Chronicle Editor
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
EARLY this month President Mnangagwa appointed Gwanda South legislator, Dr Omphile Marupi as the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Dr Marupi will be deputising another distinguished academic, Dr Jenfan Muswere who is in charge of the portfolio. With an impressive 22-year tenure in the broadcasting sector, Dr Marupi’s journey to this prestigious position is a story of unwavering commitment and unparalleled expertise.
His tenure at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) saw him rise through the ranks, culminating in him being the head at Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, where his vision and guidance left an enduring impact on the industry, elevating the broadcasting landscape to new heights.
Beyond his contributions to broadcasting, Dr Marupi is a distinguished multi-lingual academic, holding a Doctor of Philosophy in English and Comparative Literature from Fort Hare University in South Africa. His academic achievements also include a Master of Science in Strategic Communication from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), a Master of Arts in African Languages and Culture, a post-graduate degree in Higher and Tertiary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Language Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts Special Honours in Communication and Media Studies.
Notably, Dr Marupi’s dedication extends beyond academia and broadcasting, as he played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of 16 official languages, including SeSotho, Venda, Kalanga, and Xhosa, in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
His efforts in promoting language diversity also extended to the introduction of seSotho language at tertiary institutions and the writing of books, reflecting his commitment to uplifting the community and preserving cultural heritage.
In an interview with Sunday News on his appointment, Dr Marupi expressed profound gratitude, stating, “My appointment is not only a victory and source of inspiration to the people of Gwanda but the journalism fraternity. With this appointment, I am not here to start anything new but I am there to implement things that have been there, being pioneered by President Mnangagwa in his Vision 2030.”
He said the Ministry’s vision aligns with President Mnangagwa’s strategic roadmap for the nation, emphasising continuity and the implementation of transformative initiatives outlined in Vision 2030.
“My appointment is testimony that when one works hard they are rewarded for all their efforts. I thank all my former bosses at ZBC who pushed us to further our education and for bringing out the person I am today, with that I managed to rise from the floor till I got to the very top, just by working hard. However, this appointment comes with a lot of responsibilities, as you know the Second Republic, under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa emphasizes unity, development and economic growth towards attaining Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle class economy,” said Dr Marupi. He said the Information Ministry was a vital cog in President Mnangagwa’s vision as the media were the mouth and eyes of the people and it was central in the dissemination of information that gives an overview of Government policies at the same time respecting various cultures in the nation and in a language that is respectable.
Dr Marupi further emphasized that freedom of expression was a right that was enshrined in the Constitution and it was important for the media to always remember that, noting the need for constructive debates among society to ensure the continued development of the country.
“Technology is one aspect we cannot ignore considering that at times information can be disruptive in nature, so the media should play the role of information dissemination and making sure that society always has accurate information. However, when you benchmark Zimbabwe with other countries which are multilingual and have numerous natural resources, I will boldly said we are among the best, if not the best, look at the number of radio stations which we have, all meant to preserve our languages, this was pioneered by President Mnangagwa. The media is crucial in ensuring that communities are informed and the Second Republic has done a lot in creating that conducive environment. Therefore, as a Deputy Minister I am not coming with anything new at all but helping implement systems that have already been set up with the guidance of President Mnangagwa,” said the Deputy Minister.
As Dr Marupi assumes his new role, his appointment symbolises a convergence of expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication, heralding a promising era for information, publicity, and broadcasting services in Zimbabwe. His dynamic leadership is poised to leave an indelible impact, echoing far beyond Gwanda, and resonating throughout the nation.
Online Reporter