Fred Mubengo’s legacy

Paying tribute to Fred Bangani Mubengo, a visionary who had a huge role influencing and guiding Jessie’s House.

The hero of Muzondo

Fred Bangani Mubengo

1931 - 2022

My dad

Rev Eddie Mubengo, coordinator of Jessie’s House, pays tribute to his father.

Dad’s life was his legacy. Known for his generosity and kindness, his door was always open to the hungry, orphaned or anyone in need. My childhood home in Muzondo was the hub of the community.

My father was born in a village in Southeast Zimbabwe. One of five children, his father died when he was ten. Dad worked hard doing menial jobs to support the family and pay school fees. He qualified as a builder, moved to Mutare city, met my mother, Mildred, and formed his own construction company. In those days it was almost impossible for blacks to buy or own a home, so dad bought land in Muzondo where they settled and started a family.

“I hope we
can continue
dad’s legacy”

Growing up with my dad is one of the best gifts God could give me. We learnt so much from watching him help others, even strangers. He died aged 91. There were hundreds of people at his funeral, each one uniquely connected to him. He was a figure of compassion and a symbol of fatherhood. When Jessie’s House opened, dad was involved from the start. My brothers and other builders trained by dad built (and maintain) Jessie’s House for free. Many of his children are key workers at the centre. The community embraced Jessie’s House as an extension of dad’s own generous living.

I was one of thirteen children. Dad and mum gave us a wonderful and unforgettable childhood. Dad’s Christian faith was the bedrock of his life and family. In 1967 he built the Methodist church for free, still the only established church in the village.

Dad understood the power of education. He started an apprentice scheme, training young men in the village to become certified builders. Some had lost their fathers, so they came to live with us. He never turned anyone away. Dad cared for his community and shared whatever he had.

Encouraged by seeing Jessie’s House Farm use drip irrigation to overcome drought, he donated part of his land to set up a Community Farm, helping even more hungry families.

  • Fred and Mildred Mubengo (far right), with the family.

  • Fred and Mildred were married for 65 years. He is survived by 11 children, 41 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild.

  • Fred with his cattle. Livestock are an important asset, used for crop production and transport.

Eddie Mubengo is a child of Muzondo Village. His parents were fortunate enough to be able to get him an education and this unlocked a world of opportunities. Eddie is an example and an inspiration to his village and he has never forgotten them. He settled in Scotland with his wife Prestige and children, Wilona and Eddison Jr, and worked for the Epiphany Trust. He was recently ordained as a Methodist minister. Eddie works to fund raise for Jessie’s House. It is through his family and network in Muzondo that Jessie’s House has developed into a dynamic force for change and we are indebted to him for all he does.

Jessie’s House was set up by Jubilee Campaign in partnership with Epiphany Trust. www.epiphany.org.uk