Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
TWENTY-SIX forestry trailblazers stepped into the green economy today, capping years of grit to claim diplomas in wood technology and forestry at the Zimbabwe College of Forestry.
Under the banner of “Transforming lives through forestry training and innovation,” the graduation ceremony celebrated not just academic milestones, but a strategic leap forward for the sector.
Guest of honour, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, challenged the new graduates to push past conventional boundaries through relentless research and innovation. She was represented by the chief director in the ministry, Mr Washington Zhakata.
Adding weight to the industry-academia partnership, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza lauded provincial timber companies for hosting students during vital attachment periods.
Minister Mugadza was who was represented by director policy coordination in his office, Mr Joseph Mashingaidze.
Beyond the diplomas, the ceremony marked the official opening of a new innovation hub dedicated to research in forestry, environment, and natural resources management.
The hub is already converting Mepesepese (Vernonanthura polyanthes) biomass into valuable resources for forestry nurseries, showcasing hands-on solutions, as the college offers foundation certificates, diplomas, and degrees in forestry, wood technology, and saw doctoring.
