Mnangagwa caps 1,708 at Lupane State University

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday awarded degrees to 1,708 students at Lupane State University (LSU)'s 15th graduation ceremony, celebrating the institution's first cohort of students under the Second Republic's Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework. This innovative model promotes self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial skills, empowering students to create employment opportunities.

Among the graduating class, 59 percent were women, reflecting LSU's commitment to gender inclusivity. Top honors went to Colleen Maseko (BSc Honours, Environmental Science) and Tinei Mugande (BComm Honours, Entrepreneurship), who each received the prestigious Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor's Award for the best-performing male and female students, along with a cash prize of US$1,000.

The Chancellor's Award also recognized four students for their impactful community-focused projects, awarding each US$500. Recipients included Mr. Matesu Dube, founder of Umkhathi Theatre Works, for his project on the development of the theater group, along with Wenzile Nyathi, Dylan Baloyi, and Sihlonitshiwe Hlabangana for projects in agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digitalization in small enterprises.

LSU Vice Chancellor Professor Pardon Kuipa celebrated the achievements of LSU's graduating class, remarking on the university's two-decade legacy under the theme "Celebrating Two Decades of Empowering Communities, Shaping Minds, and Creating Positive Futures for All."

"Today's graduands are the first LSU products of the Second Republic's Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework that you launched in 2020," Prof. Kuipa said, addressing President Mnangagwa. "The graduands before you today are different from previous cohorts in that they are graduating with entrepreneurial mindsets and competencies, ready to enter the workforce or create their own businesses."

Under Education 5.0, students engage in real-world projects, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that Prof. Kuipa praised as an engine for social inclusivity and cohesion.

Prof. Kuipa also congratulated President Mnangagwa on his recent appointment as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, suggesting this role would allow Zimbabwe to advocate for Education 5.0 principles across the region.

"This esteemed position presents a pivotal opportunity for Zimbabwe to spread its Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework within the region," Prof. Kuipa said, adding that this vision aligns with the African Union's call for transformative education systems across the continent.

The Vice Chancellor thanked President Mnangagwa for the government's financial support in funding multiple LSU projects, such as the Bingwa Wildlife Eco-Tourism Innovation and Industrial Park. This facility aims to commercialize conservation efforts at Bingwa Conservancy through ecotourism and research, generating revenue while promoting biodiversity and environmental protection.

Additional support from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) enabled LSU to plan the Waterfront Resort and Conference Centre at Bubi-Lupane Dam, a new facility that will serve as a training ground for students in tourism and hospitality, while meeting the growing demand for recreational and conferencing facilities in Lupane.

Furthermore, the government allocated ZiG7.6 million and US$150,000 to complete the foundation for LSU's second teaching and learning complex, expanding the institution's capacity. LSU also acquired two new buses to support its operations, enhancing mobility and access for students and staff.

LSU's community outreach initiatives, such as the Chibondo Integrated Water, Environmental Protection, and Gardening Project, co-developed with Zubo Trust in Binga, continue to transform local communities and were recently recognized at the Presidential Innovation Fair.

In his address, President Mnangagwa encouraged the graduates to pursue their careers with integrity and dedication, embodying the entrepreneurial values fostered by Education 5.0.