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Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau
Veteran educationist Cde Michael Shambare (77), who died on Tuesday last week and declared a provincial hero by President Mnangagwa, was buried at the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre on Saturday.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the Second Republic will continue to honour acts of heroism from individuals across society irrespective of political affiliation.
She said President Mnangagwa had demonstrated through conferring provincial hero status on Cde Shambare, a former school head at Nemakonde High, that all patriotic citizens would be rewarded.
He was buried with military honours in recognition of his significant contribution towards making the society better.
Cde Shambare joins late musicians Oliver Mtukudzi and Soul ‘Soul Jah Love’ Musaka, who were also honoured by President Mnangagwa.
Mtukudzi was declared a national hero while Soul Jah Love was declared a provincial hero.
Said Minister Mliswa-Chikoka: “The Second Republic recognises one’s contribution to society before coming up decisions on who should be declared a hero.
The Late Cde Shambare instilled in them (children) good cultural, moral and societal values and encouraged unity and the spirit of oneness among learners and teachers.
“As a result, the school’s O-level results improved and Nemakonde was to be ranked in the National top 10 Schools. Add to that rich history, Nemakonde became the first day school to establish an ‘A-Level centre in Mashonaland West Province, all courtesy of the late Cde Shambare’s leadership qualities. Nemakonde High became a centre for sporting excellence with its soccer, netball and volleyball teams getting national accolades.”
The school also produced football players who went on to play for the national team including Justice Majabvi and Gift Kamuriwo.
Cde Shambare’s former Kutama College schoolmate in the 1960s, who is former Mashonaland West Governor, Cde Faber Chidarikire, described him as a straightforward person whose outstanding character manifested during school days.
“We were together at Kutama where we trained as teachers. He was someone who always wanted to be an achiever and worked hard to realise his goals,” said Cde Chidarikire.
Family spokesperson, Bishop Silent Mutimbanyoka, thanked the Government for honouring Cde Shambare.
A former Nemakonde High School student, Mr Emmanuel Kwaramba said Cde Shambare was a disciplinarian who moulded him and many others into responsible and productive people.
Cde Shambare was born on April 26, 1945 in Zvimba under Chief Chirau.
He attended Kawondera Primary and Kutama Secondary schools.
Among other qualifications, Cde Shambare was a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zimbabwe, which he attained in 1983.
Online Reporter