| Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebhe (1942-08-15)August 15, 1942 |
| Died | November 17, 2023(2023-11-17) (aged 81) |
| Known for | Being MSU Vice Chancellor |
| Title | Vice-Chancellor-Midlands State University |
| Term | 1999-2016 |
| Successor | Professor Victor Muzvidziwa |
Professor Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebhe was a Zimbabwean academic and became the first Vice-Chancellor of Midlands State University in 1999. He sat on the first committee that resulted in the birth of Midlands State University (MSU) as an academic consultant. Bhebhe retired in 2016.[1] On his retirement, he was appointed as Professor Emeritus in MSU’s Department of History as a way of recognising his professional track record as a distinguished academic.[2]
Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe was born on August 15, 1942, in the Mberengwa District in the Midlands Province. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ).[3]
Professor Bhebhe attended Chegato Secondary School, which is now known as Chegato High School. He was admitted to the school in 1960 and graduated in 1961. During his time there, he obtained a Rhodesian Junior Certificate (RJC) upon completion of his studies. He did his Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography from the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS) and graduated in 1967, before enrolling for his PhD in Imperial History at the University of London where he graduated in 1972.[3][4]
In 1965/6, Professor Bhebhe started working as a temporary teacher at Chegato High School. This opportunity was given to him by his former principal, Mr Tore Bergman, along with Phinias Makhurane. During his time there, Bhebhe taught history to his students, including July Moyo, Dr. Jorum Gumbo, and Dr. Philip Bhebe.
In 1974, Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe began teaching history at Faurah Bay College in Sierra Leone. The following year, he joined the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland, with his base being in Swaziland. During his time there, he held positions such as Deputy Dean and later Dean of Humanities on the Swaziland Campus.
In 1982, Bhebhe started lecturing at the University of Zimbabwe. He served as a Professor of History from 1988 to 1999. Additionally, he worked as an external examiner at the universities of Botswana, Malawi, and Zambia. Bhebhe also had teaching roles at the University of Rhodesia and Princeton University.
Professor Bhebhe held various leadership positions at the University of Zimbabwe. He served as the Chairperson of the History Department from 1989 to 1992, as well as the Chairperson of the Research Board from 1984 to 1991. Furthermore, he held the roles of Senior Proctor and later Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the university from 1992 to 1995.
In February 2020, Bhebhe was appointed by Emmerson Mnangagwa as a Trustee of the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT). ZMMT is mandated to manage state media and related companies outside the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Its media empire includes New Ziana and Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Pvt Ltd and Kingstons Holdings.[5]
During his time as Vice-Chancellor, MSU was awarded the International Gold Star for Quality, ‘in recognition of its outstanding commitment to quality and excellence', in Geneva, Switzerland and received further recognition for its commitment to excellence, landing yet another prestigious International Star for Leadership in Quality. The award was received in 2016.[6]
Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe died on Friday, 17 November 2023 aged 81 years old.[7]
Although the cause of his death was not revealed, he had previously shared that he experienced heart problems, which caused him to collapse while in his office. As a result, he had to travel to India for treatment and used a wheelchair during that time. Bhebhe believed that regular medical attention and seeking treatment when necessary are key to a healthy life and living longer. He mentioned that while he did not engage in vigorous exercise, he compensated for it by working physically hard. He recalled his upbringing in rural areas where running was a common activity, particularly when chasing cattle. In his later years, he mentioned that playing golf was the only form of training he engaged in.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whom Bhebhe referred to as his "nephew," declared him a national hero.