguye unguye Nguye Kanye owathi bakithi masibambaneni sisebenze ndawonye lanxa kwesinye isikhathi sasingavumelani kokunye’ Bakithi’ Mthwakazi omuhle silahlekelwe liqhawe lama qhawe.

A true galant son of the soil, a unifier and a lead poet in Zimbabwe. May his dear departed soul rest in peace. Go well. You Fought A Good Fight,” concluded Dr Mupambi.

Goodboy ‘Nguye’ Nyathi left behind 8 children, 27 grandchildren and 3 great grand-children. His wife Rachel Sibanda passed away three years ago.