It is with great humility that  i take this opportunity to talk about a great man,a humble man, an educationist, a true believer, a  husband, a father, a grandad, an uncle, a leader and a man of the people amongst many other personal superlatives to describe him.


Jonas Poterai Chipato was born on 20 February 1940. Born to industrious peasant parents, ambitious parents and most of all very focused community  leaders.His mother, Mbuya vaMaGumbo was special and Sekuru VaChiponda was illustrious, industrious and a leader par excellent. There is a saying that a fruit does not fall far away from the tree, and  in that is exactly what Jonas was about, he followed through the guidance, advise, education, counselling and community directions which made him what he was, what he lived for and what he hoped for into the future.


Each year a week preceding 7 December and even a week after, I have to acknowledge that I have a congested pre-occupation with the thoughts about Jonas P Chipato because of his greatness. Since he left this world, all those that he touched their hearts through interactions, through service, through associations and familial love continue to share how great he was.


Because of his multidimensional life before passing on, I would like to raise a few reflective points.


1. Family Matters-immediate or extended love should punctuate everything we do.


2. Serving our communities is the purpose of our existence because we exist in communities.


3. Having a religion is important, worshipping and praising the Divine is paramount. Strength, encouragement and character building are enshrined in that spiritual exercise.


4. Every life matters. Being neglectful is as easy as saying 'a' as a first grader. Never ill/mistreat. anyone ...simple.


5. You only live once, and once life is done it cannot be undone.


I could go on with this reflective exercise however I cannot blow a trumpet for a man who is not here when he perfectly blew his own life's trumpet.From back then as a rising teacher, educationalist, community politician and leader and above all a family man proudly responsible and caring for all.


Those special qualities may have been taken by death but the memories and the legacy remains active until perpetuity. Businessman, educationalist, family man, politician and men of God Rest in peace


I no longer mourn, I no longer cry.
I no longer weep although I grieve.
I forever celebrate and ululate


In sooth I know not why I am so sad it wearies me and it wearies you but what life is made of are three stages .... birth, marriage and death.


Jonas ran his race and all who are still able to read this are in the line to follow.


To Jonas Baba Vangu ngavazorore havo till the sounding of the trumpet when all those who have died in Christ shall rise and meet him in the sky.


Amen and Amen
Jaya ravoMichael Chipato....Lion Godza WeZaka