Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
IN 2023, Mr Nomatter Chibvu, then a Bachelor of Science Honours in Crop Science student, came close to deferring his studies after his family struggled to meet the cost of his university education.
His mother could no longer shoulder the financial burden of paying his tuition fees while also supporting his three younger siblings. Deferring his studies appeared to be the only option.
However, what the 26-year-old did not know as he faced uncertainty over his academic future at Gwanda State University (GSU), was that the institution had introduced a work-for-fees programme to assist students in similar circumstances.
The programme gave him a lifeline, allowing him to work at the university and earn money towards his tuition fees.
Selected students are employed by the institution, enabling them to contribute towards the cost of their education while gaining work experience.
Fast-forward to November 6, 2026, and Mr Chibvu was beaming with pride after President Mnangagwa stood up to shake his hand and congratulate him for his outstanding academic performance and multiple awards at GSU’s fifth graduation ceremony in Filabusi, Matabeleland South Province.
Among the accolades he received was the prestigious Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award, which carries a US$1 000 prize.
“Being capped by the President is a great feeling but seeing him stand on his feet to shake my hand and congratulating me for a job well down is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life”, said Mr Chibvu.
Reflecting on the financial challenges he faced during his studies, he said the work-for-fees programme had been instrumental in enabling him to complete his degree.
“I could not have graduated today had I not been accepted for the work-for-fees programme. I joined the programme for a year then went for industrial attachment where I saved money for other needs before rejoining the programme again for my final year.
“I’m really grateful to the university for assisting me during a difficult time when my family could no longer afford to pay for my tuition,” he said.
Mr Chibvu also received the University Book Prize and the ZIMDEF prize for the overall best-performing graduating student.
He won the Old Mutual Insurance Company prize worth US$333 for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture.
He also received the AFC prize of US$200 and a Floating Shield for the overall best graduating student in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture, as well as another AFC prize of US$200 for the overall best graduating student in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Production.
His other accolades included the Moses Langa prize of US$200 for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture and the Moses Langa prize of
US$100 for the best graduating student in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Production.
Another recipient of the Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award was Ms Wendy Tanyaradzwa Malata, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting and received US$1 000.
The 26-year-old academic achiever encouraged young women to remain focused on their studies and not allow their circumstances to limit their ambitions.
“There is a lot of pressure at university to compare yourself with other students and wish you had all the nice things that they have.
“What is important is, however, to remain focused and live within one’s means. I say to the young girls out there, the sky is the limit and that everything is possible if they work hard and concentrate on their studies,” said Ms Malata.
She said being capped by President Mnangagwa in front of hundreds of people, including parents, relatives, Ministers, politicians and traditional leaders, was a moment she would cherish forever.
Ms Malata also received the Old Mutual Insurance Company prize worth US$333 for the best graduating student in the Faculty of Business Sciences and Management.
She won the FBC prize of US$100 for the best graduating student in the Department of Accounting, as well as another FBC prize of US$100 for the best graduating student in Financial Management in the same department.
She also received the Accounts on Call Excellence in Accounting Shield for the best graduating student in the Department of Accounting.
