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Oliver Kazunga, Senior Reporter
A TOAL of 166 students yesterday graduated with National and Higher National Diploma certificate in various mining disciplines at a colourful ceremony held at the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) in Bulawayo.

Association of Gold Producers of Zimbabwe president, Mr Qhubeka Nkomo, presided over the 27th Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony, on behalf of Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe president Mr Collin Chibafa.

In his speech, he noted that institution has recorded 5 percent growth this year compared to 2020 with female students accounting for 30 percent of the 1 114 current total enrolment.

“The school continues to be a highly sought-after institution of higher learning reflecting the importance that school leavers attach to the career in mining,” he said.

“This year, 166 students are graduating at National Diploma level and nine at Higher National Diploma.”

Due to the adverse effects of Covid-19, the students mainly used online form of learning courses, with limited face-to-face.

Mr Nkomo commended the school for responding positively to the learning needs of students by using appropriate technologies and executing their mandate and ensuring the school did not close.

He noted that in line with the concept of equal access to opportunities, female graduates at this year’s ceremony constituted 35 percent of the graduates up from 34 percent in 2020.

“It is pleasing to note that the major disciplines of geology, mining and metallurgy at National Diploma level.

“The uptake of Higher National Diploma course are encouraging with nine graduates for 2021 compared to 10 for 2020.

“The Zimbabwe School of Mines I am advised is in the process of reviewing the course on offer to ensure that the human resource base is in line with Government’s vision of attaining a US$12 billion mining economy by 2023,” he said.

“As we may all be aware having enough human capital that is well trained and responsive to the demands of the industry. Courses for the future include Diploma in Small Scale Mining Management, Advanced Certificate in Mineral Engineering, Certificate in Gemology, Certificate in Cutting and Polishing among others.”

Mr Nkomo noted that partnerships and collaborations were essential in building strong institutions that are responsive to the needs of customers and stakeholders.
Over the years ZSM has built important synergies with the key principles of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the CoMZ.

“These principles have supported the school to be where it is today. We trust that the foundation has been laid for greater collaboration going forward,” he said.

“Individual organisations in the mining industry have supported the school in many ways. Special mention goes to Mimosa Mining Company for the yearly donations over the past 10 years.”

Meanwhile, the best overall National Diploma student prize went to Mr Raymond Mazibuko who walked away with cash prize, floating shield, personal shield, floating trophy and certificate of merit.

Mr Kundai Makunike scooped the overall best Higher National Diploma prize, which included a floating trophy, personal shield, and a floating shield.

Speaking at the same occasion, ZSM principal Mr Edwin Gwaze said the Covid-19 turned out to be a blessing in disguise to his organisation.

“The Covid-19 virus forced us out of the comfort zone of procrastination with regards to ‘going electronic’,” he said. —  @okazunga