Fare ye well Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo

By Simbarashe Msasanuri

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

A quarrel between two first year students at the Midlands State University in the Media and Society Studies August Intake class, ten years ago, could have been disastrous for two aspiring journalists had it degenerated into a fist fight as it could have signaled the end of their dreams. According to the regulations of the institution, outright expulsion was the price paid by those who traded books for fists.

However, the maturity shown by one of the students in trying to prevent the situation from getting out of hand saved the day. Had he reacted in a manner that any other ordinary person could have done, we could have been talking of a different story today.

We were all new during that time and we hardily knew each other but, the traits revealed by this guy showed that he was destined for greatness. It didn't take me another day to know the name of the person I am talking about, who was none other than Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo. A guy who rose to greater heights in the journalism fraternity but whose ambitions were cut abruptly after a horrific car crash claimed his life last week.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I stumbled upon a message on Facebook that journalist Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo had been killed in a road accident the previous night. But, after a series of enquiries, reality dawned on me that one of the 39- media moguls was no more. I knew that part of the journeys of our lives we had travelled together had come to an end. A common Shona saying that munhu akanaka haararami rightly applies to Chaka whose existence on this earth was restricted to 30years. A journey he had started when when Mr and Mrs Chidyamatiyo were blessed with a baby boy in Mazowe and decided to name him Chakanetsa.

With a bleeding heart, I had no choice but to thank God for the few years that we had spent together, the years that shaped our lives and destinies. A life that started at MSU where the drama I mentioned earlier on occurred.

When I witnessed that incident in 2000, I personally admired him for he was not only slow to anger but had shown everyone that he could coexist with his fellow students without a problem. It wasn’t surprising, therefore, that we ended up befriending each other. A friendship that was cemented by the fact that the August intake was more of a family due to the vilification we were getting from other sectors of the institution because the group was full of extraordinary talent.

I still vividly remember the days we spent together, joked together and helped each other to tackle tough assignments at college. We used to walk the then narrow strip from Senga to the campus and back as you,Chaka, used to live a stone’s throw away from where I lived. We were more like a family then together with your roommates, Innocent Chiyadzwa and Samuel Mujaka.

The days when we used to survive on green vegetables after our payouts (VTL) ran out or the powers that be would, due to one reason or the other, have delayed the disbursement. Those days, we used to sleep late writing assignments or doing group discussions in preparation for the final exams. How we braved the chilly Gweru weather in winter and excessive heat in summer at the famous Hunger Square studying, something that became a launch pad to the profession we loved and were passionate about.

During all that time, you showed that you were a team player as you were always available every time other students needed your input. You were also enterprising, something that was aided by your sociability as in some cases you could use all that to get some materials especially from students who were in classes ahead of us.

These qualities helped you to fit into this thankless profession that went on to claim your life. Eulogies on your Facebook profile show that you were a man of the people. Scores of people among them journalists did not hide their utter disbelief and grief over your departure.

You were willing to share your knowledge with your juniors and your colleagues, some of whom sounded their appreciation (on Facebook) especially on how you shaped their careers by guiding them. It also emerged that you were still having all the other qualities of being a team player, always willing to share information and of being an enterprising man.

These are the same traits that helped you to make a name for yourself in this profession, in 2002, when you joined The Herald for your industrial attachment. I remember being proud of you then especially when I came across your by-lined stories. It was obvious by then that you were destined for greater heights.

After graduation, uncertainty engulfed us as reality had struck in our theory laden heads that time for group discussions were over and what was only left was for us to put into practice what we had acquired for four years. Little did we know that our journeys were once again to collide as we found ourselves working together at The Daily Mirror in 2005 and 2006.

Your departure to rejoin The Herald on June 1, 2006, when you were appointed the paper's Mashonaland Central bureau chief, based in Bindura never came as a surprise to me given what you were capable of doing, not mentioning what you had accomplished. Though we continued to communicate during that time, I didn’t know that destiny had it that were going to work together again, when I joined The Herald exactly a year after you had left The Daily Mirror.

Though you were based in Bindura, you really showed that you were a journalist par-excellence. You continued to show the world what you were made of. I still remember those juicy stories from Mashonaland Central and every time I worked on them or came across them in the newspaper, I could feel that sense of belonging, as if I had played a part in them because they reminded me of a fellow cde, a friend who had his work at heart.

Chaka as we used to call you at college or Chidya as you were affectionately known by fellow journalists in the industry were a down to earth person, a team worker, an outstanding journalist, well respected for your informed analysis.

We had to part again when I left The Herald but we continued communicating especially on Facebook. My heart goes to your family, especially your little kids you loved so much. The ones you struggled for unto death. I remember we had a long conversation recently when you told me to check the prices of some commodities this side. Those you wanted to use to prepare for the future of these beloved angels.

I remember checking the prices, and I advised you to try down south (South Africa) as their prices this side, were beyond reach. This conversation, where we promised each other that we will meet in December and try to map the way forward, became the last. Little did we know that we were building castles in the air.

I couldn’t be there when you were laid to rest last Friday, but from what I heard and from the scores of people who came to bid you farewell, you had won the hearts of the people. The people who loved you even unto death

Fare ye well Chaka, you fought a good fight and you walked your journey on this earth leaving indelible marks in our hearts. You will sadly be missed media mogul. May your soul rest in eternal peace Chaka. Famba murugare Chidya, till we meet again.

simsasanuri@yahoo.com