Joy, pride as MSUAS holds third graduation

Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

A sense of pride and accomplishment yesterday engulfed Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences as 153 students graduated at a ceremony presided over by President Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State Universities.

For the students, it was a sense of accomplishment after the conclusion of their studies, while for the parents and guardians, it was a sense of pride as their children had indeed made them proud.

The ceremony took place under the scorching hot weather typical of the region, but the excitement and joy of the occasion overshadowed the searing heat. 

The university’s picturesque location, nestled in the mountainous landscape of Manicaland Province just outside Mutare, provided a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration.

Yesterday’s event was the university’s third graduation ceremony where 59,48 percent of the graduates were males while 40,52 percent were female. 

Of these, eight students graduated with first-class degrees. 

The best female graduating student was Gamuchirai Chigaro (Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgy Honours Degree) with 34 distinctions, while Carl Tinashe Nhapi was the best male graduating student (B.Eng in Mining and Mineral Processing Honours Degree) with 33 distinctions.

The graduation was held under the theme, “Advancing Sustainable Production, Industrialisation and Modernisation Through Research and Innovation”.

In his remarks, MSUAS Vice Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda said in this era of rapid technological advancement and increasing global challenges, research and innovation were the cornerstone of sustainable development. 

As such, he said, MSUAS was up to the task. 

“As a university of applied sciences, we recognise that the future belongs to those who can harness the power of knowledge to drive sustainable growth. 

“Today’s graduands are not just the products of academic rigour; they are the pioneers of the future, equipped to lead Zimbabwe and the region in sustainable production and industrialisation,” he said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that through their education, these graduands are more than prepared to transform ideas into solutions, using research and innovation to tackle pressing issues bedevilling our dear country.”

Prof Chawanda said the tertiary institution had developed gold recovery and processing technology specifically targeting artisanal and small-scale miners.

This breakthrough, he said, was made possible through the university’s collaboration with the Research Council of Zimbabwe and Botswana International University of Science and Technology. 

“This innovative solution not only increases the efficiency of gold recovery but also empowers local miners, contributing to economic growth in our regional communities. 

“I am proud to announce that this innovation was awarded the First Runner-Up Prize in the mining category at the 2024 Presidential Research and Innovation Fair in Harare,” he said.

Prof Chawanda also congratulated President Mnangagwa for his assumption of the SADC Chairmanship.

“I humbly extend our heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on your recent assumption of the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community. 

“This remarkable achievement underscores your unwavering dedication to fostering regional unity, co-operation and development. 

“Your leadership continues to inspire us all, and we take pride in celebrating this prestigious accomplishment with you today,” he said.

“Congratulations Your Excellency!”

Tinashe Carl Nhapi and Gamuchirai Chigaro won the Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s award for overall best male and female students respectively.

Nhapi said he felt honoured by the due recognition from the President. 

“I worked hard, I would not wait until its presentation time or exam time, but I would just make sure that I plan out my things and work with others because most of the time you get answers from your peers.

“I am very grateful for the award, it just shows that there are people who appreciate what you do,” he said.

Chigaro said it was heartening that she had made herself and family proud.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for the support because I would not have done it without them.

“I am very happy with the award because its a very big achievement and I have made my family proud,” she said.

Tafadzwa Munetsi, who was awarded the Chancellor’s award for the overall second best graduating female student, said she was thrilled by the recognition she had received.

“Being awarded a degree in the First Division from MSUAS is a dream come true. It’s a testament to my hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied at MSUAS, and I am proud to have represented my family and friends,” she said.