What Zimbabwe Can Learn from Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Approach to Raising Sons

Zimbabwe faces an undeniable challenge in shaping its next generation of young men—boys who must grow into hardworking, principled, and community-minded citizens capable of navigating a complex global economy. When seeking models of successful parenting, we often look to those who manage to instill fundamental values despite holding positions of high visibility. The upbringing of Emmerson Junior, Collins, and Sean Mnangagwa—the sons of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa—offers a compelling, actionable blueprint for every family in the nation.

The lessons began not in the boardroom, but on the school run. The memory of the boys sharing one Ssangyong Musso to school when they had several cars each could drive their own but they shared one vehicle. This simple act, despite the clear capacity for individual privilege, communicated an immediate and powerful lesson in humility, shared responsibility, and resourcefulness. Their trajectory suggests a deliberate parenting philosophy aimed at cultivating character over comfort.

While other children were partying at night clubs and holding champagne showers  Junior Mnangagwa was learning the art of farming and using the little savings to buy stocks while still in his youth is a profound instruction in financial literacy. If followed well this model teaches our boys that wealth is not just about spending or consumption, but about calculated investment, asset creation, and generating value through tangible work. Engaging with the land through farming ensured he understood the value chain and the patience required for growth—a necessary antidote to the get-rich-quick culture that plagues many societies. This early hands-on approach proves that financial education must start early, coupling intellectual knowledge with physical effort.

A well-rounded man requires both intellectual discipline and physical fortitude, and the Mnangagwa sons demonstrate a commitment to both. The academic path chosen by Collins Mnangagwa is irrefutable evidence of a rigorous mental foundation. His decision to pursue Engineering in China is not for the faint-hearted the difficulty of engineering maths is on another level but Collins managed to pull through. It required a high degree of intelligence, focus, and resilience to complete such a demanding, globally competitive course. Collins’s success underscores a lesson for all Zimbabwean parents: excellence in education, particularly in the challenging STEM fields, is the key to carving a respected and independent path in life.

Similarly, Sean Mnangagwa’s dedication to the military, training in the tough terrains of Russia, China, and Zimbabwe, speaks to the value placed on physical discipline, sacrifice, and mental toughness. This training provides the backbone of resilience and character necessary to face any adversity, proving that a strong mind must be supported by a disciplined body.

The overall portrait of the Mnangagwa boys—hardworking, well-educated, financially grounded, respectful, humble, and empathetic—is the direct result of intentional, hands-on parenting. It reflects a successful transmission of values from the Matriarch, Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa. The First Lady now runs several initiatives to help young people become productive members of society. It is unfortunate that her works are not given adequate coverage in the media. Amai Mnangagwa’s work at grassroots level is recognised globally but in Zimbabwe we prefer viral videos of things that do not ad any value to us as a society. Every mother or mother figure needs to take lessons from Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa if we are to raise a nation of fine gentlemen.

The lessons are clear for every parent in Zimbabwe:

Demand Humility: Resources should not negate the need for shared experiences and respect for others’ journeys.

Teach Production: Start financial literacy early, focusing on creating value (farming, shares) rather than just consumption.

Insist on Rigour: Push for demanding educational paths that build formidable intellectual strength.

Cultivate Empathy: Ensure sons understand their duty to their peers and community, often through quiet acts of service.

Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa has given Zimbabwe more than just successful sons; she has provided a powerful, living blueprint for raising the principled and resilient men that will ultimately build the nation’s future.