Beatrice Kumbana
Political Reporter
Bulawayo —The Deputy Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. S Sibanda , officiated at the 96th Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony at Bulawayo Polytechnic.
This momentous occasion celebrated the achievements of 3,690 graduands—1,641 males and 2,049 females—who have successfully completed their studies across various fields.
Theme: Human Capital Development for Heritage-Based Innovation and Industrialization
The graduation ceremony’s theme,
“Human Capital Development for Heritage-Based Innovation and Industrialization,” highlights the critical importance of cultivating a skilled workforce capable of driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth and industrialization.
Minister Sibanda underscored the necessity for education to be practically relevant, innovation-driven, and economically empowering, in alignment with the government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy.
Key Highlights:
Commercialization:
Minister Sibanda emphasized the government’s commitment to commercialization, declaring 2025 as the Year of Commercialization.
The Ministry is actively aligning curricula with production-oriented outcomes, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to ensure that institutions serve as engines of innovation and commercialization.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The Minister spotlighted the vital role of innovation and entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth.
He noted that Tertiary Education Institutions are establishing business units that will significantly impact local communities.
Inclusivity:
In faithful support to the Ministry’s inclusivity policy, Bulawayo Polytechnic has made strides in enhancing infrastructure accessibility and providing robust support for students with physical challenges.
Work for Fees Programme:
The Ministry’s Work for Fees programme allows financially disadvantaged students to contribute to institutional operations in exchange for tuition support, fostering a culture of responsibility and mutual empowerment.
Minister’s Message:
Empowerment:
Minister Sibanda reminded the graduands that they have been trained under a government that believes in the potential of every Zimbabwean child.
He encouraged them to take pride in their roots, draw inspiration from their culture, and embody the spirit of ubuntu, resilience, and innovation as they embark on their journeys.
National Self-Reliance:
The Minister put emphasis on how innovation must lead to national self-reliance, assuring that the government is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for young innovators to flourish.
As the graduands step into their future, Minister Sibanda urged them to be the catalysts of economic activity, leveraging their skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s growth and development.
“Congratulations to all the graduands!— Makoroto, Amhlophe ,Twalumba,”
echoed Hon. S Sibanda, with a voice laced with pride and honor.
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