Zimbabweans have to confront the lingering wounds of Gukurahundi and create an inclusive society like the one the late Jini Ntutha yearned for, a local peacebuilder, Paul Themba Nyathi has said.
Nyathi, also a developmental activist, and former politician, said this while paying tribute to Ntutha, a trailblazing politician, cultural advocate and the first Deputy Minister of Mines in independent Zimbabwe on Monday during a memorial lecture held in his name hosted by local pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu.
The lecture, held on the 40th anniversary of Ntutha’s assassination, celebrated his life and legacy while reflecting on the tragic circumstances of his death during the Gukurahundi genocide.
Nyathi said Ntutha’s memorial lecture served as a somber reminder of the cost of political violence, whose lessons from his enduring legacy remain a beacon for those working toward a just and equitable future.
“Ntutha believed in a better Zimbabwe for all. He stood for a life of accountability, honesty, and opportunity, and those are the values we must uphold today. His ideas were not just for his generation but a foundation for the future,,” Nyathi said, praising Ntutha’s unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and cultural values.
“Yet, we remain in a constant state of grief and unsure when this bereavement will end.”
Born on September 10, 1924, in Tsholotsho to Gwaula and Minah Ntutha, Jini Ntutha became a prominent political figure and a member of ZAPU’s Central Committee. His dedication to the liberation struggle and his community earned him a place in President Robert Mugabe’s first cabinet.
However, Ntutha’s tenure as Deputy Minister of Mines was cut short when Mugabe dismissed him in a purge of ZAPU politicians on April 17, 1982.
After his dismissal, Ntutha continued to champion the cause of justice and equality, becoming a senior opposition leader. His advocacy drew the ire of the state during the Gukurahundi atrocities, and on November 25, 1984, Ntutha was brutally murdered by security operatives disguised as dissidents near his home in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland.
“Ntutha’s death was not just the loss of a man but the silencing of ideas, hopes, and opportunities,” Nyathi lamented.
“The environment that killed Ntutha was one that could not tolerate different thoughts. Yet, Ntutha was full of ideas to make this country better.”
Nyathi, who was imprisoned alongside Ntutha at WhaWha Prison in Gwelo during the liberation struggle, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Ntutha’s dedication to culture and integrity.
“At Whawha prison, we would cook for ourselves even though there was a limitation of food, the male prisoners turned cooking into an art. Among that group there was Ntutha, Siwela, Tafi Moyo and every Wednesday there was visitors day where people would bring food. For those who had no visitors, we will mix the food to cover up for those who didn’t have.”
It was in this sharing of food that Nyathi said they learnt how Ntutha was deeply rooted in his Ndebele heritage, which he equated with truthfulness, honour and principle.
“Ntutha was adamant about cultural practices, even refusing to share iqolo lenkukhu (chicken back) insisting it was eaten by an elderly man – showing and teaching us his values,” Nyathi recalled, drawing laughter as he recounted that episode.
“However, we decided to fix him and we asked visitors to bring him chicken and seven chickens were brought which we said he will eat alone but the chickens rot. Ntutha then accused us of planning that but he insisted no matter our antics, it was his culture. That’s who Ntutha was when it came to culture he held strong cultural beliefs and that is tied to him being a Ndebele.”
Nyathi said Ntutha’s cultural pride extended beyond personal quirks and informed his vision for a Zimbabwe where education, heritage, and justice thrived.
“Education was a priority for Ntutha. He believed it could unlock opportunities and he was educated in South Africa, yet Gukurahundi destroyed much of this foundation and infrastructure. We might not know of the actual damage done in education,” he lamented.
“Last Friday, I attended a cultural event at Nyandeni and the school children about Grade 3 and 4 conducted a cultural dance referring to Chaminuka. After their dance, Chief Masuku said our ancestors will be surprised that we don’t know our culture but the children’s teacher is not local and we can’t fault the teacher because the teacher is teaching what he knows.”
Nyathi questioned: “Where are our local teachers? Either they were killed by Gukurahundi or ran away from it. This is why you find some teachers from other places coming to cover the gap that is here. This is a practical consequence of Gukurahundi, where we see its effects in schools lacking local teachers and cultural understanding.”
Nyathi emphasised the broader lessons Zimbabwe can draw from Ntutha’s legacy, particularly in fostering unity and accountability.
“We might belong to different political groups, we can fight but let’s not harm one another. Cooperation is essential for justice and progress,” he urged.
He also criticised systems of oppression that stifle ideas and opportunities, pointing to current examples of government interference in grassroots activities.
“Last Friday, in Nyadeni, women who sell vegetable wares by the road side were not active on the road, saying they cannot sell by the road as they were told that the president’s convoy was passing by so they should not be seen disturbing it,” Nyathi said.
“I then called for a meeting with nine elders from nine villagers to discuss issues that are affecting them such as unwarranted resettlement, lack of grazing land, child marriages – where girls are becoming sexually active at nine. I was told by police that the meeting cannot go ahead until the SADC meeting in Harare is over yet this is just a ward in Nyandeni.”
Reflecting on ZAPU’s principles, Nyathi underscored the importance of ethics and the communal sharing of resources.
“We were taught that wealth stems from ideas and collective effort. But when ideas are suppressed, as they were during Gukurahundi, poverty and deprivation take their place. To honour Ntutha, we must revive those ideas and build a Zimbabwe that benefits all,” he said.
Nyathi’s address was both a tribute to Ntutha and a rallying cry for justice, calling on Zimbabweans to confront the lingering wounds of Gukurahundi and create an inclusive society.
“Ntutha’s arguments and values were always forward-thinking. He believed in fairness, education, and a dignified life for everyone. If we do not fix the oppressive systems in place, we all suffer. Let us strive for the Zimbabwe that Ntutha envisioned – a country of integrity, opportunity, and unity,” Nyathi concluded.
