A dual loss for Jambezi as two prominent heads of schools are promoted

The Jambezi community is grappling with mixed emotions following the promotion of two beloved prominent school heads to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as Schools Inspectors.

While celebrating their former leaders’ career advancements, residents are also expressing concern about the void their departure leaves in local education.

Fani College Moyo, the long-serving head of Skumbi Primary School, has been elevated to the Hwange District Inspectors team. Meanwhile, Langton Kabome, who led Mashake Secondary School, has been promoted to a similar position in the Lupane District of Matebeleland North Province. Both Inspectors will now be tasked with overseeing educational quality, as well as supervising human and financial resources in their respective districts.

A Legacy of development at Skumbi
Moyo’s departure has been particularly felt at Skumbi Primary School, where he spent more than two decades shaping the institution. Retired educationist Mr. Mpinami Nyathi described Moyo’s leadership as transformational.

“Moyo was instrumental in developing Skumbi Primary School. He worked closely with local residents in constructing the school.

“The infrastructure today stands as a testament to his dedication. His departure is indeed a loss to our village, even though it is for a worthy cause. Replacing him will not be easy,” said Nyathi.

Philph Bhoboza Sibanda of Mazhanga area echoed these sentiments, praising Moyo as a “great and well-focused” leader. Sibanda highlighted Moyo’s active engagement with the community, noting that he would frequently attend local gatherings to gather ideas for school development.

Lydia Ncube from Chenje area shared her admiration, stating, “He was a powerful leader. The school looks modern with great installation of technology.” She expressed happiness that such a “quality crop” has joined the district leadership, hoping it would lead to a “face-lift” for the entire Hwange District.

The end of an era at Mashake
Mbizha villagers fear Mashake Secondary School will not be the same without Langton Kabome.

Clement Gukurume Moyo from Mbizha Old School area lauded Kabome for his visionary leadership. “Kabome was an inspiration to many in the catchment area. He tolerated parents and persuaded them to develop the school,” he said. “He came up with a plethora of projects which uplifted the school. The pass rate at the school surged, and he had plans to establish Advanced Level classes soon.”

Headman Chifita Mazhanga expressed his pride, noting the promotions show that Jambezi produces quality educatonists.

“We are happy that Kabome got promoted. We worked with him very well,” he stated. “At least we have Inspectors from our local schools. I want to believe that we will get others of their ilk replacing them.”

Angela Ncube, a parent whose son was inspired by Kabome to pursue university education, voiced her concern about the future. “My son regarded Kabome as his role model. I am not surprised by his promotion. My worry is, are we going to get such a marvellous leadership again at this school?” she asked.

Teacher’s Praise and hope for the Future
Teachers from both Skumbi and Mashake schools, who wished to remain anonymous, were “elated” by the promotions. “They deserved it,” one teacher stated. “Both leaders were hard workers who were result-oriented and interacted with teachers in a rational fashion. We may find it difficult to have such leadership, but it was high time they got the promotion.”

Neither Moyo nor Kabome could be reached for comment, as they are not authorized to speak to the press without clearance from the Permanent Secretary of Education. As Jambezi looks ahead, the community hopes the legacy left behind by both school heads will inspire their successors to continue on the path of educational excellence.