FIRED Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister Simelisizwe Sibanda has unreservedly apologised to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the nation over a tribal slur which got him relieved of his duties on Monday.
In a statement Tuesday morning, Sibanda admitted that the remarks he made while addressing a Shona-speaking teacher in Bubi, were inappropriate.
“I want to assure the public and especially the teachers that my intention was solely to ensure that our children receive quality education, and I was concerned about the teacher's ability to communicate effectively with her students.
“However, as a national leader, I should have addressed this issue through appropriate channels, avoiding public platforms that may have fuelled the tribal connotations," he said.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and acknowledge that my approach was wrong. I understand that my actions may have perpetuated tribal divisions, and for that, I truly apologise to the whole teaching fraternity and nation at large. I want to assure the public that my commitment to our nation's unity and development has always been genuine,” Sibanda added.
The incident has sparked a public outcry over tribalism and its impact on national development.
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