Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in KWEKWE
THE law must be used to uplift the weak and vulnerable, defend the oppressed and always advance Zimbabwe’s interests as it accelerates inclusive development, modernisation and industrialisation, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address after officially opening the state-of-the-art Midlands State University (MSU) ED Mnangagwa Law School at the institution’s Kwekwe Campus yesterday, the President said the law is a tool for development and the backbone of Zimbabwe’s governance system.
“It (law) aids us as we safeguard our hard-won independence and sovereignty, while we also accelerate modernisation, industrialisation and broad-based economic growth that leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.
“Remain guided by our development philosophy, ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’.
“The law must be used to advance this broad national duty, and never to be a hinderance to national development.”
The ED Mnangagwa Law School is a top-of-the-range facility that houses moot courts, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, a legal aid clinic, library, computer laboratories and staff offices, which are all in keeping with global standards.
Having been both a law student and legal practitioner, President Mnangagwa said he was well acquainted with the centrality of legal education in building democratic, just and prosperous societies.
“The establishment of this law school is not merely about producing lawyers.
“It is about producing problem-solvers, ethical leaders and patriots who will defend justice, protect the vulnerable and build institutions that strengthen our democracy,” he said.
President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to the MSU for naming its law school after him, adding that it should serve as a motivating factor to the younger generation as it would not have been possible had Zimbabwe remained under colonial rule.
“I am deeply humbled by the decision by the University Council, Senate and management to name this law school in my honour.
“I receive this recognition, not as a personal accolade, but as a tribute to the collective sacrifices of the many sons and daughters of our soil, who waged the protracted liberation struggle so that as Zimbabweans, we can be an independent and free people, as well as masters of our own destiny.
“To the students who will walk these halls, your study in a school named after your President must not result in vain glory. It must challenge and inspire you to match or surpass the sacrifices of those who came before you.
“Always exude the values of unflinching patriotism, diligence, discipline, hard honest work and determination. Serve your country with wholehearted commitment,” he said.
President Mnangagwa called on lawyers who will be produced by the law school to use their knowledge of law to uplift the weak and vulnerable, defend the oppressed and always advance the country’s interests.
The Faculty of Law at MSU has over the years made a mark on the regional and international stage, with its students excelling in moot court competitions, covering diverse areas including Space Law, International Human Rights and Public International Law.
Some of the law students have even been incorporated into globally prestigious memberships, contributing to cutting-edge disciplines such as Space Law.
President Mnangagwa said such achievements serve as a reminder that Zimbabwe is not a mere spectator, but a participant and contributor to shaping and transforming the jurisprudence of the 21st century.
“Through innovation, resilience and determination, our students have brought home awards, including those from United Nations-linked initiatives.
“This is evidence of the immense talent within our country that must be nurtured, for the benefit of posterity.
“Affordable legal counsel must be accessible by all our people. Hence, it is pleasing that this law school has incorporated a Legal Aid Clinic to serve surrounding communities.
“This facility must, therefore, entrench a culture of service among law students, ensuring that by the time they graduate, they have a strong sense of patriotism, volunteerism and duty to society,” said the President.
He implored faculties in local universities to ensure that law is not read or practiced in isolation, but that graduates should be moulded to be versatile in a broad range of contemporary disciplines including ICTs, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, climate and environmental issues, bio-technology, as well as peace and security.
“Law students and legal practitioners must remain well equipped to solve the challenges of today’s modern and industrialised societies.
“Our profession must not be left behind,” said the President.
He also rallied institutions of higher learning to maintain the momentum that has seen Zimbabwe realising unprecedented successes in this sector, adding that they were guaranteed of the Second Republic’s full support.
“We gather here at a time when our nation is accelerating inclusive development, modernisation and industrialisation.
“Continue to be innovative and boldly implement your respective mandates. Always shun the temptation of the ivory tower syndrome. It is not how many degrees your institutions churn out, or the number of papers you publish in reputable journals, but the day-to-day problems you solve within our communities and the economy.
“My Government will continue to support universities and tertiary institutions in their respective endeavours,” President Mnangagwa said.
MSU’s Kwekwe Campus is set to house three faculties: Law; Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management and the Built Environment, Art and Design.
President Mnangagwa said this was a clear reflection that the university is aligning its academic programmes with the broader national development agenda, particularly the imperatives of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
The participation of polytechnics in infrastructure development projects within higher and tertiary education, added the President, is a testimony of the success of the Heritage Based Education 5.0 model.
“This model is equipping our young people with skills to produce goods and services that answer to the needs of society.
“We thank Masvingo Polytechnic staff and students for roofing this complex. The progress made with regards to Phase One of the Kwekwe Campus and auxiliary infrastructure constructed to date, demonstrates that education is not only a producer of knowledge, but also a driver of economic growth.
“Congratulations to our universities for playing their part as catalysts for job creation, innovation and opportunities,” said President Mnangagwa.
Projects under the higher and tertiary education sector have become benchmarks for the construction industry, something that was heartening to note, he added.
“These facilities will undoubtedly enrich the student experience and also prepare our young people to confidently compete on both the regional and global stage.
“I challenge the three faculties housed here, at the Kwekwe Campus, to develop complementary synergies that will consolidate the university’s impact to the socio-economic development of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“The Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management must benefit from legal expertise on land rights, environmental law and intellectual property law, among other aspects.
“Similarly, the Built Environment and Art and Design Faculty should intersect with law of contracts, construction regulations, as well as cultural heritage protection,” said the President.
He commended the MSU and relevant stakeholders for their dedication in the realisation of the ED Mnangagwa Law School project.
President Mnangagwa also lauded the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, as well as other ministries, departments and agencies, which, under the Whole of Government Approach, supported the construction project.
“We are appreciative of the private sector and other partners, including the Kwekwe City Council, along with the local community for their support.
“Let this school be a beacon of justice, knowledge and service. Let it produce men and women who will shape the legal, political and economic destiny of Zimbabwe for generations to come. This achievement is ours together,” said.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Dr Frederick Shava said the official opening of the ED Mnangagwa Law School was a momentous occasion.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the ED Mnangagwa Law School had been befittingly named after the President.
After officially opening the law school, President Mnangagwa presided over MSU’s 26th graduation ceremony, which saw 6 849 graduates being capped.
