President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Lands and Agriculture Permanent Secretary Dr Robbie Mupawose, describing him as a fountain of knowledge whose expertise and leadership significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s agricultural and economic development.
Dr Mupawose died on Sunday after a long illness. He was 91.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said Dr Mupawose belonged to a generation of highly skilled Zimbabwean professionals who returned home after Independence in 1980 to help build the newly independent nation.
“A long-time Permanent Secretary in our Lands and Agricultural Ministries, Dr Mupawose belonged to a pioneering crop of experts we summoned back home at Independence to take up leadership positions in the nascent post-independence civil service,” President Mnangagwa said.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Zimbabwe Senate Passes Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill
The President said Dr Mupawose answered the call to national duty without hesitation and played a crucial role in rebuilding the country’s agricultural sector after years of conflict.
“Without hesitating, he packed his bags and headed home, where he helped repair and rehabilitate our agricultural sector, which had been broken by a long war,” he said.
According to President Mnangagwa, Dr Mupawose was instrumental in developing policy frameworks for land reform and resettlement programmes during his tenure in government.
“In that demanding role, he was part of a team which tackled and developed a blueprint for our land reforms and the resettlement programme, a dual assignment he remained seized with right up to his last days in Government,” he said.
The President said Dr Mupawose continued to contribute to national development even after leaving the civil service, particularly through the National Economic Consultative Forum, where he helped shape agricultural and economic policies.
He also acknowledged Dr Mupawose’s leadership roles in several agricultural institutions, including the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), and the Biotechnology Council of Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa said Dr Mupawose later served in various capacities in the private sector and advised several international organisations, including the World Bank.
“We have lost a fountain of knowledge and expertise,” the President said.
He extended condolences to Dr Mupawose’s family, colleagues, and associates, describing his death as a major loss to the nation.
“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 Amai Mupawose and the children, on this their saddest loss,” President Mnangagwa said.
In recognition of his contribution to public service, agriculture and national development, President Mnangagwa granted Dr Mupawose a State-assisted funeral.
Dr Mupawose is remembered for his distinguished career in public service, agricultural policy development and corporate leadership, leaving behind a legacy that spans both the public and private sectors.
