Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
IT is often said that ‘it’s not enough’ to remember heroes in death, but that they must be celebrated while they are still alive.
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) breathed life into that adage on Thursday night when a hall at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) was transformed into a spectacle of immaculate suits and glowing gowns as Bulawayo celebrated two of its esteemed luminaries.
Dr James Ross Goddard and Dr Busisa Moyo — doyens of construction and industry respectively — basked in the glory of being honoured by NUST.
During the university’s 31st graduation ceremony last month NUST conferred Dr Goddard and Dr Moyo with honorary doctorates in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the nation.
Construction magnate Dr Goddard, affectionately known as ‘Nkosana’ received a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Water Engineering (Honoris Causa), while Dr Moyo was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Leadership. A dinner was hosted at the ZIEC to honour Bulawayo’s most notable names.
Businesspeople, academics, NUST management and staff, family members of Dr Goddard and Dr Moyo, and selected students were part of the festivities.
“This is a great honour, I never thought I would ever be honoured in such a manner. I am truly grateful to the people of Zimbabwe for the recognition,” said Dr Goddard.
Dr Moyo, a driving force in the industrial sector and a familiar name in business circles, said the honour is a call to further service.
“Receiving this honorary doctorate is a testament to the resilience and innovation that drive the industrial sector in our country. I am deeply honoured to be acknowledged in this way. It really spurs me to serve the community of Zimbabwe in different ways to tackle various challenges to solve problems that we have to continue to contribute to our great nation,” he said.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, said Dr Goddard and Dr Moyo were synonymous with vision, resilience and impact.
“Their contributions to national economic development and to society at large are immense. They have built enterprises that create jobs, foster innovation and strengthen our communities. Their leadership has gone beyond boardrooms, touching lives and inspiring generations.
“This honour is not only befitting—it is a recognition of lives dedicated to building our nation. By celebrating them today, NUST affirms that true education is not confined to lecture halls, but is lived through service, enterprise and nation-building,” said Minister Ncube.
“This occasion is more than a celebration of two individuals. It is a call to all of us. It reminds us that success is not measured by personal gain alone, but by the impact we leave on our nation and our people.
“Dr Goddard and Dr Moyo exemplify what it means to look beyond individual achievements and to dedicate one’s talents to the greater good,”
Meanwhile, NUST has launched the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship Fund, a facility that will ensure students from poor families are not left behind in their academic endeavours.
NUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, said the initiative was born out of necessity, compassion and vision to assist less privileged students.
“Many of our brightest minds — students who are intellectually gifted but financially disadvantaged — are being forced to abandon their studies.
“Some cannot afford tuition fees, others struggle with accommodation, and many lack access to essential learning equipment such as laptops. Each dropout is not just a personal tragedy; it is a loss to our nation’s future,” he said.
“This fund will cover tuition fees, accommodation and access to learning equipment. It will be managed by an independent committee, ensuring transparency and accountability. But for this initiative to succeed, we need partners. We need the business community, the captains of industry, the entrepreneurs and the visionaries to join us,” said Prof Dlodlo.
He said a total of 313 NUST students were under the work-for-fees programme.
“The demand far outweighs the resources. That is why today, we are launching the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund —a dedicated programme to ensure that no gifted student is left behind because of poverty,” he said.
“We are appealing to you to donate towards the fund or adopt students directly. By doing so, you will not only be giving a young person the chance to complete their education, but you will also be investing in the future workforce, innovators and leaders of Zimbabwe.”
