Greetings everyone, we are sorry to report the sad loss of the School Development Committee Chair at Pakati Secondary for 4 years, Mr William Dzimauta, at the age of 53.
Friends of Pakati was notified recently of the passing of Mr Dzimauta. It was reported that he passed away on 25th February 2024, and he was laid to rest yesterday, 9th March.
Below are some of the tributes being paid to Mr Dzimaita sent to me from several people, including present & former staff at Pakati Secondary, and from some associated with Friends of Pakati. I will add a short comment myself at the end.
From Mr Chifaka, former Actimg Head of Pakati Secondary: “I am deeply saddened by Mr William Dzimauta’s death. I knew Mr Dzimauta before he became our SDC chairperson in 2020. Before he became chairperson, we contracted him twice to build a school tuckshop and staff toilet for ladies.
Things were not good financially when he became chairperson because of covid 19 which resulted in school lock downs. This affected revenue inflow negatively which also impacted negatively on school development. However, when schools opened after lock downs, we worked well together and managed to maintain the school regardless of financial constraints.
In 2023 we were lucky to be given SIG fund. Mr Dzimauta played a very big role in the project that we implemented, funded by the SIG fund. This involved turning one classroom to state of the art computer laboratory, paving of two pathways leading to the computer laboratory and form 4 block and completing form 4 block veranda. It was a successful project.
When l announced in October (in an SDC meeting) that l would leave the school because l had been promoted, he also announced that he would go to South Africa for some work. When l left to assume duty at my new school, Macheke high, Mr Dzimauta had gone to South Africa. l could not believe it when l heard that he had passed on. I knew Mr Dzimauta as a man who worked very hard for his family and mother. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.”
I also received this from current staff, referring to my most recent trip to Pakati in 2022: “Mr Dzimauta was dedicated to his role as the SDC Chairperson:
-He played an important role in ensuring that the school produced one seater benches for pupils during the Covid 19 induced lockdown.
-He volunteered to paint doors on teachers’ houses for free.
-He was frank, he would point out frankly when something was not done in a good way.
-He worked very hard during your last visit to our school. He worked with fellow SDC members, the community and other stake holders in organising food for the function.”
Friends of Pakati contributors had the following to say: “I was very saddened when I heard the passing on of Mr Dzimauta. I cant say I know him very well but the few moments I saw him addressing parents at the school I saw a very humble and respectful character. Intelligence is not just showing off degrees but I can say this man had his natural Intelligence which he never boasted about. He was a talented leader and had so much love for his community and development. Honestly he was a likeable character. Ward 14 has been robbed of an influential character. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
And this from another of our key supporters: “It’s sad news for our community. Mr Dzimauta has been a role model for most of us, and we feel very much gutted by his passing. He has been our Senior at Pakati Secondary school, and we remember him very well as he hails from our community. He was someone who was reserved and well mannered. We have lost out as a community. The last time I saw him he was building the small tuck shop at the school. I can say he has been an invaluable member of our community. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
For myself, I met him on my visit to Pakati in both 2019 and 2022. I was impressed by his dedication to both Pakati schools, where many of his family attended as pupils. He came across very well, as a humble, cheerfuI person, who was highly thought of around the atea. I have had contact with some of the family over the years and had stories & picturesfrom them from time to time. It was an honour for me to meet him, a sincere hard working man who contributed much to the community. He will be very much missed, and I am sure the community paid there respects to him yesterday in great numbers. RIP Mr Dzimauta.
