Chiwenga has called upon Zimbabweans to take control of their national narrative by embracing storytelling, memoir writing, and intellectual authorship. Speaking at the launch of An Itinerant Social Scientist: Memoirs of a Public Servant—an autobiography by veteran administrator Dr. Matenda Andries Rukobo—Chiwenga emphasized the importance of documenting personal and national histories to shape Zimbabwe’s ideological future and preserve the values that defined its liberation struggle.
The book launch, held in Harare on Friday, attracted a distinguished audience including Minister of Skills Audit Professor Paul Mavima, former Cabinet Ministers Sydney Sekeramayi and Cain Mathema, and former Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Misheck Sibanda.
Chiwenga described the occasion not merely as a literary event, but as a significant ideological milestone. He lauded Dr. Rukobo for his long-standing commitment to public service and his dedication to the principles of humility, patriotism, and revolutionary consciousness.
“This occasion is not just a literary event; it is a historical and ideological milestone that bears testimony to the life of service and principled leadership of a man who walked the corridors of power, yet remained rooted in the values of humility and revolutionary consciousness,” said Chiwenga.
He urged Zimbabweans to continue chronicling their personal and collective journeys, noting that the act of writing and reflection is not just for record-keeping but for preserving national identity and sovereignty in the face of external narratives. “Let us continue, together, to write our own stories and frame our own ideologies,” he said.
Dr. Rukobo’s memoirs span several decades of service in government, academia, and public administration. The book offers readers a rare glimpse into Zimbabwe’s complex post-independence evolution from the vantage point of a civil servant who helped shape the nation’s institutional frameworks. His personal reflections also document his experiences with prominent African nationalist leaders such as Robert Mugabe, Herbert Chitepo, Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, and Sam Nujoma—providing valuable historical and ideological insight.
Vice President Chiwenga praised the memoir for its honest and intellectual portrayal of state-building in Zimbabwe and its lessons in leadership, noting that it also includes powerful commentary on mentorship, particularly Dr. Rukobo’s interactions with current President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chiwenga Urges Zimbabweans to Own Their Narrative Through Storytelling and Intellectual Legacy
“Let this text become a call to arms — not of weaponry, but of intellect, unity, and patriotic responsibility,” Chiwenga said. “It should inspire a new generation of public servants who are not afraid to interrogate the past to shape a better future.”
The Vice President highlighted the importance of literature and autobiographies in building national memory, especially at a time when many founding figures of the post-colonial state are entering their twilight years. He encouraged more veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation and early independence era to pen their stories, not only as a form of preservation but also as a source of guidance for future leaders.
Dr. Misheck Sibanda, who spoke at the event, commended Dr. Rukobo for being among the pioneering intellectuals who laid the foundation of Zimbabwe’s post-independence public administration. He reflected on the difficult but rewarding task of building state institutions after the liberation war and underscored the importance of continued intellectual growth in governance.
“We formed the key arms of Government which still stand today,” said Dr. Sibanda. “The challenge now is for new thinkers to move that foundational intellectual revolution forward, combating poverty, corruption, and institutional decay.”
Professor Paul Mavima echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the need for continuity of thought leadership in public service. He encouraged seasoned bureaucrats like Dr. Rukobo and Dr. Sibanda to remain accessible and serve as mentors to the current generation of administrators and young professionals.
“Zimbabwe needs more of such documented wisdom to guide governance and policy formulation,” said Mavima. “Let us not lose the opportunity to learn directly from those who were present at the genesis of our modern institutions.”
An Itinerant Social Scientist delves deeply into themes of governance, ideology, and public service, and is already being positioned as an essential reference for students, civil servants, and policy thinkers. It is expected to serve as a valuable educational and ideological resource for Zimbabwe’s current and future leaders.
The launch concluded with a resounding call to Zimbabweans—especially those who have served or continue to serve in public roles—to document their journeys. As Vice President Chiwenga reminded attendees, the power of storytelling is central not only to honoring the past but to shaping the vision and values of the nation’s future.
Source- Bulawayo24
