Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s foremost broadcasting legend, Joseph Brian Madhimba, whose deep booming voice captivated the attention of listeners and viewers nationwide, is no more.
Social media was awash with all manner of condolence messages when his death in Namibia on May 21, 2025 was announced. Thousands of people who enjoyed his style expressed heartfelt grief to his family and the entire media in Zimbabwe over the big loss.
I pray that his soul will rest in eternal peace.
During his time at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Joe, as we affectionately called him, carved a niche in the hearts of thousands of his ardent followers
At lunchtime news, then at 1.15 PM, the bespectacled Madhimba would go on air.
“The news read by Joseph Madhimba.”
Listeners would turn their ears almost automatically.
It was broadcasting at its very best.
Those were the golden years for broadcasting at ZBC.
Other notables in the newsroom then included Barry Wilkins, the head of the desk, his deputy Claude Mararike, Hamilton Soko, Lovemore Chiweshe, Gift Musarurwa, another talented newscaster, Joseph Masuku, Victor Maunde, Derek Sones, the only female sub-editor, Alwyn Francis and others.
The television desk was manned by Shingirayi Tungwarara, also a newscaster, Chipunza Zvichauya, Justice Chikukwa Dhliwayo, and the London-trained Collin McAndrew.
Those good years, it was fun listening to either Radio One, the English Channel, or the all-music channel Radio Three.
On the airwaves, you heard the lively voices of Alyson Chavhunduka, Busi Chindove, Roy Brassington, Mervin Hamilton, Wellington Mbofana, John Matinde, Noreen Welch, Praxedes Dzangare, Dorcas Chibanda, Patrick Nyamhunga and others.
If you didn’t like what was aired, at least you were forced, in the case of Madhimba, to love the way he presented.
I admired my friend’s work ethic and his evident gift of a high intellect.
He joined the station soon after independence with a first degree in English and Journalism from Lovanium University in the DRC.
Privately, he acquired two MBAs and a PhD in Business and Finance, making him the most-learned scribe within ZBC.
He rose to the post of head – Radio News but resigned a few years later to go to Namibia. He worked briefly for the national broadcaster there before joining the Polytechnic in Windhoek as a lecturer in business, finance, and management. He later launched his business consultancy.
Then, last year, disaster struck.
He suffered a severe stroke while on his own and was assisted by a neighbour who took him to the hospital. His young brother, Good Tafira, who lives in London, stepped in.
“My brother went through a very difficult time for the past year. I spent four months with him in Namibia,” Tafira wrote in a group of former Air Zimbabwe workers this week.
“Specialist doctors tried their best, but it was all in vain. His death is a big loss to the entire family.”
Madhimba was divorced. His three sons, Michael, Gregory, and Oscar, moved with him to Namibia, where they are working and have their own families.
He was also a beloved brother, a mentor to many, and a proud father.
Madhimba’s voice may be silent now, but its echo will forever resonate in the hearts of those who heard him. He taught us the value of words, the strength of dignity, and the quiet power of excellence. In the newsroom, he was a professional; to his peers, he was a giant; and to his family, he was their rock.
As the final curtain falls on a life well lived, we say goodbye to a broadcaster, a father, a scholar, and a friend. Madhimba will be buried in Namibia as per his wish.
Rest in power, Joe.
You spoke to a nation – and it listened.
*John Gambanga is a veteran Zimbabwean journalist and worked in various capacities across several media houses from 1980 to 2015.
During this time, he won six local and three international media awards.
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