By Patience Gondo
Petals Institution Primary School burst into colour and celebration on Wednesday as it held its annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony, an event graced by Guest of Honour Hon. Kwanele “Madzibaba” Lawrence Lavious Katsiru.
The veteran religious and political figure used the occasion not only to celebrate the learners’ achievements, but to honour the woman behind the institution, his daughter.
Taking to the podium before parents, teachers and excited pupils, Hon. Katsiru spoke with visible pride as he acknowledged his daughter’s determination to build an institution that serves the community.
“The owner of this school is my daughter, and I am so proud of her,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
He told the gathering that his leadership, both in church and public life, has always centred on encouraging hard work, education and self-reliance.
“When I lead people at church, I urge them to work and to use their minds,” he said.
“I discourage people from avoiding school. I want to continue encouraging you all to work from your minds and use your own money to promote your society.”
Katsiru described his daughter’s decision to open a school as an act of social responsibility rooted in values he has long preached.
He commended her for building an institution that has quickly become a source of pride for the community.
“This school started with only 13 learners and now it has more than 100 students and lm so proud,” he said.
“That is what we must all aspire to putting our hands and minds to work for the good of others.”
The ceremony featured musical performances, speeches by outstanding pupils and awards recognising academic excellence, leadership, creativity and community service.
Graduating learners proudly walked across the stage to receive their certificates, some waving enthusiastically while parents captured the moment on camera.
While Katsiru is widely known today as a senior figure in the Johane Masowe weChishanu Apostolic Church, his influence stretches across decades.
Born in 1953 in Guruve’s Katsiru Village, he rose to prominence in the late 1980s through his prophetic work, attracting followers from across southern Africa.
His public life has also intersected with politics, having served as ZANU-PF deputy political commissar for Mashonaland East and later as a legislator roles that cemented his visibility in national affairs.
He is also known for his association with businessman Wicknell Chivayo, a relationship that has often drawn public attention.
These layers of religious, political and personal influence made his appearance at Petals Institution particularly meaningful for many in attendance.
As the event drew to a close, Hon. Katsiru said parents should continue prioritising education and to support young people in dreaming boldly.
“If we build with our minds, we build things that last,” he said. “Let us raise children who will uplift Zimbabwe.”
For Petals Institution and for the proud father honouring his daughter’s vision it was a day that celebrated not only academic achievement, but the power of community driven leadership and generational inspiration.