Veteran Zimbabwean journalist Simba Rushwaya who succumbed to a long battle with cancer of the colon was a people’s person who got along easily with colleagues in the media industry.
A longstanding member of MISA Zimbabwe, Rushwaya would find time to check on colleagues and discuss the latest local and international developments in the media industry.
He was passionate about the welfare of journalists and was always keen to discuss how this could be improved and secured.
Simba was an affable, witty, and unassuming character who did not hesitate to speak his mind or calmly tell you off with that trademark mischievous smile and toddler’s naughtiness.
Rushwaya went about his work with great calmness and determination.
And it was with that calmness, that he disclosed he had been diagnosed with cancer of the colon when he visited the MISA Zimbabwe offices several months ago.
He nonchalantly mentioned his life-threatening condition as if it was water off a duck’s back. For him, it was as if he was saying: So, what? Life must go on. Journalism must go on.
And indeed, life and journalism went on for Simba who was a journalist through-and-through until his death on 13 August 2024.
He was such a jolly good fellow.
On behalf of the entire MISA Zimbabwe family, our very sincere condolences to the Rushwaya family.
Fare-the-well Simba. You will be sorely missed.
Golden Maunganidze
Chairperson
MISA Zimbabwe
