Couple graduates with Master’s degrees at Solusi University ceremony

THERE were days when married couple Mr Tichafara Mangena and his wife Samkeliso Calrose felt like giving up under the weight of academic pressure while pursuing Master’s Degrees in Business Administration at Solusi University. But the thought of disappointing their children was too much to bear, and they soldiered on to the end.

The Victoria Falls-based couple persevered and yesterday graduated with Master’s Degrees at Solusi University’s 29th graduation ceremony, held at the institution’s main campus in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province.

When the couple met, they were both degree holders from different universities, and the idea of studying for Master’s Degrees started off as a joke — one that has now become a reality.

“Now our children have a challenge, and it’s up to them to achieve more than their parents. We have attained Master’s Degrees, and our children must aim to achieve higher academic qualifications than us.

“We are both employed at different companies in Victoria Falls and decided to pursue Master’s Degrees in Business Administration. It’s been a long journey of studying together and trying to balance work, marriage and university studies,” said Mr Mangena.

For Mrs Mangena, juggling roles as a mother, wife, career woman and student pushed her to the limit.

“I had no excuse to tell my children that because I’m studying, I can’t be a mother to them. I had no choice but to balance being a mum, wife and career woman, and today I’m proud that I managed to meet all those demands,” she said.

The Mangena couple were among 380 graduates drawn from different faculties who received degree and diploma certificates after completing their study programmes.

These included the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy, Faculty of Education, Humanities, Science, Agriculture and Health, and the Faculty of Business Administration.

Former Zimpapers intern Amos Mpofu was among the hundreds of graduands. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Communication with Education.

Zimpapers’ intern Amos Mpofu was among the hundreds of graduands at the 29th graduation ceremony of Solusi University.

A total of 14 foreign students from Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana were also among the graduates. One Namibian graduate, Natti George, earned a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in International Relations. Three Zambians — Nkole Kasonteka, Maureen Mtembo and Manila Esther Ngwenyama — graduated with BSc Honours degrees in Environmental Health.

Phumelele Masuku, Makhosi Sikhumbuzo Dlamini and Thoko Norah Mutton from Eswatini graduated with degrees in Business Management (Honours), Arts in Theology and a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature. Gabriel Joconias Gaumbe and Salvador Muchenga from Mozambique were awarded Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership and Management.

Two South Africans, Junier Lindelani Mathebula and Lungisani Cretwake Ndlovu, graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts and Theology. Also graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology were Andre Magalhaes Esteves from Angola and Siamisang Katisi from Botswana.

Guest of honour, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, applauded the inclusion of international students, saying this fosters a diverse learning environment that enhances cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

“Dreams are the beautiful, idealistic landscapes of our minds. But when we wake up, we can sometimes be met with the harsh terrain of joblessness, loss and disappointment. As you leave this university, you are equipped with more than just knowledge — you embody the transformative spirit that nurtures the heart, the hand, the head and the principles of Education 5.0.

This philosophy transcends theory, driving innovation, industrialisation and community development. Use the skills of your head, the passion of your heart and the work of your hands to build, to solve and to serve,” said Minister Kazembe, who was represented by Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi.

Solusi University Chancellor, Dr Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, said the 29th convocation since 1994 marked a milestone in the institution’s unwavering commitment to quality education in Zimbabwe.

“Our institutional journey to revive, recapitalise and rebuild Solusi University remains steadfastly on course. Every graduation signifies a milestone in our pursuit of the dream to be a Christ-moulded university with a heart to serve the world for eternity.

“Our commitment to educating the next generation remains our central and unwavering mission. We are dedicated to continuing this vital work, impacting the intellects of future students, nurturing their love for Christ and humanity, and instilling in them a profound and lasting sense of service.

“Our forward-looking academic trajectory also encompasses our undergraduate offerings, with five new programmes in relevant disciplines slated for imminent launch. These include Digital Journalism and Artificial Intelligence, Occupational Health and Environment, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Risk Management and Chaplaincy,” said Dr Ndlovu.

Dr Ndlovu lauded the university council for its strategic guidance and leadership and paid tribute to stakeholders for their continued partnership with the university.