A pall of sorrow has descended upon Zimbabwe as news of the untimely passing of Clive Mphambela, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, reverberated across the nation. Mphambela, a man known for his sharp intellect, dedication to public service, and infectious enthusiasm, succumbed to injuries sustained in a road traffic accident in Chivhu last Thursday. His passing, just days before his 51st birthday, has left a void that will be deeply felt by his family, colleagues, and the nation as a whole.
Mphambela’s career was a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving his country. He rose through the ranks of the civil service, showcasing his expertise in communications and his ability to navigate the complex world of government bureaucracy. His tenure as chief director of communications in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion was marked by his dedication to transparency and his commitment to effectively communicating government policies to the public.
“Passing on of Permanent Secretary Mr Mphambela is a great loss to the ministry,” lamented Minister Monica Mavhunga, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs. “You would understand that our ministry is new and being as young as he was, Clive was very hardworking. He contributed a lot to the ministry, including developing our strategic plan for the whole year. He also contributed to putting up structures at the ministry so that things would move smoothly. Unfortunately, he was involved in a road traffic accident on a work assignment in Masvingo.”
Beyond his official duties, Mphambela was a man of diverse talents and passions. He was a skilled economist and banker, having honed his skills in various local financial institutions. His journalistic background, which saw him holding a senior position at The Zimbabwe Independent newspaper, further underscored his commitment to truth and his ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and engaging manner.
Mphambela’s passing comes at a time of significant political and social change in Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, a relatively new entity, is navigating its own path, seeking to establish its role and address the needs of the nation’s veterans. Mphambela’s leadership and vision were crucial to this process, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt deeply within the ministry.
The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about road safety in Zimbabwe. Mphambela’s death, alongside the numerous other accidents that plague the country’s roads, highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and increased public awareness campaigns.
The outpouring of grief and tributes from across the political spectrum is a testament to Mphambela’s impact on the nation. His colleagues, friends, and those who knew him personally have expressed their deep sorrow and shared their memories of a man who was not only a dedicated public servant but also a kind, compassionate, and deeply respected individual.
“He succumbed to injuries sustained in a RTA (road traffic accident) a couple of days ago in Chivhu. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. May his dear soul rest in peace,” wrote Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana on his official X account.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, reflecting on the tragedy, responded to Nick Mangwana’s message with a simple yet powerful statement: “Fix the roads @nickmangwana.” His words, echoing the sentiments of many Zimbabweans, highlight the systemic issues that contribute to the country’s alarming road fatality statistics.
