Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
IN the small town of Beitbridge, where dreams seem as vast as the open sky, a remarkable tale of leadership and dedication is unfolding. Meet David Cleopatra Mbedzi, a name that resonates with honour and tradition. At the tender age of 18, back in 2012, destiny bestowed upon him a weighty responsibility — he was appointed Chief Sitaudze while still pursuing his studies at Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo High School.
A challenge that would daunt most teenagers, Chief Sitaudze embraced his new-found role with unwavering determination. As the young chief stepped into his leadership role, he remained resolute in his commitment to education. Unlike many, he continued his studies and completed his A-levels in 2013.
In pursuit of his aspirations, he then enrolled at Great Zimbabwe University, where he undertook a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree programme, a testament to his thirst for knowledge and passion for growth. In 2020, he proudly earned his degree, becoming a beacon of inspiration for his community.
One might wonder how Chief Sitaudze managed to balance the weight of tradition and the pursuit of personal dreams.
“I always knew that I would be appointed chief, but when it happened, it dawned on me that I had a huge task to carry out. I knew that I had to behave and carry myself in a way befitting a chief as I was now a role model. At the same time, I kept in mind that I was a school pupil and hence I had to behave as such and give school authorities the utmost respect,” he said.
His humility and respect for others served as his north star through the journey of his studies. He treated his peers with equality, holding firm to the lessons instilled by his parents on being humble and respecting all individuals. This mindset eased his path, allowing him to navigate through academia with grace and dignity.
It was during his A-level days that some of his peers, aware of his esteemed title, would address him by it. However, Chief Sitaudze chose not to flaunt his status, seeking to maintain a sense of camaraderie among his classmates. He was determined to be perceived as a schoolmate and friend, not just as a traditional leader. This approach garnered him respect, loyalty, and acceptance from both his peers and the community.
“I didn’t see other learners as inferior to me because the number one lesson I got from my parents was on being humble and respecting other people. This attitude made it easy for me to go through my studies up until I obtained my degree,” he said.
As a young chief at the age of 18, he faced numerous challenges that tested his maturity and wisdom. Acknowledging his lack of experience, he sought the guidance of his elders and headmen, relying on their wisdom to develop and groom him into an effective leader. Over time, he won the respect and admiration of his community through his dedication and commitment to their well-being.
“Firstly, if you are a young chief at the age of 18 you wouldn’t have matured enough to handle the duties that come with being a chief and leading people. There were some instances where I had to deal with issues that I felt were too heavy for me at my age. My elders and headmen played a crucial role in developing, grooming and assisting me to lead the people.
“The moment I became chief I immediately told myself that I needed the help of my elders as I was inexperienced. I have also maintained the respect for the elderly which had helped me to grow and learn. At first some people were reluctant to accept me as their chief and despised me as I was young. Some used to see me as just a child but over the years they have come to respect me because of my works and the respect I give them,” he said.
His role as a teacher at Beitbridge Government Primary School allowed Chief Sitaudze to pursue another passion close to his heart — the education sector. His love for children, coupled with the desire to contribute to their development, motivated him to walk this path.
“The future of the children that I teach will be in my hands, and therefore they have to get quality for the money paid by their parents. Our learners are the future of tomorrow; they will be our future leaders, and the process of grooming them for leadership has already started,” he passionately stated.
Balancing his roles as a teacher and chief, Chief Sitaudze flawlessly executes both responsibilities. His strong work ethic, instilled in him during his upbringing, enables him to manage the dual roles with grace and efficiency. Supported by a council of headmen, who offer him invaluable guidance, the young chief embraces his multifaceted journey with grace and resilience.
“I applied for the job just like any other teacher and when I got it I emphasised that I had to be treated just like any other teacher. The headmaster and the deputy are my superiors and I treat them as such. The teachers are my colleagues and they are equals with me.
“I arrive at school on time and during teaching hours I don’t attend to my cellphone as I will be carrying out my duties as a teacher. I know that the future of the children that I teach will be in my hands and therefore they have to get quality for the money paid by their parents. Our learners are the future of tomorrow, they will be our future leaders and the process of grooming them for leadership has already started,” he said.
Chief Sitaudze was born in Beitbridge on August 30 in 1993. He did his primary schooling at Malala Primary School. He did his Form One to Four at Vhembe High School. He moved to Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo High School where he did his A-levels. — @DubeMatutu
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