‘A legend in many respects’: Tributes pour in for academic Knox Chitiyo

ZIMBABWEAN academic and international affairs analyst Knox Chitiyo has been remembered as a “legend” as tributes continue to pour in following his death on Sunday.

Chitiyo died aged 65 after a battle with bowel cancer.

He was an associate fellow in the Africa Programme at Chatham House and had served as president of the Britain Zimbabwe Society since 2015.

In a statement, the Britain Zimbabwe Society announced Chitiyo’s death to its members.

“I am sorry to tell you that the much-loved president of the Britain Zimbabwe Society, Dr Knox Chitiyo, died over the weekend. He had been dealing with cancer for some time.

“Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nhamburiko, his sister Cathrine and all the members of his family, friends and colleagues. They had celebrated Knox’s 65th birthday with him last month,” read the statement.

As president of the Britain Zimbabwe Society, Chitiyo devoted his efforts to strengthening cultural, academic and professional ties between Zimbabwe and Britain.

He participated in diplomatic delegations, served on the African Union’s Diaspora Division and produced extensive writing on African development and diaspora issues.

UK-based journalist, Chofamba Sithole, paid tribute to Chitiyo, highlighting his work as president of the Britain Zimbabwe Society.

“Saddened by the death of a good friend and respected academic, Dr Knox Chitiyo. A soft-spoken gentleman, Knox carried himself with a humility that belied his achievements.

“I had the opportunity to work with Knox over many years and across different platforms, from Chatham House where he worked, to the Zimbabwe Britain Society and the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards,” said Sithole.

Lawyer Fadzayi Mahere described Chitiyo as a “legend” in her tribute.

“This is extremely sad news. Dr Chitiyo was a legend in many respects. Most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi describing him as a prominent academic and international affairs analyst who was widely respected for his work.

“Sad to hear of the passing on of Knox Chitiyo, a prominent academic and international affairs analyst at Chatham House, London. He was a very useful contact for Zimbabwe and was widely respected for his work on security and diaspora affairs. MHDSRIP,” Mzembi wrote.

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