Nkosentsha Khumalo
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s abrupt firing of Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda over alleged tribalism has set the country ablaze with controversy.
Citizens of Bubi District are up in arms and rallying behind their former leader in a fierce outcry against the President’s move, demanding justice and reconsideration of the former Minister’s dismissal from the education sector.
The residents of Bubi District, in their steadfast refusal to accept Sibanda’s dismissal, have appealed to President Mnangagwa to reconsider his decision.
In their plea, they emphasized Sibanda’s contributions to their community and his fierce advocacy on behalf of his constituents.
They argued that a dismissal is too harsh a punishment, proposing instead a written warning or lesser disciplinary action.
The residents, invoking the President’s past leniency towards other high-ranking officials, cited the example of a written warning given to the Reserve Bank Governor and demanded that the same leniency be granted to their sacked leader.
In a poignant letter addressed to President Mnangagwa, penned by the Chair Lady of the Bubi Community, Ronia Dube, and released to this publication, the people of Bubi District lobbied for the reconsideration of former Minister Sibanda’s dismissal.
The letter read,
“We, the citizens of Bubi District, are writing to express our strong opposition to the decision to dismiss Simelisizwe Sibanda from his position as Deputy Minister of Higher Education. We believe this decision was unjust and detrimental to our community’s interests.
“Simelisizwe Sibanda was a dedicated leader who fought tirelessly for our rights and needs as parents. He advocated for our children’s education, ensuring they received quality instruction in their native language. His removal was unwarranted, and we demand a credible reason for his dismissal.”
“We are particularly concerned about the appointment of a Shona-speaking teacher to teach ECD lessons in our district. This decision neglects our language and cultural heritage, threatening our children’s future.”
The citizens urged President Mnangagwa to reconsider this decision and prioritize the community’s needs.
They further highlighted the neglect of Bubi district’s infrastructure, specifically the Bulawayo-Nkayi road, an issue which was raised by former Minister Sibanda in parliament without any action taken.
“Our hospitals lack essential equipment and medication, and our nurses face ill treatment. We feel neglected and marginalized by the government.”
“We implore you to reverse your decision and reinstate Simelisizwe Sibanda as Deputy Minister of Higher Education. We request a warning rather than dismissal, as was done in the case of the Reserve Bank governor.”
“We believe Simelisizwe Sibanda’s dedication and leadership are essential to our community’s progress.”
Sibanda, reportedly engaged in a vitriolic tirade against one of the female teachers at Clonnmore Primary School in Bubi District. The educator, Winnet Mharadze, was publicly berated by Sibanda for having a Shona surname and supposedly killing children in his constituency.
The emotionally charged incident, which unfolded during a uniform donation at the school on June 24th, caught the attention of learners, teachers, and parents alike.
Sibanda is then said to have ordered the school head to immediately transfer the hapless teacher, thundering in no uncertain terms that she must be gone by Monday.
The audio recordings of this nerve-racking encounter captured the former Minister verbally lashing out at Mharadze, accusing her of idly “sitting” and “killing” children in his district.
The educator, trembling under the weight of the onslaught, was quizzed by Sibanda on the meaning of “uqethu,” only to be met with more verbal barbs.
In response to this, President Mnangagwa then fired the former Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister, Sibanda as he termed the dismissal of the Shona teacher to be based on tribal row.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya said the sacking was with immediate effect.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson D Mnangagwa has, in terms of section 108(1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, removed Hon Simelisizwe Sibanda from the Office of Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development with immediate effect,” Rushwaya said.
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