Mnangagwa nursing school begins selection for first intake

The first cohort of students for the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa School of Nursing is now being selected, following more than 3,000 applications from across Zimbabwe.

The institution, which forms part of the Jimayi Muduvuri Pan African Hospital, is set to commence training on May 4, marking the launch of its inaugural academic programme.

Application documents were opened today in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, police officers, and hospital representatives to ensure transparency in the selection process.

Tutor-in-charge Lusica Shumba said preparations for the school's opening were complete.

"We have started the selection of the students today by opening at least six boxes full of applications," she said. "We have to whittle down the figure to 20 students observing the spirit of devolution."

The selection panel is expected to shortlist candidates from a national pool while ensuring provincial representation, in line with decentralisation principles.

School director Jimayi Muduvuri said the intake process must be fair and inclusive, with representation drawn from all provinces.

"This is a project in honour of the First Lady and everything should be done above board," he said.

He added that while the initial intake is capped at 20 students, plans are underway to expand capacity to around 100 students per intake, pending regulatory approval and infrastructure upgrades.

Muduvuri said three classrooms, a library and a theatre equipped with modern medical training equipment have already been prepared for the institution.

He also noted that the project is part of a broader initiative to expand healthcare access across Zimbabwe, with similar facilities established in several provinces under names honouring national figures.

Officials said efforts are ongoing to scale up boarding facilities and training capacity as demand for places far exceeds the initial intake allocation.