Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has underscored the vital role of parents in nurturing families, instilling discipline and fostering a strong work ethic, 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, 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 the cornerstone of society, shaping individuals and communities, and described Khulu Dube’s life as a shining example of strong 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 beats the pain of losing a parent, but it’s 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 the family and community how to live harmoniously, working on the land,” said VP Mohadi.
The Vice-President said the wisdom and experience of the elderly should be cherished and preserved, as they provide valuable guidance to younger generations.
“Such people are those that we should always sit in their shadow and get their guidance. But their time is very limited,” said the Vice-President.
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 dad was strong and fit, but 51 days later, he died in his sleep. He found no reason to live, I guess and died,” he said.
The Vice-President commended the Dube family for caring for their father throughout his life and ensuring his wellbeing until his death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Dube shared memories of his father’s disciplined upbringing and his emphasis on agriculture, hard work and self-reliance.
He said his father encouraged his children to work diligently and equipped them with practical skills that helped shape their lives.
“I learnt good skills from him and also to think outside the box. We started life with such great lessons from him and our toys were picks and shovels. He made us great men. We got confidence from the way we were brought up by our father,” said Dr Dube.
Speaker after speaker remembered Khulu Dube as a hardworking and dedicated family man whose influence extended beyond his household to the wider community.
A devoted 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 later moving to Zhombe, where he continued his teaching career.
In 1966, he relocated to Dekezi, where he settled permanently and became a respected farmer and community leader.
Local village head Mr Phibeon Mafu said the community had lost a remarkable elder whose wisdom, leadership and commitment to farming had benefited generations.
“We had good teachings from him in the community. He wanted to uplift the people, loved to do his work as a great farmer and we held many field days here. Many people were taught good farming practices at this homestead,” he said.
Reverend Elliot Msipha, a long-time friend of the late centenarian, described him as a warm and compassionate man and paid tribute to their enduring friendship.
Khulu Dube is survived by eight children, more than 40 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Robin Muchetu in Insiza
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has underscored the vital role of parents in nurturing families, instilling discipline and fostering a strong work ethic, 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, 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 the cornerstone of society, shaping individuals and communities, and described Khulu Dube’s life as a shining example of strong 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 beats the pain of losing a parent, but it’s 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 the family and community how to live harmoniously, working on the land,” said VP Mohadi.
The Vice-President said the wisdom and experience of the elderly should be cherished and preserved, as they provide valuable guidance to younger generations.
“Such people are those that we should always sit in their shadow and get their guidance. But their time is very limited,” said the Vice-President.
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 dad was strong and fit, but 51 days later, he died in his sleep. He found no reason to live, I guess and died,” he said.
The Vice-President commended the Dube family for caring for their father throughout his life and ensuring his wellbeing until his death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Dube shared memories of his father’s disciplined upbringing and his emphasis on agriculture, hard work and self-reliance.
He said his father encouraged his children to work diligently and equipped them with practical skills that helped shape their lives.
“I learnt good skills from him and also to think outside the box. We started life with such great lessons from him and our toys were picks and shovels. He made us great men. We got confidence from the way we were brought up by our father,” said Dr Dube.
Speaker after speaker remembered Khulu Dube as a hardworking and dedicated family man whose influence extended beyond his household to the wider community.
A devoted 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 later moving to Zhombe, where he continued his teaching career.
In 1966, he relocated to Dekezi, where he settled permanently and became a respected farmer and community leader.
Local village head Mr Phibeon Mafu said the community had lost a remarkable elder whose wisdom, leadership and commitment to farming had benefited generations.
“We had good teachings from him in the community. He wanted to uplift the people, loved to do his work as a great farmer and we held many field days here. Many people were taught good farming practices at this homestead,” he said.
Reverend Elliot Msipha, a long-time friend of the late centenarian, described him as a warm and compassionate man and paid tribute to their enduring friendship.
Khulu Dube is survived by eight children, more than 40 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
