Online Reporter
By Mbulisi Ndlovu
A third generation Adventist, born in Lower Gwelo (Midlands Province) on 9 October 1941, a son of a school teacher, Mr Franklin George Ndabazezwe Mlalazi started his schooling in Matabeleland South Province, Kezi, Shashane Adventist primary school where his father was a headmaster.
His grand father was a pioneer Adventist pastor who was instrumental in the birth and growth of the Adventist mission in Zimbabwe.
In the early 1950s, Mr Mlalazi moved to Lower Gwelo mission where he completed his primary education. He latter proceeded to complete his junior secondary education at Lower Gwelo and completed his teacher training there. In the late 1960s.
Mr Mlalazi began to work as a school teacher in the Shurugwi area where he cut his teeth as school teacher at Rochford and Jobolinko Adventist schools.
He spent 10 years of his career there. He probably got married there.
He later moved to Solusi Mission where he taught before moving to Lower Gwelo Mission where he spent a good part of his career. He continued to pursue his studies in the late 1970s graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Mr Mlalazi would come back and continue his career as a secondary school teacher at Lower Gwelo Mission. He rose to the position of Deputy head. His career at Logahs won him many friends and even envious foes. He even survived brutal attacks during political disturbances in the mid 1980s.
The late 1980s saw Mr Mlalazi promoted to a position of District Education Officer and later an Education Officer at the Midlands province where he was responsible for inspecting schools throughout the province. A perfectionist who insisted on high standards and many teachers groomed by him can testify to his prowess.
After the wheels had come off at his beloved Lower Gwelo Adventist high school, Mr Mlalazi accepted a call of humility to come back and restore sanity at the turbulent school in the year 2000. True to his calling he managed to restore sanity and once again the school was back to factory settings.
Gifted with a good command and mastery of the English language, Mr Mlalazi was a disciplinarian who would not hesitate to remove rotten apples among both students and teachers alike. He insisted on proper notation in music and would not hesitate to call any errant offender to book even at the expense of one’s bruised ego. On many occasions he would order some singing groups to sit down if he felt they were missing the point.
He was very passionate about Adventist education and would not hesitate to call anyone to order if he felt they were missing the point. Even the pastors and church leaders would not be spared if they went offside. He was very genuine and could not pretend.
He dedicate all his life to Adventist education and Lower Gwelo Adventist high school in particular. Even after his retirement he continued to guide the school and give the administrators the direction. Logahs would never be the same. A real giant has fallen.
Mr Mlalazi died in the early hours of 31 July at his homestead on Lower Gwelo fter battling with diabetes, hypertension.
He will be buried on Tuesday (4 August) 2026 at his homestead.
