Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday conveyed his condolences following the death of former respected agricultural expert and senior civil servant Dr Robbie Mupawose, who passed away on Sunday.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa described the late Dr Mupawose as an exceptionally talented public servant, respected agricultural expert, and distinguished corporate leader who contributed immensely to national development.
He said the long-serving permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture was among the pioneering professionals who was summoned to return home at independence to assume leadership roles in the newly established government.
“Without hesitating, he packed his bags and headed home, where he helped repair and rehabilitate our agriculture sector, which had been broken by a long war. In that demanding role, he was part of the team which tackled and developed a blueprint of our land reform and the resettlement program, a dual assignment he remained seized with right up to his last days in the Government.
“Even after leaving Government, we continued to draw on his expertise, including in the context of the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), where agricultural policies were shaped and made to speak to the rest of the sectors of our economy,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also praised Dr Mupawose for his outstanding leadership in the agricultural sector, highlighting his role as chairman of key institutions, including the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB), Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), and the Biotechnology Council of Zimbabwe (BCZ).
He said following his departure from the civil service, Dr Mupawose continued to serve in leadership positions within the private sector, chairing several boards and providing advisory services to several international organisations, among them the World Bank.
“We have lost a fund of knowledge and expertise. On behalf of the party Zanu PF, Government, my Family and my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Mupawose family, especially to Mai Mupawose and the children, on their saddest loss. I also condole with colleagues of Dr Mupawose both in the public and private sectors, on this huge loss.
“May they all derive solace from the outstanding and indelible accomplishments of the dear departed, always remembering that our nation hails him as among its great sons,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa said in recognition of the significant contribution he made to national development and professional leadership, the government accorded Dr Mupawose a state-assisted funeral.
New Ziana
