The former Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Simelisizwe Sibanda, who was recently fired after ordering the transfer of a non-Ndebele speaking Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher at a primary school in Matabeleland North, has issued a public apology.
Sibanda, the Zanu PF Bubi Constituency legislator, was officiating at a handover ceremony at Clonnmore Primary School when he became upset upon learning about the presence of a teacher who reportedly could not speak the local language.
He then ordered the school head to ensure that the teacher was transferred from the school.
In response to his actions, President Emmerson Mnangagwa relieved him of his government duties.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe removed Honourable Simelisizwe Sibanda from the Office of Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development with immediate effect,” read a statement issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.
Sibanda explained that his intention was “to ensure that our children receive quality education, and I was concerned about the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with her students.”
He continued, “However, as a national leader, I should have addressed this issue through appropriate channels, avoiding public platforms that may have fueled tribal connotations.”
Sibanda also apologised to the Zanu PF party and pleaded with the ruling party to “accept my sincere apologies and recognize my commitment to our nation’s progress.”
“I would like to thank His Excellency, the President CDE Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to serve within the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development. I regret that I have let him down,” he wrote.
