Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
VICE PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Social Sciences in Leadership (Honoris Causa) by Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), in recognition of his role in the country’s liberation struggle and decades of public service since Independence.
He received the honour during GZU’s 19th graduation ceremony, where 3 447 graduates were capped in various disciplines. The ceremony was presided over by President Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State Universities.
In his acceptance speech, VP Mohadi said he was deeply humbled to be acknowledged by such a respected institution, adding that it was a privilege and responsibility he received with gratitude.
“I accept this doctorate as a tribute to the countless individuals and groups who continue to shape the social fabric of our nation through compassion, innovation and determination,” he said.
“I would like to thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa, for granting permission to the Great Zimbabwe University Council to confer upon me this prestigious award as recognition of my service to our beloved country, Zimbabwe.”
VP Mohadi said GZU has long been a beacon of knowledge, nurturing minds that shape the nation’s future.
“It is a privilege to be associated with an establishment that embodies the spirit of resilience and intellectual pursuit,” he said.
The award reminded him of the fundamental role that education plays in society, especially the field of social sciences, which tells people that progress is not only measured by economic indicators or technological advancements, but by the strength of social bonds, the fairness of institutions and the dignity with which people treat one another.
VP Mohadi said he has been guided by the commitment to empower people and the principles of service. “Throughout my career, I have been guided by the principles of service, integrity, and commitment to the empowerment of our people.
“I believe that leadership is not merely about authority, but about inspiring others to realise their potential. This philosophy has shaped my contributions to our nation and will continue to guide me in the future,” he said.
VP Mohadi urged the nation to continue upholding the values that define humanity: empathy, integrity and service. He also called on the nation to use knowledge not as a tool of privilege, but as a bridge to opportunity and understanding.
GZU was also praised for its leadership in advancing research, innovation and community engagement.
Born in 1947 in Beitbridge, Dr Mohadi joined the struggle in Zambia in the early 1970s when he was already in his late 20s.
He received military training in Zambia and intelligence drills from the KGB in Russia. He was one of Zipra’s urban warfare intelligence operators in the mid-1970s.
During their urban operations, Dr Mohadi was caught by the Rhodesians and detained in Khami Prison until Independence in 1980.
After the 1987 Unity Accord, Dr Mohadi played a key role in uniting former Zanu and Zapu structures. His long political career has seen him serve as Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Deputy Minister of Local Government.
His next appointment was in the Ministry of Home Affairs where he was Minister from 2002 -2014. During the tenure of the Government set up by the Global Political Agreement (GPA) in 2009, Dr Mohadi was Co-Minister of Home Affairs. This arrangement was a response to the advice of SADC. The idea was that since Home Affairs was a sensitive Ministry, the major parties to the GPA should share it.
However, after Zanu-PF’s resounding victory in the elections of 2013, Dr Mohadi was appointed sole Minister of Home Affairs in July 2013. A cabinet re-shuffle on the 6th of July in the year 2015 saw him take up the Ministry of National Security.
Following the advent of the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa appointed Dr Mohadi, Minister of Defence, Security and War Veterans on the 30th of November in the year 2017. Thereafter, a number of constitutional provisions were activated at party level, thereby opening the way for Dr Mohadi to assume the Vice Presidency of Zanu-PF on the 23rd of December in the year 2017. Dr Mohadi was subsequently sworn in as Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe on the 28th of December in that same year.
On becoming Vice President, Dr Mohadi was given responsibility over the Portfolio of National Peace and Reconciliation.
