Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed his condolences following the death of former Permanent Secretary for Lands and Agriculture, Dr Robbie Mupawose, describing him as a fountain of knowledge whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s agricultural and economic development will be remembered for generations.
Dr Mupawose died on Sunday after a long illness.
In his condolence message yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Dr Mupawose was among a group of highly qualified Zimbabweans who answered the call to return home after Independence in 1980 to help build the newly independent nation’s institutions.
“A long-time Permanent Secretary in our Lands and Agricultural Ministries, Dr Mupawose belonged to a pioneering crop of experts we summoned back home at Independence to take up leadership positions in the nascent post-independence civil service.
“Without hesitating, he packed his bags and headed home, where he helped repair and rehabilitate our Agricultural Sector, which had been broken by a long war. In that demanding role, he was part of the team which tackled and developed a blueprint for our land reforms and the resettlement programme, a dual assignment he remained seized with right up to his last days in Government.”
The President said Dr Mupawose played a key role in shaping Zimbabwe’s agricultural policies and programmes during a critical period of national reconstruction and development. He noted that the former senior civil servant remained influential even after leaving Government service, continuing to provide expertise and guidance on national economic and agricultural issues.
“Even after leaving Government, we continued to draw on his expertise, including in the context of the National Economic Consultative Forum, NECF, where agricultural policies were shaped and made to speak to the rest of the sectors of our Economy.
“His chairmanship of Agricultural Boards such as TIMB, ARDA, AMA and the Biotechnology Council of Zimbabwe, was salutary and directional. Later in his wide-spanning career, he chaired many boards in the private sector, and advised on numerous international bodies, which included the World Bank.”
President Mnangagwa said Dr Mupawose’s distinguished career in both the public and private sectors reflected his commitment to national development and his passion for advancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Describing his death as a major loss to the country, the President said Zimbabwe had lost one of its most respected agricultural experts and administrators.
“We have lost a fountain of knowledge and expertise. On behalf of the Party, Zanu-PF, Government, my Family and my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Mupawose Family, especially to Amai Mupawose and the children, on this their saddest loss.
“I also condole with colleagues of Dr Mupawose, both in the public and private sectors, on this huge loss. May they all derive solace from the outstanding and indelible accomplishments of the dear departed, always remembering that our Nation hails him as among its great sons.”
In recognition of his immense contribution to national development, public service and leadership in the agriculture sector, President Mnangagwa granted Dr Mupawose a State-assisted funeral. The honour reflects the significant role Dr Mupawose played in shaping agricultural policy, supporting land reform initiatives and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic development over several decades of dedicated service.
