Former Financial Gazette Editor-In-Chief dies

The media fraternity in Zimbabwe has been plunged into mourning following the death of one of the country’s finest journalists Sunsleey Chamunorwa.

Chamunorwa, former Financial Gazette editor-in-chief died on Thursday night after a stroke.

Those who knew him, said the country has lost a great son, who conducted his profession with dexterity.

He groomed a number of journalists who went on to excel in their chosen field of being the ears and eyes of the public.

One of his former schoolmate and veteran journalist, Stephen Tsoroti says Chamunorwa’s death is a great loss to the media fraternity and the nation at large, as he had a lot to teach to the young and current crop of scribes.

Tsoroti says he knew Chamunorwa from his school days.

“I knew Sunsleey when I was in form 1, Waddilove Institute in Marondera, in1983.

“He was soft spoken, more adept to facts, focused, and was always so sure of the things he wanted to do.

“He was a stream ahead of us but we clicked though. I was in form 2 when we developed a mutual friendship. I became part of the debate club and he was an influential and instrumental team member,” said Tsoroti.

He added: “In no time we started a journalism club, I remember another veteran journalist Isdore Guvamombe was part of it as well.

“I loved writing and felt I belonged to the club more than the Debate one. In no time we started penning stories from our school events and goings on.

“We took exception because we were always traveling with the athletics team, debate club/ cum arts.”

Tsoroti said Chamunorwa was also in the school choir, adding that this guaranteed them first hand information to pass on to their schoolmate.

“Stories we produced were posted on the schools notice board. It was a joy to see other students milling around and reading the stories on the notice board,” he said.

Tsoroti added that he met Chamunorwa years later at Financial Gazette when he had a stint as an arts correspondent.

“He was still the same, encourager, motivator and mentor.

“He made me like writing, and journalism became a passion.

“He was not boisterous, intimidating but always sort to produce the best in people. Will miss you dearly Sunsleey,” said Tsoroti.

Chamunorwa, 55, was buried yesterday in his Mahusekwa rural home, Mashonaland East Province.

Zwnews