Mushamarari Akaita Mukurumbira OshayikaBeyond educational programming, Esau charmed listeners with her culinary-themed show, In the Kitchen with Jane, a popular feature on RBC African Service.
At independence in 1980, Esau became a presenter on ZBC Radio One (now Classic 263).
She worked alongside broadcasting icons, including James Robinson, Tony Gaynor, and John Masuku.
She later took on leadership roles, including doubling as Controller of Radio Services and Head of Radio One in the mid-1990s.
Esau’s contributions extended beyond broadcasting.
She trained as a police officer, performing part-time policing duties, including helping establish the Chitungwiza Police Station.
Radio legend John Masuku, reflecting on Esau’s career, recounted first meeting her in 1974 at Harare Studios, where she was dropping off schools radio lessons. “Her voice carried such warmth and authority that I had always imagined her as a young, slim lady of mixed heritage,” Masuku said.passed away at her home in Harare Saturday morning after a prolonged illness.
Born on June 25, 1933, in Penhalonga to a Manyika mother and a Malawian father, Esau’s illustrious journey began with her education at Old Umtali Mission, where she completed teacher training at Morgenster Mission.
She initially served as a teacher in schools across Manicaland, Salisbury, and Mbare from 1955 to 1962 before transitioning to a career that would forever cement her legacy in Zimbabwean broadcasting.
Esau joined the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Audio Visual Services (AVS) in the 1970s, producing radio lessons aired on the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation’s (RBC) African Service, now Radio Zimbabwe.
Collaborating with industry stalwarts like John Parry and David Gardiner, she played a critical role in delivering educational content to the nation.
