Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers Writer
THE Government of Zimbabwe has affirmed its commitment to making Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) the cornerstone of tertiary education, a move aimed at accelerating national development through the cultivation of critical skills. The declaration was made yesterday by Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda at Hillside Teachers’ College’s 67th graduation ceremony in Bulawayo, where 325 students received their qualifications, with 227 of them being female and 98 male.
“It is pleasing to note that 150 of these graduands are completing their studies in STEM disciplines. It is heartening that this college continues to contribute meaningfully to the Government’s vision of advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our nation,” said Deputy Minister Sibanda.
He, however, emphasised the need for the college to continue developing strategies and incentives to further boost enrolment and completion rates in these critical fields, with a particular focus on supporting and inspiring the girl child to confidently pursue STEM pathways.
“I am reliably informed that the college facilitated the participation of some female students in the Women in STEM Expo. This inspires and encourages female participation in STEM,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the graduation ceremony was not merely an academic milestone, but a celebration of promise, purpose, and potential. He described the event as a symbolic convergence of achievement and aspiration — where the fruits of intellectual labour meet the seeds of national transformation.
“Our chosen theme, ‘Heritage-Based Teacher Education: Commercialising Innovations for National Development’, speaks profoundly to our collective vision as a nation steeped in cultural richness and poised for forward-looking progress. It is a clarion call to reimagine education not as a static transmission of knowledge, but as a dynamic force rooted in identity, creativity, and enterprise,” said Deputy Minister Sibanda.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the ethos of the Heritage-Based Education philosophy, which anchors learners in their cultural foundations while equipping them to navigate the shifting terrain of global progress. Under the Second Republic, this philosophy weaves together the threads of national identity, industrialisation, and modernisation.
Deputy Minister Sibanda also revealed that plans are underway to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into the national curriculum, acknowledging the world’s ongoing technological evolution.
“Rather than posing a threat to our cultural identity, AI can serve as a means to integrate our heritage into the modern economy. It allows for smarter lesson planning, inclusive learning models, adaptive content delivery, and efficient resource management,” he said.
He further stated that the ministry remains steadfast in aligning its efforts with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). In line with this, sporting and recreational facilities at the college are being upgraded, with Phase Two of the project expected to be completed by November 2025.
In her welcome remarks, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, commended the extraordinary achievements of the graduands, which she said were marked by unwavering commitment, intellectual rigour, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
She noted that their journey had been paved with countless hours of study, critical inquiry, and creative exploration, culminating in the day’s celebration.
“May this milestone serve not merely as a conclusion, but as a springboard into a future defined by lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional distinction,” she said.
Minister Ncube also paid tribute to representatives from the University of Zimbabwe, particularly those from the Centre for Teacher Education and Material Development, acknowledging their continued partnership and intellectual stewardship as invaluable to the academic community.
“Our Government strives to create platforms for dialogue, resource mobilisation, and mentorship, thereby ensuring that the talents nurtured through Heritage-Based Teacher Education are not only upheld but also serve as a vanguard for progress,” she said.
College Principal Dr Sifelani Jabangwe, in his foreword to the graduands, said the ceremony marked not only the culmination of their rigorous academic journey but also the beginning of a transformative path as educators, innovators, and custodians of national progress.
“As you step into the professional realm, we celebrate the promise you hold to shape the future of education and to contribute meaningfully to the development of our nation. The Heritage-Based Teacher Education you have received is more than a pedagogical foundation — it is a call to action,” he said.
Dr Jabangwe reminded the graduands that as they step beyond the gates of the college and into the broader world, their qualification is not merely a certificate, but a responsibility.
“Teach not only with your mind, but also with your heart, for it is the lessons of compassion, resilience, and hope that will leave the deepest mark on those you serve. Go forth with confidence, for you carry the knowledge, skills, and the calling to shape the future of our nation,” he said.
