ZMMT mourns Prof Bhebe

PROFESSOR EMERITUS Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebe was a man of remarkable intellect, vision and bravery, who made significant contributions to various sectors of the country, Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT) chairperson Advocate Honour Mkushi has said.

Professor Bhebe — a distinguished scholar and founding vice chancellor and later Professor Emeritus of Midlands State University (MSU) — died last week. He was 81.

In a condolence message to the Bhebe family, Advocate Mkushi said ZMMT takes pride in acknowledging Prof Bhebe’s passion for education and its role in alleviating poverty in Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of the board of trustees of the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust and myself, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and the entire ZMMT group of companies, including New Ziana, Kingstons and Zimpapers.

“His insightful contributions, sense of humour and extensive knowledge of corporate governance greatly enriched our board meetings,” said Adv Mkushi.

Prof Bhebe, he said, was instrumental in the revival of the ZMMT in 2020, and contributed immensely to the establishment of the secretariat and the resurgence of New Ziana.

“He was at the forefront of efforts to modernise trust entities that were on the verge of collapse.

“His dedication to building a better future touched the lives of all Zimbabweans.”

Apart from his role at ZMMT, Prof Bhebe was the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, a former Zimbabwe representative on the UNESCO executive board, a council member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and an alternate member of the governing board of the Association of African Universities.

He was a founding and executive member of the Southern African Regional Universities Association and a board member of Ziscosteel (Private).

Advocate Mkushi said Prof Bhebe leaves behind a powerful legacy of humility, simplicity and dedication to the struggle for unity, peace and prosperity.

Prof Bhebe was declared a national hero by President Mnangagwa last week.