Raymond Jaravaza in Lupane
AT 52, when many people might consider their academic journey long behind them, Sannie Chikwasha is demonstrating that determination and a thirst for knowledge have no age limit.
More than three decades after completing his Ordinary Level studies, Chikwasha has graduated with his second university degree, having financed his education through years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance.
His journey began when his parents, having done their best to take him through Form Four, could no longer afford to support his education.
With his dream of proceeding to Advanced Level and eventually university seemingly out of reach, he made a personal commitment to find employment and finance his own studies.
That decision has since earned him three diplomas and two degrees from various tertiary institutions.
His latest achievement came yesterday when he was capped by President Mnangagwa during Lupane State University’s 17th graduation ceremony at its main campus in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province.
Chikwasha graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Special Honours in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, adding to the Bachelor of Accounting degree he obtained from the University of Zimbabwe in 2011.
He said he had always appreciated the sacrifices his parents made to ensure that he completed his secondary education despite their limited financial resources.
“My parents did the best that they could to take me to Form Four considering that my friends that I grew up with hardly finished Form Two. I’m very grateful that they did their best and I made a decision back in the day when I was in my twenties that I would finance my studies,” he said.
For Chikwasha, returning to school was not a one-off decision but a commitment he made as soon as he started earning an income.
He urged young people to take advantage of employment opportunities to further their education rather than allowing financial challenges to permanently derail their academic ambitions.
“I went back to school as soon as I started working after my parents only managed to pay for my education up to Form Four. Young people must learn to further their studies as soon as they start earning money instead of blaming their parents for failing to pay their university education,” he said.
The latest qualification was particularly special for Chikwasha, coming just a day after his 52nd birthday and earning him recognition through the Lupane State University Book Prize.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) was my birthday and I can’t wait to be capped by President Mnangagwa today (Thursday), especially as I will also be receiving an LSU Book Prize.
“This is my second degree after I graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Zimbabwe in 2011,” he told Zimpapers ahead of the graduation ceremony.
Chikwasha was among 1 153 graduates who received their qualifications at the ceremony, which was presided over by President Mnangagwa in his capacity as Chancellor of State universities.
Among the graduates was Nkulumane legislator Freedom Murechu, who urged young people to pursue higher education as part of efforts to build an entrepreneurial and productive economy.
“The Second Republic has placed huge emphasis on the Heritage-Based Curriculum that produces employers and entrepreneurs as opposed to job seekers and as a youth leader I implore the youth to further their studies through the many universities across that country that offer degrees in various fields,” he said.
Murechu is also the Bulawayo provincial youth league chairman.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial youth chairperson Moses Langa also graduated with a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Bulawayo provincial police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Peace and Leadership Studies.
Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province deputy secretary for Information and Publicity Mathew Blessing Mutavayi also graduated with a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
He urged young people to remain committed to their studies as they pursue a prosperous future.
Meanwhile, two students were awarded degrees posthumously after dying earlier this year.
Vumindaba Phangwana was awarded a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, while Cornelias Moyo graduated posthumously with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management.
