dyton mupawaenda
Sifelani Tsiko
Innovations Editor
In the spirit of celebrating women’s month The Herald profiles University of Zimbabwe women who have played a major role in driving change through knowledge production and implementation of Heritage -based Education 5.0 for the modernisation and industrialisation of the country.
It is heartening that more women are taking up leading roles at the UZ and coming up with ground-breaking ideas under Education 5.0, based on five major components that include teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.
On March 8, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
In this article, we celebrate the remarkable women who have made a significant impact in their work at the UZ and in the country as a whole.
We salute and recognise female leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation and advocacy for equality as the nation moves forward towards innovation-led and knowledge-based economy.
Prof Florence Mtambanengwe
Executive director for research, innovation and industrialisation, Prof Florence Mtambanengwe, has delivered impactful research for over 35 years. She has rallied farmers, particularly women, towards ensuring household food and nutrition security, and climate change adaptation, in addition to training, supporting extension work, farmer organisations, fellow researchers and academics.
Prof Mtambanengwe has also impacted on non-governmental organisations, companies, regional and international research organisations, and policy makers.
Her decades of experience in the field of ecology, agricultural and natural ecosystems for sustainable development and livelihood improvements among smallholder communities, has been a driving force behind her strategic development and ability to support growing numbers of innovators at the UZ Innovation Hub. By building a culture of mentorship and innovation, Prof Mtambanengwe has continuously championed initiatives that align the UZ brand with learners’ aspirations, ensuring every innovator feels empowered to achieve their goals and understand exactly how they can find their fit in the country’s modernisation and industrialisation drive.
Dr Agnes Chikonzo
As the librarian, she has remarkably used her experience to lead various efforts to turn the UZ library into a knowledge hub by integrating digital technologies and collaborative learning spaces that also take users with special needs on board.
Dr Chikonzo has led initiatives in information delivery and knowledge management as well as implementing various impactful projects for students and staff with disabilities, and community outreach projects supporting health workers and underserved communities in Zimbabwe. Under her leadership, the UZ library has maintained its status as Zimbabwe’s leading library.
Her transformative approach has advanced digital inclusion, virtual learning, and equitable access to quality education in alignment with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030.
Prof Ancila Nhamo
Professor Ancila Nhamo is the Research Specialist in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
As a trailblazer in research, innovation, and the commercialisation of knowledge-based products, she advocates for relevance and responsiveness, ensuring that universities provide solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.
Prof Nhamo believes that Africa’s unique challenges require uniquely African solutions. Through this, she has fostered a culture of innovation and problem-solving at the University of Zimbabwe, aligning with the Government’s Heritage-based Education 5.0 model.
Over the past six years, she has mentored student interns and junior researchers in translational research, innovation and commercialisation processes. Her collaborative approach and dedication to excellence have earned her the respect of her peers, making her a role model for women in science and leadership.
Dr Fiona Makoni
Dr Fiona Makoni is the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
For 25 years of work as an astute academic leader and researcher, her leadership skills have been remarkable.
Through her various roles at the UZ, in public and private sector boards, she made an indelible impact on the country’s dental and medical health landscape. Her research innovation outputs led to the development of a dental treatment technique, which was adopted by the World Health Organisation.
Dr Makoni is a counsellor. Her involvement in Christian ministries and counselling reflects her dedication to exploring challenges, building trust and developing coping mechanisms to improve the well-being of people.
Her work has helped to shape and influence professional excellence in clinical practice and professional service.
Dr Onai Muvingi
The Dean of the Faculty of Business Management Sciences and Economics, Dr Onai Muvingi, has more than three decades experience of providing leadership in teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation.
She has been instrumental in strengthening the capacity of public sector accountancy professionals in Zimbabwe.
She also led various programmes that helped to develop curricula, student materials and training resources for both private and public sector accounting standards.
Dr Muvingi is a highly respected figure in the accounting profession, and has made a significant impact on the Zimbabwean accounting landscape through, for example, the implementation of e-learning financial management for managers in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Prof Stanzia Moyo
Prof Stanzia Moyo is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
As a demographer with 16 years teaching experience, she has architected systems for curriculum development and designing of community intervention programmes.
Prof Moyo has helped to build and scale innovative solutions in knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices studies regarding reproductive health issues of women, men, adolescents and youth.
In her role in the Zimbabwe National Board of Family Planning, she has contributed immensely in providing safe and effective sexual and reproductive health for the nation.
Prof Idah Sithole-Niang
A renowned leader in biotechnology, Professor Idah Sithole-Niang is the Dean of the Faculty of Science.
She has vast experience in academic research, strategy and innovation. Her research outputs on genetic improvement of cowpea gene and drug development have earned her global recognition. Because of her energy and commitment, Prof Sithole-Niang has become an obvious choice for Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students.
She has shown significant commitment to training, teaching and promoting the careers of young scientists at the UZ.
The renowned biochemist has always been available for helpful and insightful discussions to shape research, innovation and commercialisation outputs at various local, regional and international academic bodies.
In 2024, her faculty garnered 10 awards for various scientific innovations. At least four of them will move to the commercialisation stage this year.
Dr Annia Matikiti
Dr Annia Matikiti is the Director of the Support Services Department.
She has made significant strides in science and research by lecturing, conducting research, supervising and co-supervising students in various research projects since 2005.
Dr Matikiti has a rich and varied experience in research covering underutilised, neglected and orphaned traditional crops. As head of the Support Services Department, she is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic plans for support services in line with Education 5.0’s heritage-based philosophy. She oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of key logistical support services at the UZ.
Mrs Doreen Tirivanhu
An accomplished administrator, Mrs Doreen Tirivanhu is the Deputy Registrar, Academic.
She has leveraged her scientific expertise to manage over 400 academic programmes and the entire student academic cycle from enrolment to graduation and post-certification.
With more than 20 years of experience, Mrs Tirivanhu has also actively participated in numerous national policy processes in Zimbabwe, helping to translate scientific findings into actionable policy.
Some of her notable works include the development of the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2023), the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan for Zimbabwe (forthcoming), and key policies.
Prof Linda Mhlanga
Professor Linda Mhlanga is the Deputy Director, Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development Institute.
As an environmental scientist with expertise and experience in freshwater ecosystems in Zimbabwe, she leads efforts to promote integrated water resources management and management of shared water courses with respect to livelihood requirements of the local communities. Prof Mhlanga is passionate about socio-economic issues of communities with respect to their access to water and other resources. Her work in local, regional and international bodies has been instrumental in interrogating community level socio-economic issues in relation to climate change, inclusivity, mitigation and adaptation.
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