(Last Updated on February 23, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – Tributes continue to pour in as the media fraternity mourns the death of veteran journalist and Daily News assistant editor, Maxwell Sibanda who died on Monday.
Sibanda died on Monday morning at a Harare hospital after a brief spell of illness.
He was 52.
In a statement, the Media Alliance in Zimbabwe (MAZ) described Sibanda as a soft-spoken journalist who is leaving behind a rich legacy in the profession.
“Bla Max as the soft-spoken character was affectionately called within the media circles leaves behind a rich legacy in journalism.
His career in the media sector stretches over decades, having served at the Daily News at the inception of the newspaper and among the rare breed of journalists that shone the light in critical media at the turn of the millennium, boldly declaring truth to power,” read the statement.
Former editor at The Chronicle, Mduduzi Mathuthu said Sibanda enjoyed his arts beat and lived it -as it should be.
“I am saddened by the passing on of Maxwell Sibanda. I admired his coverage of the entertainment industry, his passion & diligence. There are no serious journalists who didn’t marvel at his commitment to journalism, his respect for colleagues and his honesty! Rest in Peace MS!” wrote journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on his Twitter platform.
Media freedom activist organisation, MISA Zimbabwe described the late Sibanda as a firm believer of media freedom.
“It is with great sorrow that we learnt of the death of veteran journalist Maxwell Sibanda, a firm believer in media freedom underpinned by comprehensive media law reforms. His work in that regard speaks for itself. Our sincere condolences to his family and the Daily News team,” said MISA Zimbabwe.
Sibanda had vast experience in the journalism industry which spanned over decades.