Tinashe Rupende, a seasoned journalist with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), has passed away.
Rupande died after a protracted fight with renal disease at the age of 38.
The Midlands Bureau cameraman, died on Monday night at the Gweru Provincial Hospital.
Numerous dignitaries, journalists, and people who worked with the late Rupende arrived in Gweru to pay their respects.
Senator Larry Mavima, the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, praised the late Rupende as a committed and patriotic journalist who was willing to serve. Senator Mavima is quoted in The Chronicle as saying:
“We lost a dedicated journalist who was always ready to serve his nation despite being down. We always came to pick him up to go long distances like Gokwe and anywhere in the province and he was always there. He was a dedicated journalist who was always there when we needed his services. I am pleased to say he served his nation with pride up until his untimely death” he observed
Michael Magoronga, a national executive member of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), referred to Rupende as a special breed of journalist who would be difficult to replace. He stated:
“He was an experienced journalist who was easy to approach for advice. His shoes are just too big to be filled. We are with his family in this time of mourning”
He is survived by his wife Primrose Mashegede and two daughters Anashe and Anopaishe.
