The former ZBC reporter died in Bulawayo on Thursday morning at the age of 46.
Stephen said she returned to Zimbabwe in November last year as she battled health issues caused by fibroids, adding that at one time she had to undergo surgery in her battle with fibroids.
Affectionately known as “Zviko” or “Kombo” by colleagues, Sibanda was part of a dynamic group of young journalists who joined ZBC Montrose in 1999–2000.
Prior to this, she had completed her internship at Zimpapers’ Bulawayo branch.
At Montrose, she worked alongside seasoned journalists such as Tapfuma Machakaire, Mary Mthabali, Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, and later Sifiso Sibanda, now the acting station manager at Montrose.Sibanda’s educational journey began at Nkulumane Primary School in Bulawayo.
She then attended Usher Girls High and Hermann Gmeiner High Schools before pursuing a Diploma in Mass Communication at Harare Polytechnic.
After leaving ZBC in the mid-2000s, she transitioned into corporate communications, working at the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe.
She later relocated to South Africa, where she got married.
Mourners are gathered at Block 75/2300 Mpopoma, Bulawayo, and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
She is survived by her husband.
One of her former colleagues shared a heartfelt“Rest in Peace, Zviko. She was a fearless reporter who never hesitated to take on any assignment. Always receptive to guidance and criticism, she carried herself with a sociable spirit that endeared her to colleagues. She worked seamlessly with senior reporters like Prisca Utete and Selina Chitsiga and had no difficulty collaborating with the all-male camera crew. Zviko joined ZBC during a period of transformation and endured some of its toughest challenges.
When she was suddenly elevated to Executive Producer, News, and instructed to present the 8 PM bulletin without prior experience, it was an unfair test of resilience. Despite the ordeal, she moved forward, later transitioning into public relations before relocating to South Africa. Rest in peace, Zviko.”
