NUST Council Chairperson crowned best university leader

PROFESSOR Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Chairperson of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Council, has been named the Best University Chairperson of the Year (2025), cementing NUST’s status as Zimbabwe’s top institution of higher learning.

The award was presented during the prestigious national ceremony at the Rainbow Towers in Harare on Monday, which also saw the signing of Performance Contracts for ministers, deputy ministers, chief executive officers of parastatals, university council chairpersons, vice-chancellors, and other senior Government officials.

**President Mnangagwa and NUST Council Chairperson Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda pose for a picture after she received the Best University Chairperson of the Year (2025) award from His Excellency.**

The event was officiated by President Mnangagwa, who personally congratulated Prof Majele Sibanda for her outstanding leadership.

NUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Mqhele Dlodlo praised Prof Majele Sibanda for her remarkable contributions to academia, agricultural policy, and institutional leadership.
“Congratulations to our Council Chairperson, Prof Lindiwe Majele Sibanda. This award is more than a personal triumph — it is a powerful endorsement of NUST’s governance, vision, and leadership under Prof Majele Sibanda,” he said.

Prof Dlodlo added that Prof Majele Sibanda’s achievements highlight her ability to steer NUST towards innovation, accountability, and global competitiveness.

NUST’s triumph comes amid strong performances from other universities, with Midlands State University finishing second and Lupane State University securing third place.

The accolade adds to Prof Majele Sibanda’s growing list of national and international honours, reinforcing NUST’s position as a benchmark for academic excellence and leadership in Zimbabwe.

Last week, she was recognised in South Africa as the 2025 Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Distinguished Visiting Scholar.