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Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s Robert Mugabe School of Education in Masvingo’s industrial site — Walter Mswazie

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
The Robert Mugabe School of Education in Masvingo continues to attract foreign students as it offers world class education.

Foreign students from countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo flock to the school as they seek to attain internationally recognised tertiary education.

To recognise the role played by President Mugabe in the promotion of education in the country, Great Zimbabwe University constructed the state-of-the-art campus to honour the renowned educationist.

The multi-million dollar school comprises an administration block and lecture rooms as well as accommodation for about 500 students at a time.

Great Zimbabwe University vice chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said the monumental campus serves as a symbol of respect to the country’s luminary who has proven beyond doubt that he is an educationist of repute and an orator of note.

“Myself and many others beyond our borders marvel at this man because of his sense of humour, intelligence and above all his academic prowess. We named the campus after the Chancellor of all State universities as he is a renowned teacher and father of education in this country.

“The legacy he has made in the country’s education sector is beyond measure and we saw it fit to have a campus in recognition of his sterling work. As you know, he was a teacher par excellence. As we celebrate his 93rd birthday, we take pride in his attitude towards education and wish him many more,” said Professor Zvobgo.

He said the decision to build the school and name it after President Mugabe was reached unanimously by the university council.

“The name Robert Mugabe is no mere noun like any other name because of what he has done for the country and Africa as a whole. His character speaks volumes of his appreciation of the importance of education in Zimbabwe. He, from 1980 introduced opportunities for every child to access education by building a number of schools.   He has also managed to acquire several degrees while in exile and that says a lot about his academic acumen. I’m also told he had assumed lectureship responsibilities while in jail,” said Professor Zvobgo.

Reformed Church University vice chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa said naming the campus after President Mugabe was befitting of his character.

“I applaud Professor Zvobgo, an educationist of note himself for upholding the President’s name by naming the campus after him and that only could be one of the greatest birthday gifts to our President.

“It’s a befitting feat which reminds the nation the important role our President played in improving the education sector in the country. He has taught a number of people, most of whom have succeeded in life and he continues to embrace the importance of education. He has demonstrated that education is the gateway to success. In actual fact, a person of his character deserves more than that but I’d like to thank GZU for what they’ve done. I think if we have a university named after him, the better,” said Professor Magwa.

Zimbabwe Youth Council Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Talent Chivange said he derives a lot of pride from the person of President Mugabe and has renewed his appetite for education through his wise words.

“I’d once stopped learning but through my experience of listening and studying the history of our icon, President Mugabe, I got inspired and enrolled for a degree with one of the local universities. The man inspires me and as a youth in the country. I want to emulate him. He has made opportunities available for the emancipation of youths through improved access to education,” said Cde Chivange.

Masvingo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises provincial secretary Mrs Sarah Munemo said it was important to celebrate President Mugabe because of the numerous contributions he has made towards the development of this country.

“The Robert Mugabe School of Education was long overdue. I had the conviction that something should be done to honour this iconic man. He is one of the few leaders who are passionate about education. In a small way, I’ve taken heed of his advice about education and established a college which accommodates children who would’ve failed in their first sittings. From the time I started, four years ago, a significant number of pupils are passing and all the credit should go to Gushungo,” said Mrs Munemo.