Midlands State University held a memorial service for Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebe at the Gweru Main Campus Grand Chapel on the 23rd of November 2023.
Founding Midlands State University Vice Chancellor and Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education Board Chairperson, Professor Bhebe was declared a national hero and is set to be buried at National Heroes Acre on the 25th of November 2023
In his testimonial speech, MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa highlighted Professor Bhebe’s dedicated service to the Bhebhe family, the University and its community as well as the entire higher and tertiary education fraternity.
“Professor Bhebe was a distinguished scholar, celebrated historian par excellence and a researcher of no mean accomplishments and in 1999, Professor Bhebe’s efforts saw him being appointed as the founding Vice Chancellor of MSU.
“Through his leadership, MSU has grown phenomenally from humble beginnings and is now an academic giant and his input and ideas have shaped the Education 5.0 academic fraternity that exists today,” said Professor Muzvidziwa.
The memorial service highlighted Professor Bhebe’s dedication to development and his humble, people-focused nature.
Various delegates and government officials gave testimonials about their personal experiences with Professor Bhebe and how he helped groom many into becoming great leaders in their own right.
Former Midlands State University Pro-Vice Chancellor and incumbent Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo shared his experiences as Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebe’s lieutenant in a moving reflection down memory lane with the congregation.
Professor Zvobgo credited the late Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebe for shaping him into the great leader of a thriving state university that he has become.
The service was attended by Bhebe family members, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, ZIMCHE CEO Professor Kuzvinetsa Peter Dzvimbo, University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo, Great Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor, Professor Rungano Jonas Zvobgo, Chairperson of the Midlands State University Council, Mrs. Victoria Hungwe, MSU Executive Management, Staff and Students, delegates from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development as well as members of the University Community.