Vice President Chiwenga felt waves of memory crash over him yesterday at Mount St Mary's. He returned to attend the special church service for Father Cellestino Magwenzi, a newly ordained priest. The Catholic school shaped his early political beliefs, which pushed him toward fighting for freedom in 1973. Several classmates, including the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, joined that same battle alongside him.
Brigadier-General Richard Huchu and Ernest Mandizvidza also walked the freedom path from those school halls. These brave fighters helped Zimbabwe break free through their hard work and sacrifice. The school laid out special treatment for both the Vice President and Father Magwenzi during the visit. Both men learned inside those classrooms before heading toward very different careers.
After the ceremony, Chiwenga talked about what seeing his old school meant to him. He remembered starting school there, calling his first year Sub A instead of Grade One. The Vice President completed both elementary and high school education at Mount St Mary's. He looked at his old classroom and thought about friends from those days, many of whom died fighting for freedom.
He specifically mentioned Ernest Mandizvidza, who was captured by enemies in 1974. Chiwenga recalled Air Chief Marshal Shiri sitting right behind him during lessons years ago. The school looks much different today, with many updates, which made the Vice President happy. Chiwenga and some schoolmates became leaders after independence, but Mandizvidza likely died during the battle.
The Vice President checked out construction happening around campus before the church service began. The school buildings face major upgrades to match modern teaching standards. He praised Catholic Church leaders for helping government efforts to improve education across the country. Minister Itayi Ndudzo from Mashonaland East Province came along with other important officials.
Father Magwenzi thanked the school for making him the person he became and expressed deep appreciation for everything he learned during his time there. Father Sheunesu Mugomba explained why they need renovations at Mount St Mary's. He promised the school would keep teaching students to become good citizens who help build Zimbabwe through positive actions.
Brigadier-General Richard Huchu and Ernest Mandizvidza also walked the freedom path from those school halls. These brave fighters helped Zimbabwe break free through their hard work and sacrifice. The school laid out special treatment for both the Vice President and Father Magwenzi during the visit. Both men learned inside those classrooms before heading toward very different careers.
After the ceremony, Chiwenga talked about what seeing his old school meant to him. He remembered starting school there, calling his first year Sub A instead of Grade One. The Vice President completed both elementary and high school education at Mount St Mary's. He looked at his old classroom and thought about friends from those days, many of whom died fighting for freedom.
He specifically mentioned Ernest Mandizvidza, who was captured by enemies in 1974. Chiwenga recalled Air Chief Marshal Shiri sitting right behind him during lessons years ago. The school looks much different today, with many updates, which made the Vice President happy. Chiwenga and some schoolmates became leaders after independence, but Mandizvidza likely died during the battle.
The Vice President checked out construction happening around campus before the church service began. The school buildings face major upgrades to match modern teaching standards. He praised Catholic Church leaders for helping government efforts to improve education across the country. Minister Itayi Ndudzo from Mashonaland East Province came along with other important officials.
Father Magwenzi thanked the school for making him the person he became and expressed deep appreciation for everything he learned during his time there. Father Sheunesu Mugomba explained why they need renovations at Mount St Mary's. He promised the school would keep teaching students to become good citizens who help build Zimbabwe through positive actions.
