MIDWEEK REPORTER
CHIVI-Sukwe Primary School head, Tawanda Manyadze has extended a begging bowl for the construction of staff quarters following the departure of two senior teachers who left on early retirement.
The two senior teachers were not using school accommodation, but now the incoming students and permanent teachers are not from the locality hence they require accommodation at the school.
Manyadze said this at the early retirement ceremony for long serving Grace Mukungunugwa Huruva held recently at Chikomo Base Huruva homestead where he appealed for funds to build staff quarters for 6 teachers, three students and three permanent ones who have been seconded to the school beginning this year.
Another veteran educationist at Sukwe, Bothwell Machazire also waved good bye to the profession that gave him fame.
“I am happy and disappointed at the same time with the early retirement route taken by the two, Ms Huruva left a legacy of cleanliness, honest and hard work at Sukwe Primary School, and unfortunately she has left a void that will be very difficult or impossible to fill.
“Ms Huruva was staying with her family in the village which is near the school and she used to commute to from school daily, now she has retired the ones who are coming to fill her gap require accommodation, which we do not have, please help us to build a staff quarter for the student teachers and permanent staff who are joining us next year (2025),” said Manyadze.
Nkulumani Mlambo an ex student at Sukwe Primary School quickly suggested that a whatsapp group be created for the sole purpose of fundraising for the construction of the school so that all the former students with the ability to help can chip in.
“Let’s have a whatsapp group for all the former students at the iconic school to contribute something for the construction of the staff houses which are crucial for the development of the community so that our incoming teachers can have decent accommodation.
“We cannot afford to have Huruva’s legacy being let down by lack of funds.
“We have many school heads, chief executives, politicians and businessmen who passed through the corridors of Sukwe Primary who are willing to assist but may not be aware of the plight and the channel to forward their assistance. If we create a group that will go a long way in helping to put resources together and alleviate the plight of the school,” said Mlambo.
Grace Mukungunungwa also promised to look for donors for the school even though she has left and no longer the councillor for the area.
“Let’s maintain the standards at the school and the legacy of our father, Huruva alive and to that effect I will use my influence as a politician and knock on the doors of those who can assist us to come on board,” said Mukungunugwa.
The ceremony which saw hundreds of villagers from mainly ward 5 and 6 Chivi North converging at Pachikomo Base Huruva homestead was also attended by several headmasters, teachers both retired and serving including former Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Erison Huruba, Shakashe Primary head, Leonard Julius Chiremba, Masunda Primary head Austin Chiremba, former head, MP and Cllr Mekia Chamwadoro, Edmore Mukamuri a senior teacher at Chamasvinga Secondary, Mai Makasi and Fernando Karuwi.
Retired police officer Jackson Munangwa, Mufaro Muzira, Town Chitotombe Munangwa who was accompanied by his wife.
Rtd Criminal investigations Department Inspector Bonface Huruva, Rtd Chief Superintended Cleopas Mukungunugwa Huruva, prominent Shurugwi based farmer Moses Huruva, former Chivi North legislator and war veteran Tranos Huruva.
Grace paid tribute to the people who thronged the Huruva homestead to bid her farewell to the teaching profession as she is now focusing in full time into farming and politics.
She has been councillor for ward 5 since 2008 until 2023 when the ward was divided through the delimitation process but is now geared to bounce back in 2028.
Langton Chigombe and Loraine Mudzivo were the masters of ceremony.
