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The First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe and Vice-President Cde Joice Mujuru yesterday graduated with Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the 59th University of Zimbabwe graduation ceremony at which President Mugabe capped a total of 3,274 graduands in various disciplines. In the picture collage, President Mugabe caps the First Lady (above) and congratulates Vice President Mujuru (below)

Elita Chikwati Harare Bureau
THE First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe and Vice President Cde Joice Mujuru yesterday graduated with Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the 59th University of Zimbabwe graduation ceremony.
The First Lady’s thesis was on the changing social structure and functions of the family. She carried out a case study on children’s homes in Zimbabwe.

VP Mujuru’s thesis was on strategic exploratory entrepreneurship focusing on sustainable agricultural business.

Her case study was on Mitchel and Mitchel in Mashonaland East and Dotito Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland Central Province.
Cde Grace Mugabe said she chose the topic because she was interested in issues affecting children in Zimbabwe.

She runs the Grace Mugabe Children‘s Home in Mazowe, where she takes care of orphaned children, some of them living with HIV and Aids.

The project has been applauded by many Zimbabweans as the structures built at the orphanage are state of the art.

The First Lady encouraged other people wishing to study to work hard and be principled.

“It requires one to work hard, be principled and I want to say others who may want to take the same road must work hard. I studied something related to the work I do every day. I wanted to know what happens in the society to the extent of having many children being abandoned. With the knowledge, I’m able to execute my job because education is the key to success,” she said.

“I felt that I should read about what I do in real life. I spend most of my time with the children. I hope this will inspire many people to follow suit.”

The First Lady was accompanied by her children Bona Chikowore, Rusell, Robert Junior, Chatunga and sister-in-law Dr Regina Gata.
VP Mujuru said she used to admire other women in business who advanced themselves through education.

“This should inspire my children and other women to pursue education and empower themselves.

“It was not easy going to school after independence but I persevered. I am a grandmother, a widow and occupy the second office from the first. I have enormous responsibilities but I worked hard,” she said.

VP Mujuru also studied with Chinhoyi University where she graduated with a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurial Development. At the Women’s University, she graduated with a degree and Masters in Strategic Management.

Cde Lazarus Dokora, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, also graduated with a degree in Philosophy, while Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Abigail Damasane graduated with Masters Degree in Public Administration.

MDC-T organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa, Cde Patrick Zhuwawu and Air Force of Zimbabwe spokesperson, Squadron Leader Simon Mutingwina, were also capped.