Provincial heroes status for Professor Mbengo

GWERU — President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred liberation hero status to the late veteran
educationist and Zanu PF National Consultative member, Professor Frank Feresi Mbengo, who died
on Sunday in South Africa.
Professor Mbengo was interred at the Midlands Provincial Heroes Acre, in Gweru, on Saturday.
Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Dr. Obert Mpofu, confirmed the development.
“His Excellency and First Secretary of Zanu PF, Cde. ED Mnangagwa has conferred a liberation heroes
status to the late National Consultative member Cde Dr Frank Feresi Mbengo “Vungwi” who died on
10 September 2023 in South Africa, and will be buried at the Provincial Heroes Acre, Gweru,” said
Dr. Mpofu.
He was a Professor in Development Studies and Political International Relations and Comparative
Education. He worked as Permanent Secretary with the Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry in
Zimbabwe before he left to serve as UNESCOs Education Advisor and Representative for various
African Countries.
Prof. Mbengo also taught at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and was Associate Director
of the institute.
He was instrumental in the formation of the Zimbabwe Disability Inclusive Arts and Culture Festival
(ZIDIAC Fest) set to be officially launched in November 2023.
Meanwhile, Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) board chairperson, Mavis Koslek said
Prof. Mbengo’s death had left a huge vacuum hard to replace.
“We received the news with shock. Prof. Mbengo will be remembered for his superb advice, helping
HACA affiliates such as High Voltage Poets to professionally use visual and performing arts as an
advocacy tool and establishing a strong and diverse voice that represents the Zimbabwean society.
“On behalf of Hodzeko, I would like to give my heartfelt condolences to the family, for the death of
their relative. Please accept my deepest sympathies during this very difficult time. I'm so sorry for
your loss,” she said.
Prof. Mbengo played a pivotal role in analysing and recommending delivery through, well-reasoned
contributions, especially on policy recommendations, complex document analysis, substantive
sections of reports and trainings, publications among other areas.
“His influence and support can be found somewhere at the base and foundation of many Hodzeko’s
successful theatre productions such as Green Theatre Productions (GREENTHEP), radio advocacy
programmes, COVID-19 awareness…,” said Koslek.
The projects focused on fighting against factors that contribute to environmental degradation,
global warming, and the effects of COVID 19 to the environment and Climate Change.

“The production led to the formation of a hilarious 20 episode radio play titled “Dangerous
Bharanzi” which hit the air waves in 2020. The radio play which is in the process of being
transformed into a television play was written by Siphosami Ndlovu and produced by Hodzeko
Media Productions. It received airplay on Central Radio, a Midlands Provincial radio station,” said
Koslek.