Chronicle Editor
Continued from last week
JS remained loyal to the LMS to the end. Initially attending church services at the Njube Church, he later attended the Mzilikazi Church. Till his death he worked closely with the LMS ministers who he used to advise where necessary. It was he who organised a memorial service for Kenneth Malthus Smith, a former Head at the school following his death.
It was as a result of that service at Inyathi which I attended with my friend and colleague Marieke Clarke who had taught at the school only to be deported in 1964. Through his initiative former Inyathi students in the period before independence penned their brief biographies which Marieke and I compiled and edited into a book titled, “A Cradle of the Revolution: Voices from Inyathi School, Matabeleland Zimbabwe 1914-1980.”
Some of the contributors were Walter Mthimkhulu, Moffat M Ndlovu (former Bulawayo Town Clerk), Agrippa Madlela, Jack Nhliziyo, Zwelibanzi Mzilethi, Rodger Muhlwa, Obadiah Moyo, among others.
“Sinje nje ngenxa yakhe!” We are what we are through his efforts! Joshua excelled in assisting several students and schools. He was not just a classroom practitioner. His benevolent heart extended to various students who were not in a position to pay the required boarding and school fees.
It all started within the context of the Committee of Friends (CoF) chaired by Professor Phineas Mogorosi Makhuarane. Joshua was Makhurane’s best man during the latter’s wedding ceremony.The organization comprised in the main of secondary school heads. I was one of them. Whenever one of us got promoted congratulatory parties were arranged at members’ residences.
Later the CoF began sourcing books, mostly Science books, for secondary schools. At the same time the CoF was sourcing laboratory equipment for secondary schools at a time when Science results were poor in the Matabeleland schools. We engaged in activities that sought to ensure there were teachers, especially deputy heads in secondary schools, who became heads.
Joshua Mpofu was the chairman of the Former Inyathi Students Association (FISA) which assisted in no small measure towards the development of Inyathi High School. There he worked closely with Doctor F Moyo, an anesthetist who, like him had a kind and big heart. It was through the efforts of FISA with Mpofu at the helm that Inyathi managed to buy a school bus. He was working closely with the likes of VB Sibanda and BZ Moyo.
He was also chairman of the Mthwakazi Scholarship Fund which assisted students enrolled at the universities of Lupane, NUST and the MSU. They paid fees for the identified students.
Here he worked hand in hand with Thoko Ndlovu and a congratulatory party was held at Thoko’s premises at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). I also was in attendance. On the 24th of November a party was held where Professor Mqhele Dlodlo (NUST VC), Mrs Mlilo from Gwanda and Mrs Sibindi from Hillside Teachers College were present.
Budiriro Trust, a UK-based organisation was another organisation where Mpofu played a prominent role role in ensuring Lower and Upper 6th students had their boarding and school fees paid. Students at schools such as Thekwane, Inyathi and St James, among others had students who benefitted.
The constant stream of mourners going to pay condolences to the family was clear evidence of the work he did, which work was being acknowledged, with the words, “Sinje nje ngenxa yakhe!” May His Very Dear Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
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