…says PED Mhike at DSI Muganhu burial
Faith Ndou
CHIVI-Masvingo Provincial Education Director, Shyllate Mhike has emphasised the importance of succession planning, mentoring and grooming of junior staff to ensure sustainable institutional growth and continuity in government departments and the education sector.
Speaking at the burial of veteran educationist, Ronald Muganhu on the 27th of November at Sungayi Village under Headman Chipindu in Chivi, Mhike addressed over 1,000 mourners from across the country who gathered to pay their last respects.
She underscored the need for senior management to invest in leadership development, noting that no one remains in office forever due to retirement, career transitions or death.
“Senior managers must put in place succession plans and nurture those under their leadership to ensure sustainability of institutional missions and visions. When leaders leave, someone must be ready to take over,” she said.
Mhike hailed Muganhu who was the District Schools Inspector (DSI) for Gutu as a committed leader who went beyond supervision to mentor his subordinates. She said this was evident in the flawless organisation of his funeral by those he groomed, a true reflection of the impact he had on their lives.
“The Ministry has lost a dedicated senior manager, an educationist who excelled in his work. But Gutu is the biggest loser as he was driving the transformation of the education sector in line with Vision 2030 and Education 5.0. As the Bible says, a good leader leaves footprints not on the ground but in the hearts of those he led,” she said.
Muganhu, born on 31 March 1961, held a Master’s Degree in Chemistry. His career in education saw him rise through the ranks from teacher to headmaster in districts such as Buhera, Chiredzi and Insiza. He later became District Education Officer for Insiza in Matabeleland South before being appointed DSI for Gutu in 2018.
Having been diagnosed of liver cirrhosis two years back, Muganhu developed complications on Sunday morning the 23rd of November 2025 and was airlifted to Harare where he passed on Monday morning the 24th of November 2025.
He is survived by his wife and seven children, five sons and two daughters.
