Your tributes for Professor John Makumbe
Nehanda Radio asked its listeners and readers of the website to send in their tributes for the late political scientist Professor John Makumbe who died on Sunday after a heart attack. Here is what they had to say.
“It really is painful to be writing about Prof Makumbe at this point and time. Prof Makumbe spoke on my wedding day 24 April 1999 and we all had tears, cried and laughed at the same time as he gave his speech about life as albino.
“I laughed with the guests and really was thankful for him as he made me feel more human than I ever felt. My dad Cliff snr would have shed A TEAR IF HE WAS STILL AROUND. Your works—who is going to finish them?
“The Zimbabwe living albinos are at loss as a fighter, a mentor a pillar and a figure to look up to and pluck leaves of strength has gone. Prof Makumbe Rest in Eternal Peace. Your death has made me want to work hard for the remaining albinos in our country.” Clifford Mafemba
“What a shame Professor Makumbe was a stalwart for Zimbabwean democracy, his vision for democracy was ahead of any western scholar debating on how to democratize Zimbabwe.
“For that he should have been made a National Hero. It is such a shame that we have lost a truly great man. Zororai murugare Professor, you have left us a legacy with your works.” Dumisani Dhliwayo
“My condolence to Professor Makumbe’s family. May his soul rest in peace. You will be greatly missed and you will always be in our hearts. May God be with you. Patricia Gumbira ( Psychologist adult provider division)
“My home boy is gone while we’re preparing the celebration table. He will not be able to cut the cake, drink and be merry after June election. R.I.P.” Power Jonhera (Electrician and political activist).
“Will miss your jokes which you used to crack in lectures. Rest in peace professor. Our University has been robbed of a democrat, free and independent man, who called himself the “White man from Buhera.” Calvin Tauro, UZ student of politics.
“Rest in peace Prof John Makumbe. You were a humorous person regardless of good or bad times. You have fought a good fight. You will be sadly missed.” Farirai Masendu (Former secretary Faculty of Social Studies UZ).
“Rest in peace Professor Makumbe, you will be sadly missed. You left a legacy in our nation and we will always remember you. My condolences to Mai Makumbe and the entire family.” Ethel Madamombe.
“R.I.P professor. You left an unrecoverable gap. Who is going to give us balanced, sober, reasoned and mature articles. I can’t imagine this country without you. Fambai henyu murugare monotigadzirira pekugara.” Jeremiah Masasa
“He was a brilliant and talented man who was not afraid. May his soul rest in peace.” Brantina Chirinda (mathematician).
“Prof John Makumbe was a steadfast and unapologetic critic who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe. He set a standard for what it means to be a truly patriotic Zimbabwean. He will be remembered as a true son of the soil. His beliefs and values will forever provide inspiration to those who still believe that our beloved country will one day command a deserved respect amongst the world of nations.” Chamunorwa Nhamo
“His beliefs and values will forever provide inspiration to those who still believe that our beloved country will one day command a deserved respect amongst the world of nations.” Chamunorwa Nhamo.
“Prof was a true hero who fought for what was right for the masses. I wish if there were more people like Prof Makumbe in Zimbabwe. I really adore his work while he was still alive he didn’t fear to criticise where people went wrong, even the President. He said it without fear. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ENTENAL LIFE!!” Kasirai Ndarira Budzi
“Prof John Makumbe was a man of dignity, humorous and a determined great thinker too. Am glad I had the opportunity to listen to a number of his speeches and interacted with him. His death is a blow to the academic fraternity and Zimbabwe at large. Rest in Peace Prof!” Kudzayi Madziyire (freelance journalist)
“Rufu rwaVaMakumbe rwandibaya moyo. Kurudzi rwedu vaNjanja tarasikirwa zvikuru, apa tisati taoma misodzi yekuchema Sinyoro Dr. Tichaona Mudzingwa nhasi rwadzokazve rufu kuzotora zvakare dhokotera wechiNjanja Sinyoro Dr John Makumbe tinoti zorora murugare Muzungu Wemachira Machena!!!” Charles Matorera
“My condolences to the Makumbe family. As the youth we have lost a pillar of strength in our struggle for a democratic leadership and a nation where everyone has freedom of speech. You shall be greatly missed. REST IN PEACE SIR!! The struggle continues.” Oswell Muzah (NUST student).
“Rest in peace son of the soil we will keep on with love you shared. We will never be the same without you.” Silas Mapahla, Cape Town South Africa.
“Go well son of the soil, genuine Hero. You leave behind everlasting legacy!” Tendai Kadyamadare, Health, Safety & Env. Consultant, Muscat, Oman.
“Prof John Makumbe, servant of the Lord, you fought the good fight of faith. Your noble works are being honoured and remembered in Zimbabwe; international community and in Heaven. My prayers extend to the family of Makumbe. May the Holy Spirit comfort you.” Prof Moyo, Switzerland
“Ndinoti Mwari vanotora vatsvene . Ndivo vana Makumbe ava . Asi panyika tinoshaya vatsvene. Paramende inotevera yanga yavakwa paruware chaipo. RIP True Prof.” Lovemore Chirara
“My very sincere condolences to the Makumbe family and all the people of Buhera on the very sad loss of a great professor. I had the privilidge of associating with him when he was still a very young man when we were teaching at Shashe Secondary School in Botswana in the mid 70s. Even then he was a darling of the Tswana students. Go yee well John Mudiwa (Muratiwa) Makumbe.” Elfigio M Hurune.
“Zimbabweans living here in the Diaspora have lost an inspiring leader and true friend, this is a great loss which shall not be replaced , Muzvinafundo John Makumbe shall be rememberd for his courage in fighting for a New Zimbabwe.” Maxwell Speedy Mazhawara, Johannesburg.
