Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Features Writer
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona was among the over 6 800 graduands who were capped by Midlands State University Chancellor, President Mnangagwa, at the university’s Kwekwe campus last Thursday.
This was the university’s 26th graduation ceremony.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme, “Impacting Society through Commercialisation of Research and Innovation Outputs”.
Before the ceremony, President Mnangagwa commissioned the newly constructed state-of-the-art Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School.
The Law School was built in recognition of President Mnangagwa’s contribution to the development of the legal system in the country.
The two-storey building sits on a 220-hectare farm that the university received as a donation from Kwekwe City Council.
It was a moment of pride and celebration, especially at the ED Mnangagwa Law School, where graduates were basking in the glory of their academic achievements.
Among the graduates was also the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Willard Manungo, who was awarded a Doctorate in Business Leadership.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, President Mnangagwa stated that the opening of the ED Mnangagwa Law School is the culmination of a clear vision, meticulous planning, and committed implementation.
Minister Mhona has received congratulatory messages from his ministry, parastatals, Government departments and individuals on his graduation.
Some of the parastatals include Zimbabwe National Road Administration, Airports Company of Zimbabwe, National Railways of Zimbabwe, CMED, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe.
In its congratulatory message, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development said, “Huge congratulations to our Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon Adv FT Mhona (MP) on graduating with a Master of Law (LLM) in Constitutional and Human Rights Law.
“Hon Mhona has once again proven that true leadership and commitment to learning go hand in hand! This remarkable achievement, accomplished while diligently serving the nation, demonstrates an incredible depth of dedication and intellectual passion.
“Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlope, Nyakudirwa.”
The Airports Company of Zimbabwe also said, “The Board, Management and Staff of The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited is cleared for takeoff on a celebratory flight as we extend our sincerest congratulations to our esteemed Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon Adv FT Mhona (MP), on his remarkable achievement of graduating with a Master of Law (LLM) in Constitutional and Human Rights Law from Midlands State University.”
ACZ said this academic milestone was not just a personal victory, but a testament to his dedication to mastering a complex flight path.
“He has successfully navigated the intricate skies of law and human rights, demonstrating the meticulous planning and unwavering focus required to land a new qualification with distinction.
“This new expertise provides an essential compass for our journey forward, enabling our transport sector to ascend to a future of fairness and progress.
“We are confident that his deepened legal insight will be the powerful tailwind needed to accelerate our collective mission.
“Under his guidance, we look forward to charting a course for unprecedented development and ensuring our nation’s transport industry soars to even greater heights.
“Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlope Honourable Minister.”
Zinara said, balancing academic pursuits with the demands of public office was no small feat.
“The ZINARA Board, Management, and Staff proudly congratulate Honourable Felix Tapuwa Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, on attaining a Master of Law (LLM) in Constitutional and Human Rights Law from the Midlands State University.
“Balancing academic pursuits with the demands of public office is no small feat, and this exceptional achievement reflects your continued commitment to informed leadership and national development.”
The journey towards academic achievement was not a stroll in the park.
The graduation ceremony came at a time when the university had made several strides in the implementation of the Heritage-based Education 5.0 model, with several innovation projects being initiated.
“This graduation comes on the backdrop of some massive recognition on our part.
“We have been awarded several accolades in 2025. Our students from the law faculty won the moot competition and emerged as the best in the world.
“They also came first in the heads of the arguments. They came out in second place in the African human rights competition.
“Five of our students won the best in innovation competition by the Institute of Engineers. We have signature projects that have since been patented,” MSU Vice Chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa said.
This year, MSU’s graduation ceremony is historic after being held at the ED Mnangagwa Law School, the first time such a ceremony has been held outside the institution’s main campus located in Gweru.
In February this year, Minister Mhona was also officially admitted as a lawyer of the High Court.
He took the oath of loyalty and office before Justice Tawanda Chitapi, alongside three other lawyers, in a ceremony held in Harare.
This admission is reserved for legal professionals who have successfully advanced beyond their degree qualifications, completed the mandatory post-graduate supervised experience, and are now qualified to independently practice law.
Taking the oath of loyalty signifies their formal recognition as officers of the High Court, entrusted with upholding justice and the rule of law.
Beyond his ministerial duties, Minister Mhona serves as the legislator for Chikomba East constituency.
He took the oaths of loyalty and office before Justice Chitapi, alongside Vensus Wadzanai Tabeni, Lonias Majoni Simanga and Tafadzwa Chamisa.
This milestone marked the completion of rigorous academic and professional requirements, including post-graduate supervised practice, qualifying these individuals to practice law independently.
The oath of loyalty to Zimbabwe means they must put others first, and the oath of office makes them an officer of the High Court, subject to the high standards demanded as they ultimately serve justice and commit to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law.
Justice Chitapi addressed the new entrants, urging them to uphold the integrity of the legal profession with diligence and honour.
He commended Minister Mhona’s transition into the legal field, highlighting how his experience in politics and legislation enriches his role.
By stepping into the legal fraternity, Minister Mhona now engages with all three branches of the State: the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
He expressed his satisfaction at being admitted as a lawyer, attributing the achievement to perseverance and a drive for personal growth.
He emphasised how this new qualification complements his existing responsibilities as a minister and legislator, enhancing his ability to serve the nation.
“I am pleased to now operate across all three branches of the State, the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, as a minister, legislator, and legal practitioner,” he said.
He noted that his legal expertise would strengthen his ability to articulate Government policy in Parliament.
Minister Mhona extended his gratitude to the people of Chikomba, particularly Chikomba East, for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing them in the National Assembly.
“They have given me the mandate to serve them,” he said.
“As the judge reminded us, being a fit and proper person means respecting the role of a servant of the people.”
This, Minister Mhona said, aligns perfectly with his duties as a representative of his constituency.
