Mnangagwa Law School nears completion in Kwekwe

The construction site of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School at Midlands State University (MSU) in Kwekwe buzzed with activity last Thursday as workers diligently pushed forward with the ambitious project, a symbol of Zimbabwe's commitment to advancing higher education.

The rhythmic clang of hammers and the hum of heavy machinery filled the air as over 300 workers labored under the sun, transforming the once-forested land into what will soon be a state-of-the-art academic institution. The site, set against the backdrop of progress, was visited by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube as part of a media tour organized by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere.

The law school, named after President Emmerson Mnangagwa in honor of his contributions to Zimbabwe's legal framework and education sector, is envisioned to become a beacon of legal education, not just in Zimbabwe but across the continent.

The Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is designed to accommodate 600 students and aims to elevate the nation's legal education standards. The expansive campus, situated on a 220-hectare piece of land donated by the Kwekwe City Council, will house not only the Faculty of Law but also faculties of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Built Environment.

According to MSU Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, Dr. Gift Manyatera, the double-storey campus will feature lecture rooms, moot courts, a library, hostels, a kitchen, a hospital, and staff quarters, among other essential facilities.

"The Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is the brainchild of His Excellency, the President. The state-of-the-art facility is being built to match the high standards expected of one of Africa's top law schools," said Dr. Manyatera.

Construction of the law school began in 2023 and is now 65% complete, with significant strides made in the main building's four sections. Phase one, which includes key infrastructure, is ready for roofing, with engineers from Masvingo Polytechnic actively working on-site.

"Treasury has been consistently releasing funds, and we are satisfied with the project's trajectory. We expect to relocate staff and students by August," Dr. Manyatera said, adding that the infrastructure is designed to support the faculty's current programs and future expansion.

Currently, MSU enrols 120 undergraduate law students annually and offers two master's programs, with 30 students per year. The new campus will allow for the relocation of these programs while also providing space for short courses and additional academic offerings in the near future.

Minister Ncube praised the decision to name the law school after President Mnangagwa, citing his extensive contributions to Zimbabwe's legal landscape.

"President Mnangagwa played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution of Zimbabwe and championed critical reforms, such as the establishment of open prisons, decentralisation of courts, and advocating for the abolition of the death penalty," Minister Ncube said.

He highlighted that the President's survival of the death penalty during the liberation struggle underscored his deep understanding of justice and human rights, making the law school a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

The law school is part of a broader effort by the Second Republic to transform the Midlands Province through infrastructural development and investment in education. Minister Ncube commended the workers' dedication and the steady progress of the project, which he said reflects the government's commitment to improving access to quality education.

As construction moves closer to completion, the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is set to stand as a monument to progress, education, and the enduring contributions of its namesake to Zimbabwe's legal and academic institutions.