On Monday, thousands thronged the St. Thomas Anglican Church in Area 18 to pay their last respects to a great journalist, literature giant and even finer gentleman William Thomas Zingani.
Uncle Willie, as many in the media fraternity fondly called him, not only edited some fine titles over the years, or just authored impressive collection of books, or just owned his own newspapers, but he also worked for three State Presidents, had stints with corporate executive jobs without betraying the high values of journalism; without compromising the ideals that made him a pioneer for the fledgling industry at the dawn of democracy.
He became a giant in all manner of language, yet remained one of the most humble people around.
“We were honoured to have him as a mentor and, for many, as friend too. Now the gain is solely heaven’s”- Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi’s Chairperson Golden Matonga
His family celebrated a man who gave himself to the service of the nation, a beacon of wisdom, was an advisor, and a fighter for justice
His son said “Anali odziwa kucheza ndi anthu everywhere he went. He was called different names by different people. Others called him Kaka, others a Widzi. We the kids called him WT.
“It’s a big loss, but there’s a time for everything. Especially at a time when we’d just sat down and he shared with me his retirement plans. Before those plans materialised, he was called to eternal glory”
He also thanked the elders of the family for honoring his wish to be buried either in Lilongwe or Blantyre.
His closest friend Mr. Mwalwanda who was with him in his last moments, said Zingani collapsed because he was provoked but he said he could not say more, but mourns a man he has been friends with since 1983.
Too grief-stricken to say more, Mwalwanda added that Willie was a man who never wanted to pick a fight with anyone.
The family thanked President Chakwera; former President Bakili Muluzi and all the other people who have offered supported during this difficult time.
To some who worked with him, he is credited for sharpening their writing, editing and publishing skills.
The legacy left by the 70 year old Zingani leaves an indelible mark in Malawi’s arts industry.
The late author, who breathed his last on Saturday at MASM Clinic in Lilongwe, is survived by a wife and six children.
