Story by Tamuka Charakupa
CHINHOYI – THE need for tertiary students to adopt a job-creation mindset as a pathway to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship took centre stage at a Public Service Commission (PSC) public lecture held at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).
The lecture aimed at reorienting learners towards entrepreneurship and self-employment as strategic tools to address graduate unemployment and drive national development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the engagement, PSC Commissioner Dr Millicent Mombeshora emphasised the need for students to take ownership of their economic futures by embracing innovation and adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“The future of the public service is undeniably digital. As technological advancements continue to reshape every sector, our public institutions must evolve to become more responsive, data-driven, and digitally empowered. At the same time, the future of the workforce is entrepreneurial, defined by creativity, innovation, adaptability, and a willingness to disrupt outdated models.”
“National development will increasingly depend on the fusion of these two forces, a tech-enabled public service that embraces entrepreneurial thinking to solve complex challenges, deliver better services, and create sustainable value for all citizens. It is at this intersection that transformative leadership will emerge, capable of driving Zimbabwe forward into a resilient and prosperous future,“ Dr Mombeshora added.
CUT Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Taurai Bere, hailed the PSC’s initiative, describing it as a timely and eye-opening gesture for students, particularly in the wake of the establishment of innovation hubs at institutions of higher learning.
“The message was very loud and clear, our graduates should leverage their academic knowledge to create solutions that address community needs while generating employment,” Professor Bere remarked.
The lecture resonated with the student body, who expressed renewed motivation and a shift in perspective.
“This lecture opened my eyes. I have always wanted to start a business in renewable energy, and now I feel more motivated and confident about it,” one student said.
“We were told the harsh reality that most of us are not prepared to hear. It is a fact that universities are channelling thousands of graduates, way more than market demands. The onus is on us to embrace emerging technologies and find ways to create our own opportunities by leveraging existing structures,” added another.
Against the backdrop of a challenging job market, the call to innovate and create employment opportunities is not only timely but essential, aligning with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which promotes teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialisation.
