Prominent Masvingo educationist dies
PROMINENT Masvingo Province educationist Mr Philip Hlatini has died.
He was 63. Mr Hlatini collapsed at his home in Rujeko suburb and died upon admission to Makurira Memorial Clinic.
He was buried at his rural home in Sikato Village in Nemamwa in on 4 March. He is survived by wife Ruramai, six children and seven grandchildren.
At the time of his death, Mr Hlatini was the headmaster at Chikarudzo Primary School near Great Zimbabwe.
“I can confirm the death of my father who died upon admission to Makurira Memorial Clinic on 1 March. He collapsed in his bedroom. He was a man who believed in education and he was an educator himself,” said his eldest child, Mr Tension Hlatini.
Mr Hlatini will be remembered for his immense contribution towards improving education standards in most communities in Masvingo, which was not only limited to playing a part in improving academic results but also construction of a number of infrastructure at schools.
His teaching career began in 1981 as a primary school teacher at Maringire School in Chivi District. In 1982 he moved to St Simon Primary School and in 1983 he moved yet again to teach at Danhamombe Primary School up until 1985. Between 1985 and 1989 he served as a head at Mapaike Primary School.
From Mapaike he moved to Matihwa Primary School as a head as well and managed to raise the school’s Grade Seven pass rate with the learning institution being positioned the second best in the district.
In 1997, Mr Hlatini donated $15 000 for the construction of four teachers’ houses at the school and also drilled a borehole.
In 2001, the nomadic Mr Hlatini moved to Madzivire Primary School where he played a pivotal role in the electrification of the school including the teachers’ cottages.
He also saw the establishment of an infant department, purchase of school furniture and construction of a basketball court.
In 2008, he moved to Rujeko Primary School where he served as the head up until 2013 where he facilitated the construction of three Early Childhood Development classroom blocks and a play centre, introduced five technical vocational subjects as well as the purchase of a school bus and Public Address System.
Mr Hlatini was to move to Murabwi Primary School in 2013 where he assumed the position of deputy head up until 2017 and thereafter joined Chikarudzo Primary School as the head up until to the time of his death. The late educationist’s memorial will be held at Sikato Village on 10 April.