Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Insiza
VICE-President Kembo Mohadi has emphasised the importance of parents in nurturing families, instilling discipline and cultivating a culture of hard work as he paid tribute to the late Khulu Michael Mbuzo Mbiji Dube, who died at the age of 103.
VP Mohadi was speaking at the burial of Khulu Dube, the father of Dr Benson Dube, the Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, at Dekezi in Insiza District.
The Vice-President said the family remains a critical institution in shaping individuals and communities, describing Khulu Dube’s life as an example of parental guidance, hard work and harmonious living.
“We have come here to mourn with the Dube family. We have come to stand with you during this difficult time. Nothing compares to the pain of losing a parent, but it is God’s time,” said VP Mohadi.
Khulu Dube died last Wednesday.
“We celebrate his life today. We have learnt and heard a lot about how he taught both the family and the community to live harmoniously and work on the land,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the wisdom of elderly people should be valued and preserved, as their experience offers important lessons to younger generations.
“Such people are those under whose shadow we should always sit and seek guidance. But their time with us is limited,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experience of losing a parent, VP Mohadi recalled the death of his father in December 2006 at the age of 97.
“My father was strong and fit, but 51 days later he died in his sleep. Perhaps he found no reason to continue living after that,” he said.
The Vice-President commended the Dube family for caring for their father until his death at the age of 103.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Dube shared memories of his father’s strict upbringing and his emphasis on agriculture, discipline and self-reliance.
He said his father encouraged his children to work hard and equipped them with practical skills that shaped their lives.
“I learnt valuable skills from him and also how to think outside the box. We started life with great lessons from him. Our toys were picks and shovels; he made us strong men. We gained confidence from the way we were brought up by our father,” he said.
Speaker after speaker described Khulu Dube as a hardworking and dedicated man who made a lasting contribution to his family and community.
A devout member of the Salvation Army Church, Khulu Dube was born on April 12, 1923. He attended school in Dekezi before training as a teacher.
He taught at Nanda in Tsholotsho District, among other schools, before moving to Zhombe, where he continued his teaching career.
In 1966, he relocated from Zhombe to Dekezi, where he settled after building his homestead.
Reverend Elliot Msipha, a friend of the late centenarian, described him as a lovable person and paid tribute to their longstanding friendship.
“He was my friend whom I loved. We taught together and lived together happily,” he said.
Local village head Mr Phibeon Mafu said the community had lost a remarkable leader whose wisdom and counsel had benefited generations.
“We received valuable teachings from him in the community. He wanted to uplift the people. He loved his work; he was a great farmer and we held many field days here. Many people learnt good farming practices at this homestead,” he said.
Khulu Dube is survived by eight children, more than 40 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
