Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A 30-year-old inmate was granted persmission by prison authorities to attend his graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe last week.
Robert Zivengwa, who is serving a 24-month sentence for unlawful entry, graduated from the UZ, five months after he was jailed.
He graduated with an honours degree in Biological Sciences, majoring in microbiology and genetics.
He wore his prison garb and graduation cap when he appeared at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) exhibition stand at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare yesterday.
His appearance attracted a number of visitors to the stand.
Visitors at the ZPCS stand took turns to congratulate him and they also asked him how he was able to attend his graduation ceremony while serving his sentence.
“I failed my family members and friends by engaging in criminal activities that led me to be convicted in March this year,” said Zivengwa.
“I want to thank the ZPCS rehabilitation officers for correcting my mistakes and the Commissioner General Chihobvu for according me the chance to leave the prison cells to be among the graduates.”
He added:
“I have come to know the power of knowledge and the dangers of abusing knowledge.
“I have also realised that crime does not pay.
“I am looking forward to using my knowledge to empower others and the nation at large.”
Upon completing his sentence, Zivengwa said he sees himself “joining clinical laboratories and research counsellors.”
Another inmate, Charlington Timba, 41, a motor mechanic serving a 10-year sentence for robbery, also became a centre of attraction at the stand.
He shared some of his skills with the public.
Timba was convicted in September 2022.
Earlier this week, H-Metro published the story of former Chinhoyi Prison inmate, Tatenda Mapanda, who graduated with a degree in Supply Chain Management.
The 27-year-old failed his O-Level examination and had to repeat before finally passing at Msengezi High School.
Mapanda’s journey took a difficult turn when he was convicted of theft and sentenced to two years in prison.
Despite the challenges, Mapanda remained determined to complete his studies and build a better future for himself.
In an interview with H-Metro, shortly after his graduation, Mapanda revealed that he was imprisoned while on the verge of completing his studies.
“This affected me from 2024 and made it difficult for me to finish my studies properly.
“However, through all those hardships, I gained some motivation and a strong desire to succeed,” he said.
Mapanda said his experience behind bars strengthened his determination to make something meaningful out of his life.
“The way I was living, while I was inside prison, being told when to sleep and when to wake up, those difficult times gave me the determination that I needed to do something with my life,” he said.
He said thinking about his parents, and the sacrifices they had made for his education, also motivated him to remain focused.
“I told myself that I needed to focus on my education and, if I worked hard and committed myself to studying, I could reach the point where I am today, having the opportunity to graduate.
“Today, I am now a qualified graduate in Supply Chain Management, specialising in Logistics,” he said.
He said his graduation represented far more than just an academic achievement. He said it was a symbol of how far he has come and the future he is determined to build.
“When you see me standing here today, on my graduation day, you may not fully see the happiness I feel.
“But, in my heart, considering where I came from and where I am going, I have a happiness that cannot be measured,” he said.
Mapanda said his experience was proof that setbacks do not have to be the end of the road.
