Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava has challenged newly graduated teachers to spearhead Zimbabwe’s industrial transformation through innovation rooted in cultural identity.
Addressing guests and graduates at Marymount Teachers College during the institution’s 2025 graduation ceremony yesterday, Dr Shava said the nation expects teachers to become catalysts for development.
He was represented by the ministry’s chief director, Dr Willie Davison Ganda.
The ceremony was held under the theme, “Enhancing Innovation and Industrialisation through Heritage-Based Teacher Education”.
Dr Shava said the success of industrialisation hinged on the type of teachers produced by institutions such as Marymount.
“Innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation in teacher education is crucial for the country’s development. Accelerated national development can be achieved if we pay deliberate attention to equipping teachers with skills to drive industrial growth.
“This event’s theme correctly resonates with the country’s industrialisation and commercialisation agenda. It amplifies our Vision 2030, the roadmap to transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered society,” he said.
Dr Shava praised the University of Zimbabwe for fully embracing Education 5.0, noting that all 19 teacher training colleges have undergone major curricular transformation aligned with production and industrialisation.
“The curriculum has been transformed to ensure that teachers impart relevant skills to learners. The graduates before us play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future generations, instilling in them the values of creativity, entrepreneurship and problem-solving,” he said.
Dr Shava urged graduates to embrace cultural identity as a driver for innovation.
“Our heritage is a foundational bedrock upon which we can achieve industrialisation. Heritage-based education leverages cultural, historical and traditional knowledge to drive creativity and economic growth. Promote critical thinking. Encourage learners to solve problems and develop innovative solutions,” he said.
A total of 372 graduates received their certificates, 89 percent of whom were female.
Dr Shava said the gender imbalance, particularly in STEM fields, requires national intervention.
“This disparity is worrisome and calls for strategic redress,” he said.
University of Zimbabwe Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Attwell Mamvuto, applauded Marymount’s progress in aligning teacher education with innovation and commercialization. He said the college had successfully embedded heritage-based education into production and training.
“The curriculum now centres on project-based learning. Students in work-integrated learning are already developing innovative models for future industrial engagement,” he said.
Prof Mamvuto stressed that Marymount Teachers College’s productive units were no longer theoretical experiments but functioning enterprises.
“The college’s activities, from farming and honey processing to detergent and garment manufacturing offer students hands-on experience. Marymount Teachers College demonstrates a clear path from prototype production to commercialisation,” he said.
Marymount Teachers College Principal Mr Martin Mukwazhe said the college has commercialised its garment manufacturing and will soon construct a modern industrial plant to expand production.
“Our products have been well received. We now need to scale up. Before year-end, we are constructing a state-of-the-art industrial plant to expand operations,” he said.
Mr Mukwazhe further encouraged graduates to become employment creators.
“You are some of the first products of Education 5.0, you are creative, innovative and industrial. Find your space in developing Zimbabwe. I wish you the best in your future endeavours. Continue to shine like the star you are,” he said.
