Online Reporter
Meluleki Moyo
WHEN the devout perish and are taken away, no one takes it to heart, let alone understand that these are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants, for the Lord values and treasures their lives, and their passing is precious to him.
The scriptural implication in Isaiah 57:1-2 and Psalms 116:15 respectively, and aptly summing up the life, times and the demise of a selfless and dedicated educator, affectionately known as “Mama Z,” during the days of her life.
Arguably a soldier in the classroom, she abruptly met her demise while in the trenches on Saturday 13 December 2025.
Born Zodwa Mpofu on 21 March 1967 at Nkayi’s Mbuma Mission Hospital, little did anyone know that the infant, obviously cradled in warmth and simplicity, would one day rise to transform the lives of countless souls, becoming a beacon of inspiration in the field of education.
Probably unknown to many, her birth was not merely the arrival of a child but the beginning of a legacy that would empower generations.
The key takeaways from Zenka Primary, John Tallach Secondary School, Hillside Teachers’ College and the Zimbabwe Open University, both in academics and in life, evidently shaped her character and aspirations, setting her on a path towards excellence.
It was at this academic consortium that the seeds of her career were sown, before sprouting into a legacy that would go on to inspire and empower multitudes for more than three decades.
These and similar qualities were to manifest at Dete’s Detema Secondary, Umzingwane High and at Pumula High School, which became her final post and closing chapter, becoming a lasting testament to her dedication as an educator before her untimely passing.
Popular and academic accounts have it that at these stations, she created a haven of learning where learners felt seen, heard and cherished. The evidently beloved educator leaves behind an indelible mark on the hearts of countless learners, colleagues and parents, for in gross display of selflessness, she touched lives, nurtured minds, especially treating each child she stumbled upon as her own.
It was arguably at Bulawayo Metropolitan Province’s Pumula High School that she became a pedagogical supernova. Her star shone brighter than ever, amid blazing and increased brilliance, having joined the institution at the turn of the new millenium.
In as far as school competitions were concerned, she irradiated unparalleled splendour, resultantly becoming a trophy-teacher and prize-winning mentor. Learners under her mentorship swept almost everything on offer at district, provincial and national stages, resultantly bringing pride and recognition to the Linda Ncube-led beacon and flagship of Khami District.
As Guidance and Counselling Coordinator, she organised awareness campaigns on HIV and Aids as well as on Drugs and Substance Abuse.
Through an avalanche of brainstorming academic exercises like the Quiz, Debate and the Aids Action Club, which was always bullish at the National Aids Council (NAC) competitions, her efforts were directed towards promoting awareness, critical thinking and communication skills, among students. Collectively, these went a long way in educating learners about health, stigma reduction and responsible behaviour, added to enhancing knowledge and teamwork, as well as building confidence, reasoning, and the ability to articulate and defend ideas effectively.
Her philanthropy and benevolence knew no gender as she also exerted effort towards the needs of the boychild, courtesy of what she aptly termed the Boy Empowerment Movement (BEM). Functioning side-by-side with its twin initiative, the Girl Empowerment Movement (GEM), these saw learners engage in home and consumer economics, as they were taught life skills like cooking, baking and sewing.
Resultantly, learners were equipped with essential skills for self-sufficiency, creativity and responsibility. Career interests were inspired, and most importantly, uniforms were bought, tuition fees were paid from the proceeds realised from the initiatives.
Her dedication was holistic as her efforts even transcended from learners to institutional commitment as she leaves Pumula High at some infrastructural climax. Authoritative accounts have it that the school’s security room and kitchen floors are tiled owing to her efforts, added to 300 plastic chairs she purchased for the school, and thanks to the usual joint endeavours with her students.
Kunengi bantu!
Of course, icombined effort with her colleagues including cum-confidantes, the likes of Tongai Jonhera, Nobia Mketo, Munyaradzi Masawi, Hemina Ngwenya, and the Boss Lady herself, ingabe yayikhona, but Mama Z was individually exceptional and extraordinary as she went an extra mile, especially when it came to learners’ welfare.
Yikho kuthwa many are called but a few are teachers!
The funda-funda expert and a walking encyclopaedia of Zimbabwean history, culture and heritage’s contribution to the nation’s enlightenment, having served the Ministry for 34 years, will forever be cherished.
Demonstrating consistency in high pass rates and excellence in both formal and non-formal education, she served as senior teacher in History and as Head of Department before later assuming the role of Guidance and Counselling Co-ordinator at the same station. Flaunting mastery of public service instruments, ministry circulars and teacher professional standards, she also chaired IRBM committees at school and district levels.
…and with regards to the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC)…
She was an IsiNdebele marker with the country’s examination body for more than 20 years, having joined as an examiner. She rose through the ranks up to the apex, subsequently becoming a Principal Marking Supervisor (PMS), nationally. At the time of her demise, she was directing the IsiNdebele Paper in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province.
Behold how at ease she looked in her sleep as she lay in death, and in mission-accomplished recumbent posture!
As Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”, through her tireless commitment to teaching and mentoring, uMaMpofu has finished her work and she can now rest in peace knowing she has made a difference in the lives of many, through the strengths and abilities her Creator endowed her with, when she still walked the face of the earth.
It’s most likely that upon joining the heavenly choir, one of the angels probably asked:
“This one with a pedagogical celestial crown, who is she and where did she come from?”
And was told:
“This is Zodwa Mpofu. She belonged to that rare breed of women educators whose tireless efforts inspired generations of young people to strive for greatness. Sondela ngapha, khangela phansi emhlabeni from this, our heavenly gaze. Uyalubona usizi and the grief? Well, that is testament to her unwavering commitment to the countless lives she touched as she cared for and provided guidance and support for the needy during the days of her earthly life”.
Poles apart from “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher, this contemporary Mother Theresa was more liberal, assuming a loco parentis role to multitudes of young people now clocking in at various professions globally. No wonder why during this mourning period, youthful lament is lyrically pleading with the Creator:
Hlala lathi, litshonil’ ilanga ubusuku bufikile Nkosi; Masingasali singelaye umncedi, senzele uncedo ngokuhlala lathi!
Biologically survived by four children, her mortal remains were laid to rest at Umvutshwa after an emotional send-off at the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland at Old Lobengula in Bulawayo, on Thursday. #KubiKhonalokho [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu