Great Zimbabwe University

SRC induction ends with call for ethical stewardship and stronger teamwork
The three-day Great Zimbabwe University Student Representative Council (SRC) Induction and Team Building Workshop concluded with a strong call for ethical financial management, accountable leadership and teamwork, equipping the newly elected council with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively represent the student body.
The final day shifted attention to financial accountability, with Deputy Bursar John Jamela urging the SRC to manage student union funds prudently, transparently and in accordance with the laws governing public finance.
He reminded the council that the resources entrusted to it are public funds and must be handled with the highest standards of integrity, planning and accountability.
Mr Jamela advised the SRC to be guided by both the legal framework governing the management of public funds and the SRC Constitution when making financial decisions, stressing that every expenditure should be properly documented and justified. He challenged members to cultivate a culture of sound record keeping by maintaining accurate expenditure records and producing regular financial statements to promote transparency and accountability.
He also underscored the importance of financial planning, encouraging the council to prepare budgets, establish effective internal control mechanisms and ensure that spending aligns with approved priorities and available resources.
"Be ethical in the management of public funds and be careful whenever you are handling money," he said, warning that poor financial practices can undermine both the credibility of the SRC and the interests of the students it represents.
The Deputy Bursar further encouraged the council to work closely with the University's Bursar's Office, noting that the department remains available to assist the SRC with budgeting, financial planning and compliance with institutional procedures. He also cautioned members against using informal money changers for currency transactions, warning that they risk financial losses through unfavourable exchange rates and currency arbitrage.
At the close of the workshop, SRC President Clayton Katape delivered a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the University management, facilitators and organisers for investing in the development of the newly elected council. He said the induction had broadened the SRC's understanding of ethical leadership, governance, financial accountability, communication and the responsibility of safeguarding the University's values and reputation while serving students.
Katape pledged that the council would apply the lessons learned to provide principled, united and effective leadership throughout its tenure.
Following the presentation sessions, participants shifted from the classroom to practical team-building exercises aimed at strengthening trust, cooperation and problem-solving. The SRC members participated in outdoor activities including ziplining, constructing makeshift rafts and sailing them across the water, experiences that tested leadership under pressure, communication, planning and teamwork.
Held under the theme "Leading Ethically, Living Ubuntu," the induction combined governance and leadership training with experiential learning to prepare the SRC for its responsibilities. Over the three days, presentations focused on institutional governance, ethical leadership, brand protection, inclusivity, financial management, student representation and personal development, providing the council with a comprehensive foundation for effective service.

SRC induction shifts focus to brand protection, inclusion and personal leadership
The second day of Great Zimbabwe University's Student Representative Council (SRC) Induction and Team Building Workshop shifted the focus from governance and ethics to the practical demands of leadership, with participants urged to protect the institution's brand, champion inclusivity and prioritise personal well-being while serving students.
The three-day workshop, being held at Outward Bound in Chimanimani under the theme "Leading Ethically, Living Ubuntu," yesterday, Monday 8 June, featured presentations by university officials and a guest speaker on the responsibilities and standards expected of student leaders.
Director of Information and Public Relations Anderson Chipatiso challenged the newly elected SRC to become custodians of the Great Zimbabwe University brand, arguing that their conduct on and off campus would shape public perceptions of the institution. He urged the SRC to communicate responsibly, uphold the University's values and recognise that every action taken by student leaders reflects on the institution.
Director of Information and Communication Technology Daniel Govo presented on information and communication technology issues, encouraging SRC members to use digital platforms responsibly, ethically and effectively in serving the student body.
Director of Security Services Kudakwashe Tagwirei addressed security matters, stressing the importance of safety, compliance with university regulations and cooperation with security structures in maintaining a secure learning environment.
Guest presenter, Dean of Students at the Zimbabwe Open University, Thandiwe Chivasa, delivered a presentation titled "The Steward's Standard: Dress, Conduct and Deportment." She told the student leaders that leadership demands professionalism, discipline and integrity, noting that their appearance, behaviour and interactions with others influence the confidence that students and stakeholders place in them.
In a session on personal development, GZU Students Counsellor Sibiziwe Kasenya encouraged the SRC to practise self-love and self-care despite the pressures of office. She warned against becoming so consumed by leadership responsibilities that they neglect their own physical, emotional and psychological well-being, arguing that effective service begins with caring for oneself.
The workshop also underscored the importance of inclusive leadership. Disability Resources Officer Tatenda Moyo urged the SRC to ensure that students with disabilities are fully represented in university life by advocating for accessible lecture rooms, accommodation and other essential services. She encouraged the council to mainstream inclusivity in its decision-making and ensure that no student is left behind.
Some of the presentations continued into the evening around a huge bonfire, creating an informal setting that encouraged open dialogue and reflection among the student leaders. The fireside sessions complemented the day's programme by strengthening teamwork and allowing participants to engage with facilitators and one another in a relaxed environment.
The day's activities also included team-building exercises and a nature walk to Tessa Falls within the Outward Bound precinct, providing further opportunities for participants to build trust, foster collaboration and strengthen the unity expected of the University's student leadership.
The induction workshop is equipping the new SRC with the knowledge, skills and values required to effectively represent the interests of students while advancing the mission and reputation of Great Zimbabwe University.

Backing the National Clean-Up Campaign
Staff and students at Great Zimbabwe University joined the National Clean-Up Campaign on Friday last week, reinforcing the institution's commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management through a coordinated campus-wide exercise.
Led by the Department of Central and Cleaning Services, participants cleaned roadsides, walkways, open spaces and other public areas across the university's campuses as part of the nation's monthly initiative to promote a culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
Working side by side, staff and students demonstrated that maintaining a clean campus is a shared responsibility rather than the sole duty of cleaning personnel. Their participation reflected a collective commitment to preserving a safe, healthy and attractive environment for teaching, learning and research.

SRC urged to lead through ethics, knowledge and service
Great Zimbabwe University has challenged its newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) to embrace leadership founded on ethical service, institutional knowledge, academic excellence and practical solutions to student concerns.
The message dominated the opening day, Sunday 7 June 2026, of the University's three-day SRC Induction and Team Building Workshop at Outward Bound in Chimanimani, held under the theme "Leading Ethically, Living Ubuntu." The programme is equipping the new student leadership with knowledge of university governance, regulations and teamwork as it begins its one-year mandate.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration Professor David Chikodzi, Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said election to office marked the beginning of responsibility rather than the attainment of privilege.
"We are not here to induct you into power; we are here to induct you into service because at Great Zimbabwe University we do not produce bosses, we produce custodians," he said.
Professor Zvobgo urged the SRC to serve as a constructive bridge between students and management, replacing slogans with research, evidence and workable proposals. "If you only show up for the crisis, you are not leading; you are performing," he added.
University Registrar Dr Sinikiwe Gwatidzo told the new student leadership that effective representation requires a thorough understanding of the University's Act, Ordinance No. 2 and governance structures. She said many campus disputes stem from poor knowledge of regulations and encouraged SRC members to educate students on registration procedures, examination requirements and other academic rules.
She said that tougher examination regulations, which nullify all results for candidates found guilty of malpractice, have reduced examination misconduct by more than 95 percent, while warning that students who fail to register risk losing an entire semester.
The workshop also stressed that leadership must never come at the expense of academic performance. Presenting a paper on "Balancing Leadership and Academic Responsibilities," Acting Dean of Students Ms Saliwe Neganda reminded the SRC that they remain students subject to the same academic standards as everyone else.
Ms Neganda added that leadership carries no academic privileges and challenged the new council to excel both in governance and in the classroom.
Guest presenter, Zimbabwe Open University Dean of Students, Ms Thandiwe Chivasa called on the SRC to move beyond election campaigns and embrace innovative, inclusive and responsive student governance. She urged members to know their constitution, work in unity and focus on delivering meaningful results.
The workshop continues this morning with more presentations and practical sessions aimed at strengthening governance capacity, teamwork and collaborative leadership among Great Zimbabwe University's newly elected student representatives.

Great Zimbabwe University Alumna Virginia Tlou Nyambe shines on the national stage
Great Zimbabwe University is celebrating the success of its alumna, Virginia Tlou Nyambe, who was crowned Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2026 during the prestigious Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finals held yesterday at the Hippodrome in Harare.
Virginia’s achievement places her among the seven Zimbabwean beauty queens selected to represent the country on major international pageant platforms, marking a historic moment for Zimbabwean pageantry. The national title of Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 was won by Roseanna Hall, while Virginia earned the honour of carrying the Zimbabwean flag at the Miss Intercontinental competition.
For Great Zimbabwe University, Virginia’s accomplishment is another testament to the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who excel beyond the classroom. A graduate of the Robert Mugabe School of Heritage and Education, she completed her Media and Cultural Studies degree in 2020 and has established herself as an accomplished broadcaster, master of ceremonies and mentor.
During her time at Great Zimbabwe University, Virginia was among the pioneer presenter-producers at the university’s Campus Radio Station between 2019 and 2022. She served as a presenter, producer and news anchor while also mentoring students on industrial attachment, contributing significantly to the development of young broadcasting talent.
Her professional career began in 2018 as a news reporter for ZiFM Stereo before expanding into television through sports broadcasting with NationTV and arts and entertainment presenting with 263 TV. In 2022, she broadened her regional profile by hosting current affairs programming on Sauma HD Radio in South Africa. She currently works with Network Radio Television (NRTV), hosting The Daily Dose and reading news for Africa in 15, further cementing her reputation in African broadcasting.
Virginia’s journey from the studios of Great Zimbabwe University to the national pageantry stage reflects the versatility, confidence and leadership that the university seeks to instill in its graduates. Her crowning as Miss Intercontinental Zimbabwe 2026 is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the entire GZU community.
As she prepares to represent Zimbabwe internationally, the Great Zimbabwe University family joins the nation in congratulating Virginia Tlou Nyambe and wishing her every success as she carries both the Zimbabwean flag and the university’s spirit of excellence onto the global stage.

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Application forms are available from www.gzu.ac.zw
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GZU draws interest as Masvingo Business Showcase 2026 opens
Great Zimbabwe University attracted considerable attention today as the Masvingo Business Showcase 2026 opened, with scores of visitors thronging the university’s exhibition stand to learn more about its academic programmes, research, innovation and community engagement initiatives.
The three-day showcase, which has brought together government institutions, businesses, investors and development partners, provides GZU with a platform to engage directly with stakeholders while demonstrating its contribution to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.
Adding to its visibility at the event, the GZU Campus Radio Station is broadcasting live from the event providing real-time updates and interviews.
At the same time, the university’s Business Development Unit is actively marketing a range of institutional products, including the popular traditional grains mealie meal, which has attracted steady interest from visitors keen on locally produced, heritage-linked food innovations.
Throughout the opening day, prospective students, parents, industry representatives and members of the public visited the university’s stand, where they interacted with staff and obtained information on academic offerings, research activities and innovation-driven projects.
As one of the country’s leading centres of higher learning, GZU is using the platform to showcase the practical impact of its heritage-based teaching, research and innovation model, which seeks to produce graduates and solutions responsive to the needs of industry and society.

GZU engages Chiredzi Christian College students in career guidance outreach
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) today visited Chiredzi Christian College as part of its ongoing efforts to build a well-informed pipeline of prospective students and support learners as they prepare for higher education.
The career guidance outreach programme brought together students and teachers for an interactive session designed to provide accurate and comprehensive information on university education, academic programmes and career opportunities available at GZU.
During the engagement, Officers from the University’s Information and Public Relations Department outlined the University's diverse programme offerings, admission requirements and student experience, while also explaining how different fields of study align with various career pathways and national development priorities.
The interaction gave students an opportunity to ask questions and receive first-hand information about university life, enabling them to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
Such engagements are an important part of Great Zimbabwe University's commitment to ensuring that learners have access to reliable information as they transition from secondary education to tertiary studies, thereby strengthening the pipeline of students who are equipped to make sound choices about their future careers.

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Prospective students can apply online at www.gzu.ac.zw or visit the Great Zimbabwe University Main Campus in Masvingo or the GZU Harare Office at ZIMDEF House to submit applications physically.
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Great Zimbabwe University places among Africa's top teams at Space Law Competition

Great Zimbabwe University has placed among Africa's top institutions in the emerging field of space law after its student team finished third at the 17th African Regional Round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition.
The competition, held in Pretoria from May 25 to 29, brought together 18 universities from across the continent to argue complex questions of international and space law before panels of academics, legal practitioners and space-sector experts.
The GZU team was named second runners-up, while one of its advocates earned the award for second-best oralist, placing the institution among the competition's strongest performers.
Representing the university were Christopher Dembure, the team captain, Thilivhali Msipa and Makanaka Nyabvure. The delegation was accompanied by coach Mrs Faith Ndlovu and the Executive Dean of the Law School, Mr Nkosana Maphosa.
Organised under the auspices of the International Institute of Space Law in partnership with the South African National Space Agency and South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the competition is Africa's leading academic contest in international space law.
Participants were required to prepare written memorials and present oral arguments on a hypothetical dispute involving legal issues arising from activities in outer space. The exercise tested legal research, written advocacy and oral argumentation in a field that is gaining prominence as African countries expand investments in satellite technology, telecommunications, Earth observation systems and other space-based services.
Great Zimbabwe University's participation in the regional round followed a strong showing in the Zimbabwe national rounds, where the team secured qualification to represent the country at the continental competition.
Beyond the moot court, the delegation participated in the inaugural African Space Law Conference, which brought together policymakers, legal scholars, scientists, regulators and industry leaders to examine the legal, policy and governance questions shaping Africa's growing involvement in space activities.
The programme also included a visit to facilities operated by the South African National Space Agency, where delegates were introduced to satellite operations, Earth observation programmes and international cooperation initiatives that underpin many contemporary space activities.
The result ranks among GZU's strongest performances in an international moot court competition and comes as interest in space law continues to grow across Africa, where governments are increasingly turning to space technologies to support development, environmental monitoring, telecommunications and scientific research.

GZU SRC leader earns top public speaking award

Leadership is often measured not only by the ability to make decisions but also by the power to inspire through words. For Great Zimbabwe University Students' Representative Council (SRC) President Clayton Katape, that power was recently recognised on a national stage when he was named Student of the Year by the School of Public Speaking.
The award, presented during the institution's graduation ceremony on Friday, 29 May 2026, recognises exceptional achievement in public speaking, leadership communication and personal development. For Katape, the honour represents the culmination of months of rigorous training and commitment to mastering the art of effective communication — a skill central to his role as the chief representative of thousands of Great Zimbabwe University students.

The achievement has been met with celebration across the university community, with students, lecturers and administrators describing the award as a reflection of the calibre of leadership emerging from Great Zimbabwe University.
Speaking after receiving the accolade, Katape noted that the journey had been both challenging and rewarding.
"I was enrolled in the School of Public Speaking and was privileged to be awarded the Best Student of the Year Award during our graduation ceremony. It has been a transformative experience that has strengthened my confidence and communication skills," he said.
For a student leader whose responsibilities include engaging university authorities, addressing student concerns and representing the institution on various platforms, the award carries significance beyond personal recognition. It reinforces the importance of persuasive and effective communication in leadership.
Among those who congratulated Katape was a senior university academic, who described the achievement as a source of pride for the entire institution.
"This is great news not only for you but for the entire GZU community. You merit it, son; you deserve it. You have made us proud. I do not doubt your prowess and therefore do not hesitate to express my excitement and happiness for you. Keep on pressing, for the sky is the limit," the academic remarked. The SRC leadership also hailed the award as evidence of the talent and potential resident within the Great Zimbabwe University student body.

In a congratulatory message, the Minister of Information and Publicity in the SRC, Misheck T Mawere commended Katape's dedication and eloquence, noting that the recognition had helped place the university on a broader platform of excellence.
"Your win reflects the excellence and potential within our student body. We are confident you will use these remarkable speaking skills to advocate boldly for students in meetings, forums and every platform you step onto," the statement read.
The honour comes at a time when universities are increasingly emphasising communication, leadership and advocacy skills alongside academic excellence. For Great Zimbabwe University, Katape's success serves as a reminder that higher education is not only about producing graduates but also nurturing confident leaders capable of influencing society through ideas and dialogue.
As he continues his tenure as SRC President, Katape's latest achievement adds another dimension to his leadership profile — one built not only on representation but on the ability to articulate vision, inspire action and amplify the voices of fellow students.

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Clayton Katape