James Pambano Ndebele: isiNdebele literature guru dies

Kwanele Khumalo

James Pambano Ndebele, the eminent author of isiNdebele novels, has died from cardiac arrest.

Ndebele died on Saturday in Bulawayo.

He was 81.

Ndebele, a prolific author of novels which include Umkhosi wenhliziyo awuphalalelwa, and Uthando alula mgoqo, is survived by his wife Rita Ndebele, five children and nine grandchildren.

He will be buried on Wednesday at his home in Silobela, in Filabusi.

He graduated in 1976 from the University of South Africa with an Arts degree and furthered his education at the University of Zimbabwe where he attained a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in isiNdebele.

He worked in the field of education for decades and was the headmaster of many schools such as Mzinyathi Secondary School, Mzingwane, Musengezi Secondary School, Luveve High School, Njube High School and Mzilikazi High School.

He later on became an Education officer in Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Province and years later he was promoted to Regional Director of Sports and Culture for Matabeleland.

In 1998 he left the education Ministry and joined Zimcare Trust as the National Director. He was also active in the running of examinations including ZIMSEC and Cambridge exams.

“We are in great sorrow, we have lost one of the greatest writers who had done a lot in the education sector,” said Barbara Nkala, one of the old writers.

 

 

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