Zimbabwe stands in mourning as we bid farewell to a literary giant, Mihla Sitsha Tsheza, a man whose life was devoted to language, culture and the upliftment of others.
To the nation, he was an author, a cultural custodian, and a defender of isiNdebele in its purest form. But to many of us, myself included, he was far more than that. He was a mentor, a guide, and a believer in our potential long before we fully believed in ourselves.
I write this not just as a witness to his greatness, but as one shaped by his generosity.
Mihla Sitsha Tsheza played a pivotal role in my journey as a writer.
His support helped lay the foundation for my publishing path through Ubuntu Afro-Publishers and Media.
He did not just offer words of encouragement; he created opportunities.
In a world where many guard knowledge and access, he gave freely.
He was a true man of the people. He carried no sense of superiority despite his achievements.
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Everyone who came into his space was treated with the same respect and warmth.
Whether you were a seasoned writer or just starting out, he welcomed you and made you feel that your voice mattered. His life was indeed an open offering, a vessel that fed many.
His literary journey began in 1994 while he was still in high school. He started with poetry and grew into a prolific writer of short stories and novels.
He went on to author over 30 books, each one carrying purpose beyond the page.
His work was not just for entertainment; it was for education, identity, and cultural preservation.
Titles such as Wangenza Mntanami became part of academic study, shaping young minds, while EsiLojeni reached audiences through both the classroom and national radio.
His contribution extended beyond writing. He served as the National Secretary of the Zimbabwean Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association and as the national chairperson of Ikhaya Labalobi. Through these roles, he built platforms for others and ensured that indigenous voices were not only heard but preserved.
He was also a fearless advocate for isiNdebele. He encouraged writers to take pride in their language and to write boldly in it. He fought tirelessly against piracy and believed in a future where creatives would be recognised and rewarded for their work.
He led from the front, always reminding writers to take their craft seriously and to honor their identity through language.
His impact lives in the testimonies of those he mentored.
One powerful reflection came from Zimbabwean author Brenda Muleya, who shared how Mihla changed her life after joining his novel group in 2017.
“People used to write novels and post in that group. My passion for writing arose while reading other people’s work. I penned my first novel, Soneni mntanami, and posted one chapter each day. People loved it. Mihla approached me and told me that I was a very good storyteller. He advised me not to stop writing. He offered to publish that novel free of charge. I agreed, and he published it in 2018 under his publishing house. He never asked for anything in return. He even printed a few copies for me. All this he did out of goodwill. I can proudly say I am what I am in writing because of him.”
Such was the man he was—selfless, intentional, and deeply invested in the growth of others.
Writer and researcher Zibusiso Mabonisa also said Sitsha was a stalwart champion of the isiNdebele language and culture.
His influence even extended into shaping literary infrastructure. Academic writer and publisher Witness Dingani of the Dingani Books, shared how Mihla encouraged the establishment of a bookshop, helping create a space where literature could be accessed and sustained, even contributing his own work, Izigigaba zeWhatsapp, to support that vision. Award-winning author Mthokozisi Ncube described him as a beacon of hope, someone who constantly pushed writers to produce solid, well-edited, and meaningful work.
Even in his passing, Mihla leaves behind unfinished contributions like the isiNdebele poetry anthology Ndiza Ngqungqulu, a project that speaks to his commitment to both established and emerging voices.
Beyond literature, he was a devoted father and a gentle soul.
His excellence was recognized through awards such as the Bulawayo Arts Awards in 2020 and 2021, as well as the Intercontinental Young Pan-Africanist Award. Yet he remained grounded, always focused on uplifting others rather than elevating himself.
As he is laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery among the heroes of our region, we are reminded that Mihla Sitsha Tsheza was not just a writer, but a movement, a mentor, and a guardian of heritage. Zimbabwe has lost a literary giant, but his legacy lives on in every story written in isiNdebele, in every writer he inspired, and in every voice that refuses to be silenced.
Mihla Sitsha Tsheza may be gone, but his work continues to speak. His life calls us to write boldly, to preserve our languages, and to uplift one another. Rest in power, Sitsha alwehlanga lungehlile qhawe and indeed esihle kasidleli. Your story does not end here, but It live on through us.
