adminTHE past two weeks have been quite eventful for outstanding Zimbabwean whiz kids and innovators, who are based overseas.
Firstly, it was Zimbabwean education advocate Varaidzo Kativhu who co-hosted the prestigious Diana Awards with the Duke of Essex, Prince Harry.
As a two-time recipient of the prize, Varaidzo’s impact on the education sector is strongly felt.
Her fairy-tale, as an education advocate, continues to burn a trail of success.
Varaidzo deserves to be honoured in her homeland to ensure that she impacts the girl child in Zimbabwe to excel in studies.
A role model to the youths, Varaidzo’s impact should never be underestimated.
Earlier this week, prolific writer and poet, Dambudzo Marechera’s legacy was under the spotlight at Oxford University.
Almost 50 years ago, after his expulsion for questionable behaviour and disrupting college life, there are people who still value his intelligence and impact.
So many years after his demise, and deportation, two academics – Dr Tinashe Mushakavanhu and Dr Niall Munro – have been carrying out research about the late writer’s legacy.
As part of celebrating Marechera’s legacy in literary arts, a two-month exhibition is currently underway at Oxford University.
The exhibition will be based on Marechera, who once experienced homelessness, after his expulsion from the prestigious college.
According to researchers and academics behind this exhibition, the initiative is another significant acknowledgment of Marechera’s outstanding work.
He might have been a troublesome student but his impact and influence in the education sector still remains unrivalled.
Next Tuesday, Zimbabwean film-maker, author and graphic designer, Dr Saki Mafundikwa, will be conferred with an honorary degree at the University of the Arts London (UAL).
Dr Mafundikwa was selected among the 12 creatives, from around the world, as exceptional change makers.
He is being honoured for his influence and impact as a creative whose works continue to touch the hearts of many.
The founder and director of Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts, a design and new media training collection, is a serial winner.
Last year, Dr Mafundikwa also won the 2022 Presidential Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) from the UK’s Design and Direction for his first book on African typography.
This rare feat by Dr Mafundikwa should also inspire other locals to invest in education and innovation.
The trio of Dr Mafundikwa, Varaidzo and Marchera were this week honoured for their exploits, which we should never underestimate.
We should always be proud of some of the country’s finest academics, and innovators, who are making waves in the education sector.
It’s unfortunate that some of these luminaries are being honoured overseas yet we don’t really value them back home.
There is a need for a change of mindset where we should always embrace and honour our kith and kin.
It’s never too late for us to do the right thing and honour our legends.
For them, getting recognised and honoured at home, is more important than getting the same recognition, away from home.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter