Story by Regis Mhako
Government says the Second Republic does not only recognise political players as heroes but honours anyone who makes a significant contribution towards a better society.
After the conferment of liberation hero status on the late career civil servant and long serving retired headmaster, Mr Michael Shambare, government made its position clear on criteria used to confer hero status.
While speaking at the burial of the late Mr Shambare at the Chinhoyi Provincial Heroes Acre, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Mary Mliswa clarified that government does not only use one’s political career to determine their hero status, with the late music icons Oliver Mtukudzi and Soul Jah Luv and footballer David Mandigora being cases in point.
She said, “The Second Republic recognises one’s contribution to society before coming up decisions on who should be declared a hero.”
Mr Shambare’s college mate at Kutama in the 60s, Cde Faber Chidarikire, who is also a former Governor for Mashonaland West, described the late hero as a goal getter, while family spokesperson Bishop Silent Mutimbanyoka thanked government for honouring his family member.
“We were together at Kutama where we trained as teachers. He was someone who always wanted to be an achiever and worked hard to realise his goals,” said Cde Chidarikire.
Family spokesperson, Bishop Silent Mutimbanyoka said, “We are elated to have one of our own honoured by government.”
A former Nemakonde student described the late Mr Shambare as a disciplinarian who moulded many into responsible and productive school products.
Mr Shambare, who died on the 27th of December after a long illness, is popularly known for having headed one of the most well-known schools in Mashonaland West, Nemakonde High School in Chinhoyi, where he ended his career.
