Chronicle Editor
Meluleki Moyo, Sunday News Correspondent
EMOTIONS reigned supreme at the Holy Trinity Parish in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb during the funeral service of acclaimed academic, Mr Hlanganani Ncube, who recently succumbed to injuries sustained from a road traffic accident.
At the time of his untimely demise, Mr Ncube was a lecturer in the Faculty of Commerce at the Zimbabwe Open University’s Matabeleland North Regional Campus.
A sombre yet celebratory atmosphere filled the sanctuary as loved ones gathered to honour his life. Tears and laughter mingled, with mourners sharing heartfelt tributes, remembering the stalwart’s enduring legacy.
Born exactly five months after the country’s independence, Mr Ncube grew up in rural Kezi where he completed his Ordinary Levels at St Anna Secondary School. He trained as a police officer and served under the force for 20 years, a profession he would use as a stepping stone to inspire generations.
It was while in the police force that the career transitioner managed to academically advance himself, resulting in him completing his Advanced Levels while in police uniform.
The erudite lifelong learner would, however, not stop there.
He would go on to complete his first degree in Accounting with ZOU, and a few years later, attain a Master of Commerce in Applied Accounting from Great Zimbabwe University.
With an academic basket assorted with an array of other Accounting courses including ACCA, Mr Ncube also worked at Lupane State University’s Accounts department, and at Bulawayo Polytechnic as an external examiner.
He was so dedicated to his work such that he took the solo-authorship route, and wrote an entire Masters level module, when he was yet a part-time tutor.
Those who rubbed shoulders with him described him as a mentor who found joy in mentoring towards excellence.
The departed former Regional Chairperson of the Research Committee and Chairperson of the Regional Examinations Committee within the Zimbabwe Open University, leaves behind a legacy of ground-breaking work.
No wonder why the institution’s Matabeleland North Regional Director, Dr Douglas Gasva said the region and the Hwange community had suffered a huge loss.
“The entire ZOU family and the community has lost a powerful, very hard-working academic with a very affable personality. His tireless efforts to impart knowledge, inspire critical thinking, and foster intellectual growth made him an invaluable asset to the institution.
“He indeed created a lasting impact on the academic lives of countless individuals. May his family, friends and relatives be comforted by the Holy Spirit during this difficult phase, as we wish his soul a peaceful rest,” he said.
Mr Ncube’s influence extended beyond the lecture room, as colleagues described him as an exemplary academic who earned immense respect.
“Through Ncube’s unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for teaching, I learnt the value of hard work and perfection. It is so sad uHlanganani sesihlanganise ngosizi. However, a friend may leave but their memory stays, which is a bittersweet reminder of joy and pain,” said a colleague.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we still ask that age-old question: “Kufa, luphi udonsi lwakho? (Oh death, where is thy sting?)
Mr Ncube’s death sting has been silenced by a life filled with laughter and inspiration, remarked erstwhile professional counterpart, Mr Tongai Jonhera.
It is indeed the end of an era. As the scriptures say, there is a time and a season for everything under the heavens, and of course, including that of mourning.
The late academic is survived by wife Tsitsi and three children.
His remains were interred at St Anna in Kezi, Matabeleland South, last week on Saturday.
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