Academics mourn Prof Bhebe

Sunday Mail Reporter

ACADEMICS have paid tribute to national hero Professor Ngwabi Bhebe, describing him as a towering figure in the academia.

Prof Bhebe, who died on November 16, was buried at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the burial, Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo, who was the national hero’s deputy when they founded Midlands State University, said: “For 13 years, we walked the journey together. We both enjoyed tutoring young people and preparing them for the world of work. I can tell you that founding a university is not an easy task, but we did it so well because we both believed in the mission that Government set for us.

“It was Prof Bhebe’s thinking that you could not raise a nation of youths who were drowning in drugs.

“We emphasised discipline in our youth and the love for reading and leadership. We believed that was the cornerstone for the future development of this country.”

Vice Chancellor of Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences Professor Albert Chawanda described him as a hardworking man who was dedicated to his work.

“He was results-oriented and another thing that I remember him for was time management. He would tell us that one should have deadlines. He was also someone who loved sport, mostly golf. He also wanted people to develop themselves,” he said.

Mr Bayayi Chiwapura, an MSU alumni said the institution has become one of the top universities in Zimbabwe because of Prof Bhebe’s wisdom.

“MSU will forever be associated with Prof Bhebe. He was not only a pioneer but an inspirational figure to students who passed through the university’s doors.

“I knew his history when I was still studying and his career shows that he yearned for academic excellence while his journals are academic masterpieces.”