Story by Abigirl Tembo
THE Zimbabwe Open University’s 23rd graduation ceremony was a celebration of academic excellence and empowerment, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his capacity as Chancellor of the institution capped more than 2 000 graduates at the university’s Hatcliffe Main Campus in Harare.
At the graduation ceremony, women ook the lead, with nearly 70% of the graduands being female, proving that Zimbabwe’s future is not just bright but led by empowered and educated women ready to make their mark.”
Before presiding over the ceremony, President Mnangagwa commissioned the university’s administration, teaching and learning buildings, whose foundation he laid during the 2022 graduation ceremony.
The new infrastructure marks a major milestone in strengthening ZOU’s capacity to deliver quality education and promote innovation.
ZOU Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Gundani, outlined the university’s key achievements, notably the registration of the ZOU-Masvingo Biomethane Company, a trailblazing renewable energy initiative focused on producing biomethane from organic waste.
“This enterprise focuses on producing biomethane from organic waste, offering sustainable solutions for both domestic and industrial energy needs, while also promoting effective waste management. The company serves as a vital platform for cutting-edge research, and is currently testing biomethane samples to ensure safety, quality and viability.
“It fosters collaboration among students, faculty and industry experts, encouraging interdisciplinary research in environmental science, engineering and business. This initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship and economic growth. It reflects our resolve to harness scientific advancement for the betterment of our society and our nation’s future. We are confident that the ZOU-Masvingo Biomethane Company will significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s sustainable energy landscape and development trajectory.”
He further noted that 67 percent of the graduates were women, underscoring ZOU’s role in promoting gender empowerment through education.
“Ghanaian scholar, Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey, is credited with the saying, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Through this special harvest constituting 67% of this year’s graduation, who dares doubt that ZOU is committed to educating the whole nation of Zimbabwe.”
The graduates included the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Tongai Mnangagwa, and Air Vice Marshal Biltim Chingono, who both graduated with BSc Honours Degrees in Development Studies.
Honourable Mnangagwa described the milestone as a motivation for lifelong learning, while other graduates reflected on a worthwhile investment in education.
“I am excited and happy. It took me a while to get to where I am now. I can only say to the youth, it is never too late. No matter what age you are, you can still go in and study and improve yourself. Self-improvement is key to achieving anything in life,” he said.
“It has been a journey, and today, we have finished that journey. I am so happy because I have attained this degree, the Education 5.01, which the government is always talking about. We are now going to the market and market ourselves and make sure that we also give back to the communities that raised us,” a graduating student said.
“I graduated with a Master’s of Philosophy in Ethics and Organisational Leadership. I would say for those who are working, ZOU enables you to work and earn at the same time, but you also have empowerment. Actually, you will be knowledgeable, so you have ample time to go to work and still come back to school,” another added.
“It has been a long journey and am happy that I am finally here, it is difficult trying to balance work, school and family, but well, here we are,” a graduate stated.
As the caps go up and smiles light the campus, the message is clear – Zimbabwe’s future is in the hands of an empowered, educated generation ready to drive innovation and transformation.”
