Online Reporter
Sharon Jiyamwa-Herald Reporter
a new chapter has been opened at Chitepo School of Ideology with Retired Colonel Earnest Dube taking the reins as acting principal. He succeeds Cde Ishmael Mada.
The leadership change was marked by calls for continuity, discipline and the strengthening of ideological education as the institution seeks to meet growing demand for its programmes.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tawengwa said the transition represented continuity in the work of the institution.
He commended Cde Mada for his contribution during his tenure and urged the incoming acting principal to consolidate the work already undertaken.
“Today is about continuity, service and responsibility. We gather to appreciate a Comrade who has served our revolutionary party and this institution with commitment, while at the same time entrusting another Comrade with the responsibility of carrying the work forward,” he said.
Sen Tawengwa said ideological education remained important to the party’s emphasis on patriotism, discipline, unity and hard work.
He said the school had a role to play in preparing cadres to contribute towards national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The Chitepo School of Ideology must, therefore, continue moulding cadres who understand where we came from, what the party, Zanu PF, stands for, and the responsibility entrusted to our generation,” he said.
Sen Tawengwa said ideological education should also support the country’s development aspirations.
“Patriotism must translate into production, innovation, service and tangible national development,” he said.
Col (Rtd) Dube said he accepted the appointment with a strong sense of responsibility, describing it as national duty.
“It is with profound humility, gratitude and an unwavering sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to formally accept the honour and duty entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Dr Mnangagwa, as Acting Principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology,” he said.
Col (Rtd) Dube paid tribute to his predecessor, saying he had learnt from Cde Mada, particularly the importance of patience and consultation.
“One of the major lessons he impressed upon me was: ‘General Ndlalambi, be patient. Some of these things do not happen overnight as you may wish.’
“He would always say, ‘Consult’,” he said.
He said consultation would be central to his approach to leadership.
“Before you write anything or communicate anything, it should pass through my office for consultation. Once you have consulted, then you can speak. Before that, keep it to yourself,” he said.
Col (Rtd) Dube pledged to lead the institution on the basis of discipline, integrity, teamwork, professionalism, patriotism and servant leadership.
The incoming acting principal said he would work with the party leadership, staff and stakeholders to strengthen the school as a centre for ideological education, research and engagement.
Outgoing principal Cde Mada said the handover marked an important milestone in the institution’s history and described leadership as a responsibility entrusted to individuals for a given period.
He thanked President Mnangagwa and the party leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the school, while expressing appreciation to the leadership and staff for their support during his tenure.
“As I pass the baton to Retired Colonel Dube today, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude to all staff at the Chitepo School of Ideology and colleagues for their support and teamwork,” he said.
He said the school’s mandate was to address what he termed mental slavery and promote unity, focus and national cohesion.
“The Chitepo School of Ideology, colleagues, has the sacred task of emancipating all our citizens from mental slavery. This is a challenging task that requires unquestionable loyalty as well as endurance and perseverance.
“As an institution, we are measured by our delivery of this particular mandate. Therefore, failure is not an option,” he said.
Cde Mada said he would remain available to the institution as a resource person.
