Bongani Ndlovu
A biting cold front swept across Bulawayo, transforming the Hillside Teachers College graduation ceremony into a sea of heavy winter coats, thick scarves and warm jackets.
The City of Kings and Queens shivered under an uncharacteristic chill, with daytime temperatures dropping to around 12°C.
But the cold did little to dampen the celebrations as jubilant graduands and their families layered up over their colourful academic regalia, braving the crisp air to mark their hard-earned achievements.
The 14th graduation ceremony was held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future Through Heritage-Based Education.”
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Simelisizwe Sibanda (who was the guest of honour), Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava told the graduands that heritage was not simply a relic of the past, but could be used as a catalyst for economic transformation and national development.
Dr Shava said heritage-based education should bring together ancestral wisdom and contemporary knowledge, while remaining connected to the realities of Zimbabwean communities.
He commended Hillside Teachers College for introducing ChiNambya to the six indigenous languages already taught at the institution.
A total of 441 graduands graduated, comprising 149 men and 292 women, with 48.4 percent completing their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The Minister also highlighted the college’s support for 21 students with disabilities and its Work for Fees Programme, which now supports 63 students.
Turning to technology, Dr Shava said Artificial Intelligence presented significant opportunities to transform education through personalised learning, improved access to information, research and more efficient administration.
However, he urged the graduands to ensure that technology remained guided by the principles of Ubuntu, Unhu and Vumunhu.
“Technology must serve humanity, promote social justice, and contribute to inclusive and equitable development,” he said.
Dr Shava also applauded Hillside’s income-generating projects, including its garment production unit and bakery, as well as Government support for the Madhumbe crisps factory.
He said the college’s Building Technology and Design students were on course to graduate not only as qualified teachers, but also as registered builders.
Addressing the graduands, Dr Shava urged them to shun drugs, embrace lifelong learning, cultivate innovation, honour their heritage and serve the nation with integrity.
“Graduation does not mark the conclusion of learning; it signifies the beginning of a higher calling to service,” he said.
He urged the new graduates to be “bold in their innovations, unwavering in their commitment to education, and tireless in their dedication to national development.”
📸 Pictures: Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Communications and Advocacy Officer Kudakwashe Hunda
Online Reporter