Simelisizwe Sibanda, the Member of Parliament for Bubi Constituency in Matabeleland North, publicly criticized a Shona ECD teacher in front of numerous students and called for her transfer due to her alleged lack of proficiency in the Ndebele language spoken by her pupils.
This incident occurred at a meeting held on June 24 at Clonmore Primary School in Bubi.
Related: Dismissal of Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda Raises Tribalism Debate
The ZANU PF MP insisted on the immediate transfer of ECD teacher Winnet Mharadze, claiming that her purported inability was detrimental to the educational prospects of children in the constituency.
In a statement released after he was dismissed from his role as Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday, Sibanda said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.
PUBLIC APOLOGY TO THE NATION OF ZIMBABWE BY HONOURABLE SIMELISIZWE SIBANDA
2nd of July 2024I, Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda, former Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, do hereby express my sincere apologies for the concerns arising from my recent actions.
I understand that my approach to addressing the issue of a teacher’s language proficiency was misguided and inappropriate, leading to perceptions of tribalism.
I want to assure the public and especially the teachers that my intention was solely to ensure that our children receive quality education, and I was concerned about the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with her students.
However, as a national leader, I should have addressed this issue through appropriate channels, avoiding public platforms that may have fueled the tribal connotations.
I take full responsibility for my actions and acknowledge that my approach was wrong. I understand that my actions may have perpetuated tribal divisions, and for that, I truly apologise to the whole teaching fraternity and nation at large.
I want to assure the public that my commitment to our nation’s unity and development has always been genuine.
I want to express my gratitude to the public, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, for supporting me during my tenure. I appreciate the opportunity to have served and contributed to the development of our education sector.
I also want to extend my apologies to all the leadership and members of my Party ZANU PF. I understand the party’s values of unity and inclusivity, and I regret any harm caused by my lack of judgment.
I hope that the party and its members will accept my sincere apologies and recognize my commitment to our nation’s progress.
I would like to thank His Excellency, the President CDE Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to serve within the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development, and regret that I have let him down.
Finally, I remain committed to the nation’s progress under the leadership of our visionary leadership of His Excellency CDE Dr E.D Munangagwa as we consolidate the gains we have made as we pursue Vision 2030.
I hope that the public will accept my sincere apologies and recognize my commitment to our nation’s unity and progress. I am committed to learning from this experience and growing as a leader.
I thank you all.
Sincerely,
Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda,
Former Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development
