Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE sun shined brighter yesterday morning reflecting its warm glow at Gweru Polytechnic where 660 students graduated with diplomas and certificates.
Excitement dripped the venue as 337 males and 323 females, donned their finest attire and shared the celebration of success with their family members and academic delegates.
Males wore tailored suits, crisp white shirts, and ties, exuding confidence and sophistication, a testament to personal style, with some opting for classic black and navy, while others chose bolder colours and patterns.
The females, on the other hand, emerged in their elegant dresses, some adorned with intricate patterns and others with subtle embellishments.
They had taken great care to style their hair in elaborate up-dos, braids, and curls, adding a touch of glamour to their overall look.
Makeup was tastefully applied, enhancing their natural beauty without overpowering it.
As the graduands mingled and posed for photographs, their joy and pride were palpable.
The air was filled with laughter, chatter, and the sound of cameras clicking as family and friends captured the special moment.
The conducive weather added to the festive atmosphere, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers.
The graduates’ excitement was contagious, and the entire gathering was infused with a sense of achievement and celebration.
As the ceremony began, the graduands took their seats, beaming with pride as they awaited the conferment of their certificates and diplomas by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and
Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, who was representing the Minister Dr Fredrick Shava.
As Prof Tagwira and the high table that included the college principal, Engineer Washington Chandiwana, made the way to the podium to kick-start the graduation ceremony, the atmosphere in the auditorium was one of jubilation, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the young achievers.
Prof Tagwira read Dr Shava’s speech emphasising the importance of innovation, enterprise, and nation-building in achieving the country’s Vision 2030.
“We need creators, inventors, and bold entrepreneurs who will transform local resources into value-added products,” Dr Shava said.
“I urge you to reject drug and substance abuse and instead be bold enough to innovate, brave enough to lead, and patriotic enough to stay and build Zimbabwe.”
The minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of industrialisation, modernisation, and inclusive growth.
He noted that institutions like Kwekwe Polytechnic are leading the charge by equipping youth with practical, market-relevant skills that directly contribute to national productivity.
“President Mnangagwa declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Commercialisation’. We must now move beyond innovation to enterprise. Our institutions must become hubs of production, value and entrepreneurship,” said Dr Shava.
He also commended the polytechnic’s strides in innovation, including the development of prototypes such as the solar-powered compressor and automated heavy-duty jack and stand.
Dr Shava urged the institution to expand its business incubation programme, upscale production, and deepen partnerships with industry and commerce to develop robust value chains anchored in the country’s natural resources.
“I am pleased to note that Gweru Polytechnic has already embraced this vision through its business incubation programme, which now hosts two registered student-led consortia under staff mentorship,” said Dr Shava.
He emphasised the importance of inclusivity in education, highlighting the Government’s initiatives to support students with disabilities and those from marginalised communities.
Kwekwe Polytechnic has afforded 14 students access to the “Work for Fees Programme” and has enrolled 26 students with disabilities.
As the country pursues its commercialisation agenda, Dr Shava stressed the need to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate product development, enhance market intelligence, and optimise resource utilisation.
“As we pursue this commercialisation agenda, we must harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. AI presents unprecedented opportunities for higher and tertiary education institutions to accelerate product development, enhance market intelligence, and optimise resource utilisation,” he said.
“Through AI-driven tools — such as rapid prototyping, predictive analytics, and automated testing — our institutions can reduce time-to-market and refine innovations for real-world application.
“AI also enables smart inventory systems, scalable production models, and energy-efficient operations, thereby enhancing institutional efficiency,” he added.
Dr Shava called upon the graduates to drive transformation and build an inclusive and innovative Zimbabwe, driven by skilled minds and willing hands.
“Let’s not wait for transformation; let us drive it,” he said.
“Starting a small business requires resilience and adaptability. The journey can be unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. However, with the right mindset, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.
“Remember, the training you have received has equipped you with versatile skills, enabling you to navigate various challenges that come with entrepreneurship. Be prepared to ‘fail forward’, learning from each setback and using those lessons to drive your business forward. As the saying goes, ‘those who haven’t failed have never tried’.”
Bongani Ndlovu