The Midlands Province and the nation at large are mourning the death of former Senator for Kwekwe, Silobela, Redcliff and Chirumhanzu, Clarissa Vongai Muchengeti, who passed away at the age of 76.
Muchengeti, a pioneering educationist, politician, and community leader, died last Friday at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare after a short battle with cancer. She had been diagnosed in July. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Manyame Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Farirai Guta, who described her mother as a woman of resilience, service, and integrity.
“It is true. My mother, Clarissa Vongai Muchengeti, is no more,” Guta said with emotion, confirming the passing of a woman who had inspired many during a career that spanned politics, education, local governance, and the energy sector.
Senator Muchengeti was laid to rest on Wednesday at Kwekwe Central Cemetery, where family, friends, colleagues, and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects. Her burial was marked by moving tributes that celebrated her as a trailblazer who used her life to empower others and pave the way for women in leadership.
Born in 1948,Senator Muchengeti came of age during a period when few women were able to reach positions of authority. After independence, she quickly distinguished herself as one of the women who would contribute to shaping Zimbabwe’s social, political, and educational landscape.
In politics, Senator Muchengeti made history when she was elected as a Zanu PF Senator in 2005, representing Kwekwe, Silobela, Redcliff and Chirumhanzu. Her election was a significant milestone at a time when female representation in Parliament remained limited. During her term, she not only advocated for her constituencies but also represented Zimbabwe on the international stage, serving on a delegation to the European Union.
Her influence within the ruling party was equally notable. She served on the Zanu PF Central Committee for 15 years, holding senior roles in the Women’s League where she was Vice Secretary for Administration for the Midlands Province from 1998 to 2000, and Secretary for Education between 1993 and 1998. Colleagues remember her as an assertive yet nurturing leader who worked tirelessly to advance women’s participation in politics.
Trailblazing Former Senator Clarissa Vongai Muchengeti Dies at 76
Senator Muchengeti’s leadership extended beyond Parliament and party politics. At the local government level, she broke new ground as one of the longest-serving female councillors in Kwekwe. For 12 years, she represented the people of the city with distinction. From 1993 to 1994, she served as Deputy Mayor, and in 1997, she was conferred with the dignity of Alderman — one of the first women in Zimbabwe to be given that honour.
Her national service was further reflected in her role in the energy sector. Between 2014 and 2018, Muchengeti sat on the board of the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), where she chaired the Human Resources Committee. In that capacity, she played a direct role in some of Zimbabwe’s largest infrastructure projects, including the Kariba South Expansion Project valued at US$533 million, the Hwange Extension Project worth US$1.5 billion, and the Deka Pipeline Upgrade Project costing US$48.5 million. Her work in this portfolio demonstrated her ability to navigate complex national priorities and contribute to long-term development.
Before her entry into politics and government, Muchengeti dedicated herself to education, a field where she left an enduring legacy. Over 36 years of service, she taught at various schools in Bikita and later moved to Kwekwe, where she was headmistress of Kushinga Primary School from 1993 until 2005. Her passion for education was rooted in the belief that empowering children with knowledge was the most sustainable form of nation-building.
Academically, Muchengeti was equally accomplished. She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Management, Administration, Planning and Policy Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree, both from the Zimbabwe Open University. She further sharpened her expertise through a Certificate in Local Government obtained from the City of Peterborough in the United Kingdom.
Those who knew her describe her as a woman of remarkable intellect, discipline, and determination. With over three decades of experience in policy, planning, and public administration, she mentored countless young leaders and educators, many of whom credit her guidance for shaping their careers.
Muchengeti’s death has been described as a huge loss to the Midlands Province and Zimbabwe as a whole. Tributes have poured in from political colleagues, former students, and community members, all of whom highlighted her pioneering spirit and lifelong commitment to service.
Her life story reflects the struggles and triumphs of women who dared to break barriers in male-dominated spaces. As a teacher, politician, councillor, senator, and board member, Muchengeti consistently proved that leadership has no gender.
She is survived by her children, including Farirai Guta, and several grandchildren who carry forward her legacy of service and resilience.
Clarissa Senator Vongai Muchengeti will be remembered as a woman who not only made history but also inspired future generations to believe that dedication, education, and integrity can change communities and build nations.
Source- Bulawayo24
