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Zimbabwe Mourns Dr. Paul Chidyausiku, A Literary Icon
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Dr. Paul Tadzimirwa Chidyausiku, a celebrated editor, poet, and novelist, passed away peacefully at his home in Seke on 9 May 2025, at the age of 98. His influence on Zimbabwean literature and journalism remains profound, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and literary excellence.
Born on 1 January 1927, Dr. Chidyausiku was the eldest of eight children in the Vashawasha clan of the Mukanya totem. Among his siblings were the late Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku, a war veteran and diplomat.
His journalistic career began in 1958 when he was appointed the first editor of Moto magazine, a Catholic-run publication at Mambo Press in Gweru. Through his editorial leadership, he highlighted issues affecting the black majority under colonial rule, becoming a vocal supporter of the liberation struggle.
Dr. Chidyausiku later worked at the African Literature Bureau, where he promoted Pan-African literature, nurturing vernacular language publications in Shona and Ndebele and mentoring both new and established writers.
Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, he joined the Ministry of Information as Assistant Director and played a pivotal role in launching Kwayedza, a vernacular newspaper. He continued to influence Zimbabwean journalism and literature until his retirement.
A prolific author, Dr. Chidyausiku wrote 13 novels, including Nhoroondo Dzezvenanwa, Broken Roots, and Karume Kangu. His contributions to literature earned him an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education from the Women’s University in Africa in 2016.
The Acting President, Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, expressed deep condolences to the Chidyausiku family, honouring his unmatched contribution to Zimbabwean literature and journalism.
