Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, Zimpapers Reporter
HISTORY was made at Solusi University in Bulilima District last weekend when the inaugural group of 100 Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) chaplains, who completed a formal two-year academic programme to earn Diplomas in Chaplaincy, were officially dedicated and pinned on Saturday before graduating during the university’s 29th graduation ceremony on Sunday.
The programme stems from a five-year-old initiative known as Corporate Chaplaincy Services, spearheaded by prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei through the Bridging Gapes Foundation.
The initiative was established to address the shortage of professionally trained, academically equipped chaplains within the national security forces.
During a ceremony held ahead of the main graduation, lecturers — whom the class described as having not only taught but “sharpened” them — were present in full academic regalia, adding colour and dignity to the event.
The chaplains were formally pinned and charged to serve society with empathy, compassion and professionalism, ensuring that their ministry remains grounded in simplicity and effectiveness.
The class, which began its studies in 2023, celebrated joyfully as the university certified them as qualified chaplains ready to serve in one of the country’s most strategic sectors, where such specialised training is urgently needed.
Dr Brian Moyo, Director of Corporate Chaplaincy Services, said that the programme was introduced after significant gaps were observed within the security sector.
“We have chaplains in the police force who are not trained. They hold theology degrees, which are not specific to chaplaincy requirements. We commenced this programme with the ZRP as we needed them to be trained and specialise in chaplaincy, which is a strategic asset in policing to achieve the national Vision 2030.
The first cohort of 100 chaplains, comprising 31 females and 69 males, has graduated with their Diplomas in Chaplaincy. They are now equipped to discharge their chaplaincy duties under their organisations,” he said.
Dr Moyo said this was a fully sponsored programme by the Bridging Gapes Foundation, which is run by Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
“We are continuing with the next batch of 100, which will start in March next year at Solusi. We are happy to say we are including ZPCS chaplains in the next group and are still in negotiation with other security forces,” he said.
Dr Moyo emphasised that chaplaincy plays a critical role in addressing mental health challenges within the force.
“We don’t want someone who would be proselytising the ZRP, thus trying to turn the ZRP into a church, forgetting that the ZRP belongs to everyone. That’s why we trained them as chaplains, as chaplaincy covers everyone and has nothing to do with denominations.
“The target is that we must have a chaplain at each and every police station because, in this epoch when we are battling the drug menace, ZRP chaplains can help eradicate this scourge. It also helps our police force by preaching and teaching them during parades,” he said.
Inspector Rice Charles, the Provincial Chaplain Support Officer, who also graduated with a cum laude, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to study at Solusi University.
“I am proudly happy that I’ve been given an opportunity to be at this institution. I’ve been practising chaplaincy for 18 years but if I look back, I realise that of course I was doing it, but not with the expertise and professionalism that it deserves.
“Now, because of the experience that I had at this institution, I tell you, I’m now a professional somebody. I’m now somebody who can do things confidently and without fear. This has given me more passion and more energy so that when I go back to the communities, I can go and deliver,” he said.
Insp Charles said the programme helped him understand how to handle delicate matters such as bereavement.
“Some of the areas that I saw, especially in terms of bereavement counselling, is that sometimes when you go to a funeral, you can actually receive a certain sermon and say, I want to preach this one, it is my best. But when you go there, these people are bereaved and you need to look at the situation. You have to do proper counselling that they deserve, which doesn’t cause more harm to the bereaved.
“Now, going forward, I am going to correct those areas. That’s when I realised that I was actually making a serious mistake to come up with my own sermon, which is different from what you need to assess at the ground, which is being compassionate or putting yourself in the shoes of someone who is in need,” he said.
He praised the Corporate Chaplaincy Services team and the Bridging Gapes Foundation for their foresight.
Inspector Charles further highlighted the need to guide young people who have “lost direction”, urging communities to help them invest their energy in constructive pursuits.
Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy at Solusi, Professor Nkosiyabo Zvandasara, delivered a solemn five-point charge to the graduates, urging them to be skilled spiritual companions, committed to lifelong learning, and serving with integrity and ethics to foster a spirit of prayer and reflection.
He emphasised compassion, ethical service, prayerful reflection and outreach to the marginalised.
