Online Reporter
Limukani Ncube, Intake Editor
BULAWAYO yesterday paid tribute to its first black Town Clerk, the late Dr Michael Nkanyiso Ndubiwa, with residents, city fathers and Government officials gathering at Lady Stanley Cemetery for the unveiling of his tombstone in honour of a distinguished public servant whose legacy continues to shape the city’s municipal history.
Dr Ndubiwa died on May 4, 2021, at the age of 86 following health complications.
Bulawayo Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube described Dr Ndubiwa as one of the finest public office bearers to have served the country.
Speaking at a reception following the unveiling of Dr Ndubiwa’s tombstone, Minister Ncube said the late administrator was a dignified public servant whose contribution to the development of Bulawayo continued to be felt.
The tombstone unveiling ceremony was also attended by Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, council officials and scores of residents.
Minister Ncube paid tribute to Dr Ndubiwa’s wife, Mrs Lydia Ndubiwa, for standing by her husband throughout their decades of marriage.
She said Dr Ndubiwa played an important role in the development of the city, particularly through council youth clubs that equipped young people with life skills.
“Beyond his professional achievements, he contributed to the development of local housing and community development. He carried himself with wisdom and professionalism,” said Minister Ncube.
She urged residents and the local authority to preserve and celebrate Dr Ndubiwa’s legacy.
Mayor Coltart said he was privileged to be part of the ceremony honouring a man he described as one of the most professional people to have served Bulawayo.
“It is on occasions like this that we can consider objectively that in his life, did he do good or did he do evil? But I can say confidently that he did good.
“In my capacity as Mayor, I remember the work that he did as Town Clerk. There are a lot of scandals that people get involved in when in public office. But his record was of a person with no scandal. A per-son that we can all be proud of.
“To Mrs Ndubiwa, I speak on behalf of the city and say we remember your husband with great pride,” he said.
The late Dr Ndubiwa began serving as Bulawayo’s deputy town clerk in 1979 before being appointed the first black Town Clerk of independent Zimbabwe on September 1, 1984.
He served in the position until his retirement in August 1999.
During his tenure, Dr Ndubiwa was credited with maintaining high standards of municipal governance, city management and public service delivery.
Beyond council, he served on various national and local boards, including the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the Institute of Town Clerks of Southern Africa.
