A DISTINGUISED reporter who fought tirelessly against racism in Africa and Europe received his final farewell yesterday at a service reflecting his two worlds.

Musosa Kazembe, who battled segregation in the 60s and 70s, was remembered with hymns, readings and African songs of worship at St Peter's Catholic Church, in Eastleaze.

Mourners were told that Mr Kazembe died as he lived, refusing to slip away quietly when placed on a ‘dying pathway’ for the terminally ill at Great Western Hospital.

His son Dziko said: “The only way you can reach the heavens is by dying so we would like to remind everyone that today is a celebration of my dad’s life. Typically for him, he fought to the very end. He was admitted to hospital on December 1 and the doctors gave him only hours to live, but he fought for his life for an astonishing 28 days.We are hoping his death will lead to reforms in the way dying patients are treated in hospital."

Dziko recounted his father's career, which began in Africa in the 60s, leading to him being expelled from his homeland in what was then Rhodesia and settling in Britain.

He said: “My father witnessed first hand the brutal effects of racism and injustice. Because of his upbringing he fought for justice, equality, freedom and human rights.”

Mr Kazemebe’s CV included the respected Drum magazine in South Africa, the Times, the Swindon Advertiser and the BBC World Service.

He settled in Britain in 1968 and spent the best part of 40 years in Swindon, which Dziko said his father had fallen in love with.

The great-grandfather, who died aged 74, helped to expose appalling conditions in Rhodesian prisons before being expelled from the country.

“In the UK my dad continued to fight for justice, freedom and equality,” Dziko said.

“A case in point was when he interviewed Enoch Powell following his infamous, inflammatory, racist rivers of blood speech.

“He worked for a number of publications and rose to become a sub editor on the BBC World Service.

“He was number two on what was one the most respected services of its kind in the world.”

Around 70 mourners from different spheres of Mr Kazembe’s life attended the service.

Dziko said: “My dad will be remembered not only for his huge contribution to journalism but as an advocate for freedom and justice. His legacy for me and my and brothers is his kindness and contribution to mankind.”

The service included traditional African hymns and worship songs in bemba, a dialect spoken in Zambia and other parts of southern Africa. Mr Kazembe’s last farewell took place at Kingsdown Crematorium.