Story by Tamuka Charakupa
CHINHOYI University of Technology (CUT) has bid farewell to one of its founding fathers, Vice Chancellor Professor David Simbi, who retired after more than two decades of service to the institution, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, industrialisation and institutional transformation.
Professor Simbi was conferred with the prestigious Emeritus Vice Chancellor status during a retirement farewell ceremony held at the university this Friday.
The occasion drew senior Government officials, academics, members of the business community, students and other stakeholders, who also witnessed the launch of the DJ Simbi Graduate Research Fellowship Foundation.
In his farewell remarks, Professor Simbi challenged graduates and institutions of higher learning to prioritise innovation and job creation in line with the country’s industrialisation agenda.
“What is the point of going to school if you are not creating jobs? As I accept the Emeritus status, I will leave you with this important question. Let us innovate and industrialise and contribute positively to the economic growth of the country,” Professor Simbi said.
Colleagues and education stakeholders paid tribute to Professor Simbi’s leadership, crediting him with steering the university through a period of significant growth and national recognition.
Acting Vice Chancellor Professor William Goriwondo said Professor Simbi’s tenure was defined by strategic leadership and institutional expansion.
“Under his leadership, CUT has experienced significant institutional growth, notable infrastructural expansion, strengthened academic programmes, and enhanced national and international recognition. I have learnt that this has enabled us to become a “CUT above the BEST”. His tenure has been defined by strategic foresight, stability, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Through his guidance, the University has solidified its identity as a centre of technological excellence, dedicated to generating solutions that contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, Professor Kuzvinetsa Peter Dzvimbo, described the conferment of Emeritus status as a fitting honour.
“The conferment of the Emeritus Vice Chancellor status on Professor David Simbi is a well-deserved recognition of his immense contribution to higher and tertiary education in Zimbabwe. His visionary leadership at Chinhoyi University of Technology has left a lasting legacy in innovation, research, and institutional growth. As ZIMCHE, we commend this milestone and welcome the establishment of the DJ Simbi Graduate Research Fellowship Foundation, which will further promote academic excellence and research development.”
Vice Chancellor of Bindura University of Science Education, Professor Eddie Mwenje, commended the introduction of the Emeritus Vice Chancellor appointment, saying it preserves institutional continuity and experience.
“I would like to thank you on behalf of the Vice Chancellors for introducing this appointment of Vice Chancellor Emeritus, as it allows universities to maintain continuity by retaining the expertise and experience that a Vice Chancellor accumulates over the years. We sincerely thank you for that on behalf of the Vice Chancellors.”
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, praised Professor Simbi for transforming the institution into a centre of academic and technological excellence.
“Professor Simbi’s leadership has been defined by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, Chinhoyi University of Technology has grown into a beacon of academic distinction, producing graduates who are not only skilled but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our nation. His vision extended beyond the walls of the university, fostering partnerships with industry, empowering communities, and positioning CUT as a hub of agricultural and technological advancement,” she said.
Professor Simbi leaves office having overseen major infrastructural developments at the university, including the establishment of innovation hubs, new administration blocks and expanded industrialisation programmes that have strengthened the institution’s contribution to national development.
