GWERU – A father, educator, civic activist, active Catholic and a published poet, Felix Tungamirai Marondedze who passed away in September 2016 left a great trail that deserves recognition.

Against all odds, Marondedze (75) became an educationist in the early 60s, starting as a temporary teacher, becoming a headmaster and then an Education Officer for Gutu and Mwenezi Districts from the late 80s to 2000.

After attaining a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Zimbabwe Marondedze got promoted to the position of District Education Officer (DEO) now District Schools Inspector (DSI) and later on, Education Officer (Education Officer).

He was one of a kind. From 1980 to 1984 he was the headmaster of Rafamoyo Primary School, a school he helped attain higher educational and other standards making it a gem in the district.

Rafamoyo school was the first among rural schools of its kind to have electrification of teachers’ houses by 1980 while Gutu United Primary School was also the first of its kind to introduce a school printed magazine and a centralised radio communication system that linked all classrooms with the headmaster’s office.

Teachers could communicate with the head and other teachers at the switch of a microphone. He also introduced primary schools quiz shows, something which was unheard of in rural schools, let alone primary schools.

He always thought from outside the box.
His years in the civil service did nothing to assuage his passion for social justice, something that has always been at the bossom of the Roman Catholic Church.

He made spirited contributions towards the work of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), opening the Masvingo office in 1989 as its Chairman.

His role at the CCJP saw him being part of the election observer team in the 1994 elections in Malawi.

He was an active lay Catholic participating in relevant guilds and societies and for the good of the church.

With an artistic streak, he contributed to Shona poetry publications in the 70s and was an able organiser and opinion leader gifted with the power of speech.

For this, he was regarded as an asset at social functions where he always left a mark, educating, inspiring and provoking thoughts.

Wherever he went, he left visible footprints that endeared him to those he was fortunate enough to meet and pursue common interests.

He formed pseudo-kin relations so easily that no one could tell who he was not related to in his workplace and even in his social circles.

In his extended family, he was the go-to man who sat between enemies inveterate enabling them to eat from the same plate.

A genuine man, he was so strategic in his praises to those who deserved none, often times helping them to see themselves differently and aspiring for bettering themselves.

Complications of the heart and the need to concentrate on his Cibi Park farm in Mvuma led him to early retirement in year 2000, where he resided with his now late wife Margaret Rosie Marondedze.

Family and friends of Marondedze laid him to rest on the 24th of September 2016.
At the time of his demise he was retired and alone after the departure of his wife, to whom he devoted praises for the remainder of his life after her death in 2012.

He is survived by 9 children and 21 grandchildren. Source: Masvingo Mirror