HARARE, March 24 (LIFEHACKLive) — The deceased seasoned journalist Geoffrey Nyarota will be laid to rest at his countryside residence in Rusape on Wednesday, as announced by the family.
Tafirenyika, Nyarota’s son, verified on Monday that his father’s body will be displayed at his rural home in Gwangwadza village on Tuesday evening prior to the funeral scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Nyarota passed away due to colon cancer on Sunday at the age of 74.
During his illustrious career Nyarota edited The Financial Gazette, The Chronicle, The Daily News and Zimbabwe Times. He also authored three books, namely ‘Against the Grain, Memoirs of a Zimbabwean Newsman’; ‘The Graceless Fall of Robert Mugabe: The End of a Dictator’s Reign’; and ‘The Honourable Minister: An Anatomy of Endemic Corruption’ .
At the same time, colleagues in journalism kept offering their praises, highlighting Nyarota as an unwavering advocate for press freedom.
If there were a hall of fame for journalism in Zimbabwe, John Gambanga remarked, the late journalist’s name would undoubtedly be atop the media section. During his tenure as news editor and subsequently as editor of Daily News under Nyarota’s leadership as ANZ editor-in-chief, he made significant contributions to this legacy.
“He referred to things by their true names and courageously advocated for press freedom, sternly calling out corruption among national leaders,” Gambanga stated.
Brian Mangwande, who previously worked as an editor at LIFEHACK, stated that Nyarota served as both a guide and a strong source of backing for numerous reporters in Zimbabwe.
“My thoughts go out to the Nyarota family during this incredibly challenging time and to the media community at large,” Mangwende stated.
Geoff was a guiding light, a cornerstone, and a mentor to numerous writers. He was an advocate for press freedom and a formidable presence among his peers.
We have lost a legendary figure whom we will always remember for their significant contributions to press freedom and their unwavering commitment to advocating for media independence worldwide.”
A fellow journalist, Sani Mbofana, stated that Zimbabwe’s media environment has become less rich with the departure of Nyarota.
Their heritage stands as a strong testament that an unfettered and autonomous media is crucial for a thriving democracy.
“His efforts towards the nation’s democratic movement will be recalled among those of other prominent individuals who advocated for liberty, equity, and human dignity,” stated Mbofana.
In a sincere expression of sympathy, Moses Magadza, who serves as the media and communications manager for the SADC Parliamentary Forum, stated that the annals of journalism in post-independence Zimbabwe would lack crucial elements if they failed to mention “this exceptional scribe.”
Nyarota is leaves behind his wife, Ursula, along with their three children.
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