Traditional leadership meets academic excellence: Dr. Chief Ngungumbane’s historic achievement
Dumisani Ndlovu
In a significant milestone for governance in Zimbabwe, Chief Ngungumbane of Mberengwa District who made history by one of the few traditional leader to earned a Doctorate Degree in Peace and Governance from the Zimbabwe Open University.
This achievement marks him as one of the first chiefs in the country to hold both a Doctor of Philosophy and a Bachelor of Laws Honours Degree from the University of South Africa. His success challenges the traditional roles of chiefs in modern society.
Dr. Chief Ngungumbane’s academic journey includes five degrees, showcasing his commitment to education. He faced many challenges while balancing his duties as a traditional chief, a parliamentarian, and a family leader. He spoke candidly about the pressures of these roles and how they impacted his studies.
Reflecting on his academic performance, he shared, “I scored 16 distinctions out of 40 for the law degree, and while I could have achieved more, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected my studies. I am grateful that it all came to fruition.” His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that success is possible even in tough times.
Born Zama Ntua, Chief Ngungumbane also shared insights about his identity as a twin. He and his brother, Mzweli, were fortunate to navigate the typical challenges twins face regarding succession. “On my birth certificate, I was registered as twin one, while my brother was registered as twin two,” he explained. This unique approach helped avoid future complications.
Dr. Chief Ngungumbane’s achievement not only highlights his personal dedication but also sets a powerful example for traditional leaders and the public. His journey encourages others to pursue education and excellence, blending traditional roles with academic success.
Dr. Barbara Mbuyisa from the Zimbabwe Open University who attended the graduation celebration event as the guest of honor, praising Chief Ngungumbane’s academic journey. “This achievement is a testament to his dedication and serves as an inspiration to our community. Education empowers us to foster peace, uphold justice, and contribute to nation-building,” she noted.
Dr. Mbuyisa highlighted that Chief Ngungumbane’s educational background, which began at Baines Junior Primary School and includes various degrees focused on psychology, peace, and conflict resolution, exemplifies a commitment to positive national development.
She added that today’s traditional leaders, while still serving as custodians of their communities, are increasingly essential in promoting good governance and addressing contemporary societal challenges. “Dr. Chief Ngungumbane’s accomplishments highlight the importance of education in addressing contemporary challenges,” she stated.
Chief Ntabeni, who represented the Chiefs Council at the ceremony, commended Chief Ngungumbane’s discipline and leadership qualities. “I have worked well with him in Parliament for several years. Despite him being younger, I would take orders from him and I respect him,” he expressed, underscoring the mutual respect that exists within the council of chiefs.
The graduation ceremony was also graced by the presence of prominent identical twins Violet and Jester Mabaisa, who celebrated their cousin’s achievements, alongside Mathamsanga Mkhwananzi from Ngungumbane Secondary School, whose praise poetry captivated an audience of over 1,000 attendees, including various chiefs and government officials.
Dr. Chief Ngungumbane’s accomplishments and community contributions not only enhance the legacy of his lineage but also pave the way for future generations of traditional leaders to embrace education and governance as synergistic forces for positive change.
As he continues to blend tradition with modernity, Chief Ngungumbane sets a commendable example for the evolving role of chiefs in Zimbabwean society.
