Online Reporter
Dr Leticia Kuda Mupawose
Yesterday we laid to rest a giant, Dr Robbie Matongo Mupawose.
He was a husband, father, grandfather, nationalist, liberator, agriculturist, corporate leader, adviser, disciplinarian and father figure for many beyond his bloodline.
Dr Mupawose’s life cannot be adequately summarised in a few words. His journey was one of service, sacrifice, excellence and nation-building.
Before Zimbabwe attained independence, while the country was still Rhodesia, he worked in the agriculture sector, in places such as Chisumbanje, and later served as a lecturer at Chibero Agricultural College.
Even then, his work was never merely professional; it was deeply connected to the future of a people and a nation.
During the liberation struggle, dad was never one to speak openly about his contributions, but his role was significant.
In Chisumbanje, he helped mobilise clothing, medicines and other essential supplies for the comrades.
He also played a part in supporting the broader Southern African liberation struggle, assisting with logistics, safe houses and the movement of African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) leaders during the fight against apartheid.
Following independence, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, where he helped shape the agricultural foundations of Zimbabwe.
He was among the architects of policies and systems that contributed to Zimbabwe earning its reputation as the breadbasket of Southern Africa.
Later, he transitioned from Government service and continued serving the nation through private sector leadership, land policy work and advisory roles.
His distinguished career included leadership and service within many important institutions, including Agribank, Delta Corporation, Barclays Bank Zimbabwe, Ariston Holdings, Hippo Valley Estates, Zimbabwe Leaf Tobacco and various national land and agricultural advisory bodies.
He was a man whose counsel was sought on matters relating to agriculture, banking, governance and national development.
But to us, he was simply dad.
Dad was born into the Mupawose clan, a bloodline with a rich chieftainship heritage.
Although he was never formally installed as a chief, he carried the heart, wisdom and sense of responsibility of one.
Within our family, he was our chief. He believed that family extended beyond biology and embraced all who came under his care, guidance and protection.
As a husband, he cared deeply for both his late first wife and his surviving wife, providing love, stability and unwavering support.
As a father, he was a disciplinarian who expected excellence, integrity and accountability.
He gave his all to his children and treated each of them equally. He was a man of principle, who stood firmly against injustice and always sought what was right.
To his daughters, he was a champion.
He taught us that while marriage is built on respect and partnership, no woman should ever surrender her dignity or endure abuse.
He encouraged us to be educated, independent thinkers who knew our worth and walked confidently in it.
Despite the demands of his professional life, he always found time for family.
Holidays were important to him. He understood that success was measured not only by achievements, but also by the memories created with those we love.
Those who knew him well will also remember his appreciation for a good glass of red wine at the end of a long day, a quiet moment of reflection after a life dedicated to service.
Dr Mupawose is survived by his beloved wife, six children, many grandchildren, extended family members and countless others whose lives he touched.
His influence reached far beyond his own household.
He mentored, guided, corrected, encouraged and inspired generations of people who regarded him as a father figure.
His legacy belongs not only to the Mupawose family, but also to Zimbabwe itself.
He helped build institutions, strengthen agriculture, shape policy and contribute to the liberation and development of Southern Africa.
Many of the structures, businesses and systems that continue to serve people today bear the fingerprints of his wisdom, vision and leadership.
Yesterday, we laid his body to rest, but his legacy remains alive in the nation he helped build, the family he nurtured and the countless lives he influenced.
As we remember him, perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer is to ask ourselves: What are we doing with the foundations laid by those who came before us? How are we building upon the sacrifices of the sung and unsung heroes of our nation?
Rest in eternal peace, Dr Mupawose.
Your work is done.
Your legacy endures.
Your lessons remain.
Your love lives on.
Live on, dad.
We live on because of you, dad, until we meet again.
Your children.
