The Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT), has sent a condolence message to the Bhebhe family and the nation at large, following the de@th of Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebhe on Friday. Among other portfolios he held until the time of his de@th, Professor Bhebhe was also a member of the ZMMT board of trustees.
In a statement, ZMMT Chairman of Board of Trustees, Advocate HP Mkushi expressed sadness over, “the sudden and unexpected demise of Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebe on Friday, November 17, 2023, in Gweru.”
In consoling the family, Advocate Mkushi chronicled the works of the late Professor Bhebe, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT), and myself, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire ZMMT group of companies, including New Ziana, Kingstons, and Zimpapers.Professor Bhebe was instrumental in the revival of the ZMMT in 2020, contributing significantly to the establishment of the secretariat and the resurgence of New Ziana. He was at the forefront of efforts to modernise trust entities that were on the verge of collapse.
“His insightful contributions, sense of humor, and extensive knowledge of corporate governance greatly enriched our board meetings,” he said.
Advocate Mkushi also spoke highly of Professor Bhebe’s passion for education, “The ZMMT takes pride in acknowledging Professor Bhebe’s passion for education and its role in alleviating poverty in Zimbabwe. He was a staunch advocate for the establishment of higher learning institutions and will be remembered as the founding Vice Chancellor of the Midlands State University (MSU).”
He added, “Professor Bhebe was a man of remarkable intellect, vision, and bravery. He made significant contributions to Zimbabwean education, media, history, liberation, and development. His dedication to building a better future touched the lives of all Zimbabweans. Today, we mourn the loss of a distinguished son of Zimbabwe and a remarkable African who leaves behind a powerful legacy of humility, simplicity, and dedication to our struggle for unity, peace, and prosperity. At this time of profound sorrow, the entire Zimbabwean community and I stand with the bereaved family, the employees of ZMMT affiliated companies, the government, and the people of Zimbabwe, sharing in the immense sense of loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace under the grace of the Almighty God.”
In addition to his role at ZMMT, Professor Bhebe held several prestigious positions.
He was the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), a former Zimbabwe representative on the UNESCO Executive Board, a Council Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and an Alternate Member of the Governing Board of the Association of African Universities (AAU).
He was also a founding and Executive Member of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) and a board member of ZISCOSTEEL Pvt Ltd Zimbabwe. Professor Bhebe d!ed on the 17th of November 2023 in Gweru.
