Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE academic sector has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Mkoba Teachers College Principal, Dr Rosina Mavunga, whose leadership and commitment to Heritage-based Education 5.0 earned her recognition as one of the country’s dedicated champions of teacher training.
Dr Mavunga died on Tuesday at a private hospital in Masvingo after falling ill while attending the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education’s 2027 Strategic Review Workshop.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the academic community, with colleagues describing her as an inspirational leader, mentor and goal-getter who was passionate about transforming teacher education and empowering future generations.
Mkoba Teachers College confirmed her death in a statement, describing her as a visionary and compassionate leader who devoted her life to advancing education.
“The family of Mkoba Teachers College is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Dr R Mavunga, our esteemed Principal,” said the college.
“A great leader, distinguished humanist, strategist, mentor, educator and friend.”
The college said Dr Mavunga’s unwavering commitment, professionalism and integrity had set a remarkable standard for staff and students, while her kindness, wisdom and passion for education had touched countless lives.
It said she was more than an administrator, having served as a caring mentor and a source of encouragement to those around her.
“Her kindness, wisdom and passion for education touched countless lives and transformed Mkoba Teachers College into a place of hope, excellence and opportunity,” said the college.
“As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and the lasting impact she has made on our college, our community and the nation.”
Marymount Teachers’ College Principal Mr Martin Mukwazhu said Dr Mavunga’s death had come as a shock, describing her as a source of inspiration whose leadership was helping drive the implementation of Education 5.0 at Mkoba Teachers College.
“I am at a loss for words to describe what I am feeling right now. Her passing came as a shock to me and I am still trying to comprehend what happened,” he said.
“The academic sector has lost a source of inspiration, a leader and a goal-getter who was driving Education 5.0 at Mkoba Teachers College. May her soul rest in peace.”
Public Service Commission Midlands Provincial Coordinator Mr Andrew Chimanyiwa described Dr Mavunga as a formidable figure in the academic sector, saying her death was a major loss to the province and the country.
“This is indeed a great loss for us in the Midlands Province and the country at large,” he said.
Dr Mavunga was appointed principal of Mkoba Teachers College in October 2023 after serving as vice-principal of United College of Education in Bulawayo.
She joined United College of Education in June 2017 and served in the institution’s leadership until November 2023. Her career also included lecturing at Hillside Teachers’ College and Great
Zimbabwe University, as well as teaching at various primary and secondary schools.
She held a PhD in Education Management from North-West University in South Africa, with her academic interests and research focusing on educational management and leadership, pedagogics, curriculum transformation and the modernisation of teacher training.
At Mkoba Teachers College, Dr Mavunga championed the Government’s Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy, which seeks to produce graduates equipped with practical skills, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity to contribute to national development.
Her tenure also saw the institution pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening its cultural identity and expanding opportunities for students.
Among the initiatives was the development of a Cultural Hub incorporating traditional architectural features, including replicas, in a drive to blend cultural heritage with modern technical education.
The college also continued to promote student support initiatives, including its Work Study Programme, which assists financially vulnerable students.
Dr Mavunga’s leadership journey reflected a long-standing commitment to education, spanning classroom teaching, lecturing, research and institutional administration.
Beyond her college responsibilities, she served as board chairperson of Bulawayo Methodist High School and patron of the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Colleges Sports Association.
Her death leaves a void in the teacher-training sector at a time when tertiary institutions are being challenged to align their programmes with national development priorities and produce graduates capable of creating employment and driving innovation.
As colleagues and the wider academic community mourn her passing, tributes have centred on her dedication to education, her mentorship and her efforts to strengthen Mkoba Teachers College as a centre of excellence. Her daughter Chidza said funeral arrangements were underway.
