BY SAMUEL NJINGA
Vice President Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi recently paid tribute to the late Reverend Jonas Mudadirwa Zvobgo, his wife, and national hero Dr Eddison Zvobgo, lauding their contribution to the development of Zimbabwe. He laid wreaths at the tombstones of Reverend and Mrs Zvobgo at their homestead in Shonganiso, Masvingo, in a ceremony marked by reverence and reflection.
Dr Eddison Zvobgo, a founding member of ZANU-PF and key architect of Zimbabwe’s post-independence legal and political framework, died on August 22, 2004. Vice President Mohadi, who worked alongside him in Parliament and Cabinet, praised his legacy of integrity and accountability.
“Reverend Zvobgo and his wife dedicated their lives to uplifting communities through education and faith, while Dr Eddison Zvobgo played a pivotal role in our liberation struggle and post-independence governance,” said Mohadi. “They embodied resilience, service, and a deep belief in the potential of our people.”
The Vice President also officiated the commissioning of a new computer laboratory at Zivezano Secondary School, a project aimed at improving digital literacy among rural students. In addition, he announced plans for student hostels at Shonganiso Mission, underlining the Second Republic’s commitment to enhancing access to quality education, especially in marginalised areas.
“Education is the cornerstone of our future,” he said. “By investing in students, we are strengthening the very fabric of our society.”
Mohadi also launched the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme, a new initiative driven by Discovery Ambulance Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The programme is set to improve emergency healthcare coverage in underserved communities by delivering critical medical response services.
“This initiative demonstrates our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring healthcare is accessible to all Zimbabweans, especially those in remote and vulnerable areas,” Mohadi said.
As part of his visit, VP Mohadi also presided over the launch of a provincial campaign against drug and substance abuse, part of a broader national push to create a drug-free Zimbabwe by 2030. He stressed that coordinated efforts between government and the private sector are essential to overcoming the social and health threats posed by drug addiction.
“This event is not only a celebration of progress but a reaffirmation of our dedication to tackling drug and substance abuse, which threatens the future of our youth,” he said.
The Vice President further demonstrated government support by handing over a 10kVA solar power system, 50 computers, a Starlink internet kit, and building materials to Shonganiso Mission. He also distributed food hampers to elderly residents in the community.
The event was attended by a high-level delegation of government officials, including Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of ICT Tatenda Mavetera, and Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini. The Zvobgo family was represented by Professor Rungano Zvobgo.
Reverend Jonas Mudadirwa Zvobgo and his wife were pioneers of community-based development and education, having established Shonganiso Mission under the Dutch Reformed Church in the early 1950s. Their legacy, along with that of their son Dr Eddison Zvobgo remains deeply ingrained in the socio-political landscape of Masvingo Province and Zimbabwe at large.
Dr Zvobgo, often referred to as the “architect of Zimbabwe’s Constitution,” was not only a legal scholar and minister but also a symbol of principled leadership during and after the liberation war. The tributes paid by VP Mohadi reflect the enduring relevance of his contributions to national discourse on governance, rule of law, and public accountability.
The government’s active investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education in rural areas reflect the priorities of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, particularly the mantra of inclusive development and empowerment through localised, community-based initiatives.