Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A 23-YEAR-OLD youth stole the show at the Kwekwe Polytechnic College (KPC) graduation ceremony, impressing many with an incredible 24 distinctions and one credit.
Miss Thando Mary Magdeleen Dube, who hails from Plumtree, crowned the 2026 overall best student, was among over 1 600 graduates who walked away with Diplomas at a recent graduation ceremony at the college.
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Cde Simelizizwe Sibanda, graced the graduation ceremony.
Miss Dube who studied a three-year Diploma in Environmental Health programme walked away with cash prizes from Zimdef, BancABC, CBZ and Coffee Heist, a Laser Jet printer from First Pack, grocery from Spar Chikka chikka and a trophy.
In an interview, Miss Dube said she pursued her primary and secondary education in Bulawayo before enrolling at the college.
“The awards I received were for being the overall best student in the Diploma in Environmental Health programme, best overall in biological sciences, best overall in applied science division and best overall student at Kwekwe Polytechnic College,” she said beaming with a smile.
Asked about her feeling about the awards Miss Dube had this to say.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for the recognition. It’s an incredible honour to be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication,” she said.
Miss Dube said from day one, she had a determination to prove herself academically through hard work driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in life.
Her exceptional academic feat is a testament to her dedication and perseverance, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional gender stereotypes in education.
“My motivation stems from a deep passion for protecting public health and the environment. Throughout my studies, I have been driven by the desire to make a positive impact on my community and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained, and I am excited to apply them in real-world settings to drive meaningful change,” said Ms Dube.
“I am proud to be an Environmental Health professional, and I am committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in my work.”
Miss Dube said her story is an inspiration to many saying that with hard work and determination, anyone can excel in their chosen field regardless of their background or gender.
She said her passion for public health drives her to strive for excellence adding that she aspires to make a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.
“My future plans include applying my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in environmental health, possibly working in local government, private sector, or NGOs, and continuing professional development. I also want to pursue my studies further and do a degree in public health,” said Miss Dube.
She did her Primary education at Queen Elizabeth 2 primary school in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane 12 suburb and completed in 2014.
Miss Dube did her secondary school at Mavela Secondary school in Tsholotsho from 2015-2018 before enrolling at KPC in 2022.
“I am single but I am not searching,” she chuckled.
Miss Dube who comes from a large family of 10 and is the last born said she now wants to pursue a degree in public health.
She said her passion is in workplace safety, a top priority globally, driving demand for occupational health and safety professionals.
Miss Dube said it has a variety of roles since one can work in industries like construction, manufacturing, healthcare and Government.
“This is an impactful work since I will help prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities thereby improving workers’ quality of life,” she said.
“I want to grow in the industry and make a difference since the degree in public health encompasses diverse career opportunities such as epidemiology, health education, policy development, environmental health, and global health.
“Public health draws from multiple disciplines, including sociology, biology, policy, and statistics, providing a comprehensive understanding of health issues.”
Miss Dube did her work-related learning research focusing on water quality.
“I did a project in Bulawayo, an investigation on the effectiveness of legislations on water quality management in Old Luveve, Bulawayo.
“I did my attachments at Tsholotsho District Hospital, Tinde Clinic in Binga, Dete Clinic Hwange and Lukosi Rural Hospital in Hwange,” she said.
