Mukudzei Chingwere in HWEDZA
LONG before they became liberation fighters and national leaders, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and the late national hero Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri were learners at Mount St Mary’s Mission, where a dedicated teacher shaped their character, instilled discipline and nurtured a sense of service to their country.
Nearly six decades later, VP Chiwenga returned to the Hwedza mission to honour his former teacher Mr Maximilian Musavaya, on his 90th birthday, celebrating a life devoted to education, community service and the preservation of human life during the liberation struggle. The occasion was more than a birthday celebration.
It honoured the often-unheralded role of teachers in shaping the people who would lead Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence and serve the nation after 1980.
Mr Musavaya, affectionately known to generations of learners as “Teacher Gonah”, taught at the mission alongside his wife, Mrs Hildegarde Musavaya, during the liberation war.
Among his learners were the young Chiwenga, now Vice President; Air Chief Marshal Shiri; Brigadier-General (Retired) Richard Huchu; and Cde Ernest Mandizvidza.
In 1973, VP Chiwenga left the school with three friends — Cde Shiri, Brig-Gen (Retd) Huchu and Cde Mandizvidza — to join the liberation struggle.
For the Musavayas, the Vice President’s return yesterday brought back memories of the boy they knew as “Costa” — quiet and unassuming, with little indication of the national leadership role he would eventually assume.
“I am deeply humbled to stand before you at Mt St Mary’s Mission, a place that holds a very special position in my own life,” said VP Chiwenga.
“I am here to honour a man who shaped my formative years in primary school, and the lives of countless others who passed through his classroom.”
The celebrations combined the launch of Mr Musavaya’s autobiography, the donation of more than 1 000 reading books and the school’s prize-giving ceremony, fitting tributes to a man whose life has been defined by teaching and a belief in the transformative power of education.
“He taught here at Mt St Mary’s during a time of great difficulty for our nation; the years of the liberation struggle,” said VP Chiwenga.
“When the war had intensified, this mission stood firm as a place of learning. I was privileged to be one of the students who studied under his mentorship and guidance, alongside others who went on to serve this nation in different capacities, among them the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri and Cynthia Gora.”
Mr Musavaya’s contribution went beyond the classroom. At a time when armed confrontation could easily have resulted in civilian casualties, he became a trusted adviser to liberation fighters camped near the mission.
“During the war, liberation fighters camped near this mission once came to consult him on whether they should move against the Rhodesian troops stationed here,” said VP Chiwenga.
“He counselled against confrontation, warning that it would lead to bloodshed.”
Mr Musavaya’s house, the last before Rusunzwe Mountain, stood close to the unfolding conflict. His counsel, VP Chiwenga said, demonstrated the importance of measured judgement when lives were at stake.
Together with fellow teachers, Mr Musavaya participated in a “love offering” scheme under which teachers surrendered part of their salaries to pay school fees for children from families unable to afford them.
“Many of the leaders and professionals of this country whom we are proud of today owe their education to that generosity,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Students wanted to be in his class not because it was easy, but because they felt safe around him. Indeed, the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Decades later, we still carry his lessons with us.” Mr Musavaya attributed his longevity to discipline and healthy living, and urged people to make responsible lifestyle choices.
“To get to my age, you need to be disciplined and eat healthy food,” he said.
“I am not talking about expensive food, but healthy food. You cannot be taking drugs and intoxicating yourself and expect to live long.
“During our time, learners were expected to be exemplary members of society, guided by Christian values. Costa was a perfect example of that.
“As a teacher, there is great satisfaction in seeing your former learners succeed in life. I am happy to see how far the Vice President has come, along with many of his former classmates.”
Source: VP Chiwenga honours teacher who shaped liberation heroes – herald
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