President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reinstated Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Simelisizwe Sibanda, just weeks after his dismissal for a public outburst against a teacher in Matabeleland South.
The controversy surrounding Sibanda’s initial firing, which stemmed from a leaked audio recording of him berating a Shona-speaking teacher for not being proficient in isiNdebele, had sparked widespread outrage and calls for his permanent removal from office.
The audio recording, which quickly went viral, captured Sibanda in a fit of anger, accusing Winnet Mharadze, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher, of failing to meet the language requirements for her position. His words, laced with frustration and a sense of entitlement, were met with widespread condemnation, with many accusing him of blatant discrimination and a disregard for the principles of inclusivity.
“The language requirements for the position are very clear. This is a predominantly Ndebele-speaking area, and it is imperative that teachers are able to communicate effectively with the children,” Sibanda is heard saying in the recording. “This is unacceptable, and I expect the headmaster to ensure that this teacher is transferred immediately.”
The incident, which many saw as a blatant example of linguistic prejudice, sparked a heated debate about language policy in Zimbabwe, with some arguing that the emphasis on isiNdebele in Matabeleland South was discriminatory and served to marginalise Shona-speaking communities.
In the face of mounting pressure, President Mnangagwa swiftly acted, dismissing Sibanda from his position and issuing a public statement condemning his actions. “The President has made it clear that he will not tolerate any form of discrimination or abuse of power,” said a government spokesperson at the time. “This incident is a clear violation of our national values and principles, and it will not be tolerated.”
According to official government communication, Sibanda has been pardoned, with his re-appointment taking immediate effect.
“Following representations, profuse apologies and undertakings to refrain from similar misdemeanours in future, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has decided that Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda be pardoned,” reads the statement signed by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.
“Accordingly, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has in terms of subsection 2 of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda M.P. as the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
The underfire deputy minister probaby didn’t think that his actions would reach the president attention, but upon realising that he had messed up big time, he quickly publicly apologised.
Sibanda expressed his apologies, acknowledging the misguided nature of his approach and the unintended consequences it had on tribal relations. “I, 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,” he stated.
“I understand that my approach to addressing the issue of a teacher’s language proficiency was misguided and inappropriate, leading to perceptions of tribalism,” Sibanda admitted in a public apology, his words echoing with a sense of regret and a desperate attempt to salvage his tarnished reputation.
“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,” he added, attempting to justify his actions by highlighting his concern for the children’s education.
“As a national leader, I realize that I should have addressed the issue through appropriate channels, and avoiding public platforms that may have fueled the tribal connotations,” Sibanda confessed, acknowledging his misjudgment and the potential damage caused by his actions.
