Former ZBC newsreader and academic Joseph Madhimba, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest broadcasters, has died in Namibia.
As reported by The NewsHawks, Madhimba passed away on Tuesday morning in Okahandja, a town located approximately 60 kilometres north of the Namibian capital, Windhoek.
A respected media personality, Madhimba earned a reputation as one of the most iconic newsreaders in Zimbabwe during his time at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
He worked alongside some of the country’s most recognisable broadcasting figures, including Grey Tichatonga, John Gambanga, Busi Chindove, Isidore Gwashure, Robin Shava, Everisto Mwatse, Themba Hove, Caleb Thondhlana, Patrick Nyamhunga, Dorcas Munyoro, Praexedes Dzingare, Themba Bassopo-Moyo, Noreen Welch and Alice Chavunduka.
Madhimba joined ZBC shortly after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, having studied journalism in Montpelier, France, and worked for the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP).
He initially served as a sub-editor before becoming a newsreader under the leadership of the late Claude Mararike, then head of news.
After leaving ZBC, Madhimba relocated to Namibia, where he transitioned into academia and financial services.
He suffered a stroke in early 2024, which led to complications resulting in heart failure. He had been hospitalised for the past year before his passing.
At the time of his death, Madhimba was a lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), formerly the Polytechnic of Namibia.
I’m extremely traumatized and devastated by the death of my former Lecture and former Head of Department Business Management at Namibia University of Science and Technology previously known as Polytechnic of Namibia.
I have no words on how to describe the late Joseph Mandhiba. Mr Brian was a phenomenal and incredible educator, a very talented and knowledgeable educator with a rare personality. A man who was full of jokes and joy especially during his Lecture reasons.
A man with a unique voice. He had his short coming but at the same time he was a great man. Our friendship with the late Joseph continued until to his death.