Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwean journalism community is in mourning following the death of veteran journalist Itai Gwatidzo Mushekwe, who passed away in Cologne, Germany, at the age of 42. The news, confirmed last week by fellow journalist John Mokwetsi, revealed that Mushekwe had died several months earlier, with the announcement reaching close friends and colleagues only two days before his burial in Germany’s fourth-largest city.
Mushekwe, a trusted figure in Zimbabwean media circles, was known for his insightful reporting and commitment to independent journalism. Over the course of his career, he earned the respect of senior academics and politicians, including Professor Jonathan Moyo, and spent part of his early career at the Zimbabwe Independent. However, like many Zimbabwean journalists seeking opportunities abroad, he relocated to Germany more than 15 years ago through a journalism training programme. The economic instability and political uncertainty in Zimbabwe at the time discouraged his return, and he continued his career from afar.
Despite the distance, Mushekwe remained deeply engaged with Zimbabwean affairs. He contributed to various media outlets and was co-founder of Spotlight-Z.com, an independent online platform devoted to reporting on Zimbabwean politics, arts, and society. His work was widely regarded for its accuracy, depth, and analytical rigor, earning him a reputation as one of the diaspora’s most insightful voices.
Zimbabwean Journalism Mourns the Passing of Itai Gwatidzo Mushekwe in Germany
Friends and colleagues remember Mushekwe not just for his professional achievements, but also for his personality and warmth. “He was the intellectual of our group, the guy who always had a newspaper in hand, who loved discussing serious issues and kept us thinking,” recalled a former schoolmate from Ellis Robins Boys High. Many described him as loyal, intelligent, and deeply committed to both his craft and the people around him.
Mushekwe’s passion extended beyond journalism. He was a vibrant individual who enjoyed sports, laughter, and nurturing talent. He shared a particularly close bond with his cousin, football star Nyasha Mushekwi, supporting his sporting ambitions from afar. This dedication to family and friends, even across continents, highlighted Mushekwe’s enduring generosity of spirit.
Tragically, the final years of Mushekwe’s life were marked by isolation. Friends noted that he had drifted from regular communication and chose to live quietly in Germany, a decision that compounded the sense of loss felt by those close to him. Mokwetsi reflected on the loneliness of Mushekwe’s passing: “Itai’s lone death and lone burial in a foreign land is what pains us most. But we take comfort in the memories of his brilliance and the indelible mark he left in journalism and in our lives.”
The announcement of his death has reverberated through Zimbabwe’s media circles, with many colleagues learning of his passing through social media tributes. These posts highlighted Mushekwe’s contributions to reporting and mentoring, underscoring the breadth of his impact. For many, his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists in exile and the enduring commitment required to uphold the principles of independent reporting.
Mushekwe is remembered as a mentor, a cousin, and a friend—someone whose loyalty, dedication, and love for the written word remained constant despite the distance and challenges of living abroad. His passing raises poignant questions about the human cost of migration, exile, and professional commitment far from home.
As Zimbabwe reflects on the loss of yet another journalist in the diaspora, Mushekwe’s life and work continue to inspire. His commitment to truth, his sharp insight into political and social issues, and his support for those around him leave a legacy that transcends borders. While his death is a profound loss, the mark he made on Zimbabwean journalism endures, reminding colleagues and readers alike of the vital role that committed journalists play in shaping public discourse and preserving national memory.
In remembering Itai Gwatidzo Mushekwe, Zimbabwe’s journalism fraternity honors a life defined by passion, intellect, and unwavering dedication—a life spent documenting the complexities of a country he never stopped caring for, even from thousands of kilometers away.
Source- ZimEye
