Story by Patience Nyagato
HARARE-VETERAN civil servant and respected policy advisor, Dr Andries Matenda Rukobo, has captured his remarkable journey in a newly released memoir titled “An Itinerant Social Scientist: Memoirs of a Public Servant.”
Spanning over four decades, Dr Rukobo’s career journey is intricately woven into Zimbabwe’s complex political, social and economic landscape from the twilight of colonial rule, through independence, and into the Second Republic.
Speaking during the launch, Dr Rukobo said the memoir was inspired by a desire to preserve Zimbabwean history from a local perspective and to highlight the importance of service and public administration in shaping national progress.
“I felt I needed to contribute to our own history, to make it involving, so that we own it by telling it from our perspective. Secondly, I wanted to contribute to the understanding of the evolution of our public administration system. Thirdly, I wanted to emphasise the importance of service to one’s nation. And lastly, I wished to leave a legacy for my colleagues, my family, and myself,” he said.
The memoir not only offers a first-hand perspective on the policy shifts and administrative transformations in post-independence Zimbabwe, but also reflects on the country’s ongoing re-engagement efforts on the international stage.
“There is much to learn persistence, consistency, and clarity of vision. You need to be clear on what you want to achieve and translate that into practical policies. The re-engagement drive, for example, has created space for renewed dialogue. While not everyone agrees with us, the environment has changed compared to five or six years ago. Many countries are now open to engaging with Zimbabwe,” Dr Rukobo said.
He also spoke passionately about national values and ownership of the country’s destiny.
“As Zimbabweans, we are responsible for our own future. It is possible for us to rally behind our nation and resolve our own challenges. Equally, we must ensure that no one is left behind every individual, every region matters in shaping our national journey,” he said.
Throughout his career, Dr Rukobo held key roles across various ministries and institutions, where he championed policy innovation and community-based development initiatives.
His account provides valuable insights into the mechanics of governance, the importance of institutional memory, and the ongoing need for inclusive national development.
As Zimbabwe continues to reflect on its path and future prospects, memoirs such as Dr Rukobo’s serve as powerful reminders that history is best preserved and understood when recounted by those who have lived it.
