Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
HOME Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), at a ceremony presided over by President Mnangagwa.
At the same occasion, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer Simbarashe Tongayi also graduated with a doctorate in Strategic Management.
Dr Kazembe’s thesis was titled “A Pragmatic E-Government Interoperability Framework to Augment Public Service Delivery in Zimbabwe”, while that of Dr Tongayi was titled “An E-Technology System for Electoral Dispute Resolution in Southern African Development Community (SADC) Countries”.
In an interview, Dr Kazembe said he was elated to have completed the next level in his academic journey.
“I’m very excited, very relieved; it’s been a long journey, tiring, challenging, but here we are. I’m so excited,” he said.
In a congratulatory message to Dr Kazembe, Civil Registry Department registrar-general Mr Henry Machiri and his staff said his remarkable academic achievement was testimony of his commitment to excellence, innovation and transformative leadership.
“Under your visionary leadership, the ministry has made significant strides in digital transformation and systems interoperability with other Government and private entities,” said the department.
“These efforts are strengthening real-time identity verification, information sharing and national security, while contributing to more efficient and responsive public service delivery.
“The Civil Registry Department is proud to be part of this transformative journey and deeply appreciates your continued support, guidance and commitment to modernising Zimbabwe’s civil registration and identity management systems.
“Congratulations, Hon Minister on this well-deserved academic milestone. May this achievement inspire even greater accomplishments as you continue to serve the nation with distinction.”
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe said Dr Kazembe’s thesis was “a timely and insightful contribution to national development discourse and will provide strategic perspectives that will undoubtedly strengthen public service delivery level in Zimbabwe.
“This distinguished accomplishment reflects your unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous learning and evidence-based leadership.
“To support your endeavour, the Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe will continue to diligently provide for the establishment and administration of museums and the preservation of ancient, historical and natural monuments, relics and other objects of historical or scientific value interest.”
National Archives of Zimbabwe director Ms Brenda Mamvura and her staff congratulated Dr Kazembe saying: “This remarkable achievement reflects your commitment to academic excellence, professional growth, leadership and dedicated service to Zimbabwe.
“We are confident that the knowledge gained will further enrich the stewardship in the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage.”
In a congratulatory message to Dr Tongayi, ZEC said his thesis reflected his commitment to strengthening electoral dispute resolution in the region.
“Through his research, Dr Tongayi developed integrated 3D E-Technology Electoral Dispute Resolution Framework for SADC countries, contributing to the advancement of innovative approaches to electoral dispute management,” said ZEC.
The historic graduation ceremony saw President Mnangagwa install CUT’s third Vice Chancellor, Professor Irvin Mpofu, concurrently marking the institution’s silver jubilee.
Prof Mpofu succeeded Professor David Jambgwa Simbi, who retired earlier this year as CUT Vice Chancellor.
President Mnangagwa conferred degrees and diplomas on a total of 3 495 students.
Of the graduates, 1 748 were female and 1 747 were male.
From the cohort, 2 585 obtained undergraduate degrees from the Schools of Engineering Sciences and Technology; Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences; Agricultural Sciences and Technology; Hospitality and Tourism; Art and Design; Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation; Health Science and Technology; Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Institute of Material Sciences, Processing and Engineering Technology.
There were also 779 postgraduate degree graduates comprising 422 males and 357 females.
Sixty-two students graduated with postgraduate diplomas, with 38 being males and 24 females.
Seventeen graduated with Masters by research, 47 with doctoral by research and 15 with Doctor of Science in Strategic Management.
The graduation ceremony coincided with CUT’s silver jubilee, marking 25 years of existence and service to Zimbabwe and beyond.
Writing on his X-handle after the graduation ceremony, the President hailed the country’s progress towards gender equity in education.
“As Chancellor of State Universities, I am honoured to have presided over this milestone event today, where I conferred degrees and diplomas upon a total of 3 495 exceptional graduates,” he said.
“Demonstrating our national progress toward true gender equity in higher education, this year’s cohort is beautifully balanced, comprising 1 748 males and 1 747 females.
“Ahead of the main proceedings, it was my distinct privilege to officially install Professor Irvin Dennis Tapera Mpofu as the 3rd Vice Chancellor of CUT. Prof Mpofu is an esteemed scholar with over 90 publications, holding a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Pretoria.
“More importantly, he is a resolute champion of our Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy. Under his leadership, we look forward to CUT continuing to spearhead innovation, industrialisation and production that directly transforms the Zimbabwean economy. Congratulations to all the graduands, their families and the entire CUT community!”
In his remarks, Acting Vice Chancellor Professor William Goriwondo said the President’s administration’s unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education, innovation, science and technology continued to inspire the country’s national development agenda, as Zimbabwe advanced towards Vision 2030.
“At Chinhoyi University of Technology, we have fully embraced the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy,” he said.
“Your Excellency, we remain grateful for your vision and leadership in championing this transformative education model.
“Our student enrolment currently stands at 10 464, reflecting sustained confidence in our programmes.
“We continue to grow postgraduate education, strengthen research capacity, increase enrolment in Master’s, M.Phil., and Doctoral programmes, and this has positioned CUT as a university of choice for advanced studies.”
Prof Goriwondo said currently, one of CUT’s most exciting developments was the establishment of the CUT Medical School under the School of Health Sciences and Technology, with the establishment of two programmes at an advanced stage.
“Laboratory renovations are nearing completion, programme regulations have been submitted for accreditation, specialists have largely been identified and the procurement of teaching equipment is currently underway,” he said.
“We are also advancing plans for a Biomedical Engineering degree programme, bringing together engineering and medicine to develop technologies that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
“At our campus, preparations continue for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Mining Engineering and Mineral Beneficiation. Research and innovation remain central to our institutional identity.”
In this year’s graduating class, which was approximately 50-50 between males and females, the acting Vice Chancellor said this demonstrated the tertiary institution’s continued commitment to widening access to quality higher education.
“Our graduates distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement,” he said.
Prof Goriwondo took time to congratulate President Mnangagwa on the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026 and Zimbabwe’s securing of the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Nyarai Chaibva and Tanatswa Bhasera were awarded the US$1 000 Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa award for overall best graduating female and male students, respectively.
On the other hand, Plaxcedes Siziba and Benson Nyamupinga were awarded the US$500 Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa award for overall second best graduating female and male students, respectively.
