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Welcome aboard Testimonial by Kambasha Teresa Boeing ZOU 2017 t is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this platform where as Ithe Open University family, we will be able to interact. Welcome aboard Boeing ZOU 2017! I know very well that most of our students and stakeholders have been complaining about our methods of in the past, but I am sure your issues have been addressed. As an institution, we have made sure that all our social media sites are up and running and supporting staff is always available to swiftly respond to all your questions as well as giving adequate information about the institution to both students and prospective students. The launching of this official ZOU magazine is just adding icing on the cake. ZOU has for the past years thrived to be the best Open and Distance Learning University in the country while sailing on the same boat with the so-called state universities, and this, the university has done with a distinction. Below is a testimonial now in powerful positions without having to The vision of the university is shared by a ZOU alumnus at in various countries using attend classes at a physical very clear, it thrives to be a world class support system that provides the Mashonaland Regional ZOU qualifications. This location. A lot of working library and information services in Campus Fundraising university has given us people with the passion to a distance learning environment. Dinner Dance held on 08 new insight. develop their careers have This is one aspect that makes ZOU September 2017 managed to do so through unique from all other universities. Allow me to take you open distance learning. The introduction of platforms like Opening remarks through what my colleagues MyVista, ebooks, ebrary and online and I experienced as we Studying by distance I welcome you all submissions is a clear indication that ZOU studied with this university. learning allowed us always thrives to be at the top with other to Zimbabwe Open to develop our careers outstanding universities in the world. University- one of the Benefits of studying wit without having to leave Ebooks and ebrary gives ZOU finest universities in the h ZOU employment. It also meant students access to relevant online region and beyond that publications and other reading material I, like many others that we could apply new to help them during their studies. provides an opportunity to have found that open knowledge and insights We have to salute the leadership for learn and work at the same coming up with such a noble idea. distance learning comes to our working life which time. When I say I am a with many benefits not is for the benefit of the The MyVista platform seems to former ZOU student, I say be the heart and soul of academic only to the individual organisations. it with pride and confidence operations in the institution as it offers studying, but to the students a lot of options in terms because the university has This is on the job training of operations during their studies. organisations employing helped not only me, but without companies having these individuals and to the From the word go, students can access a lot of us to realise our to pay for the training of their assignment questions, submit country as a whole. assignments online, interact with their dreams. their employees. lecturers, as well as with other students Flexibility on the MyVista platform. It also allows There is a misconception Affordability students to access their fees invoices about distance learning and It doesn’t matter where without even visiting the office, results Open distance learning to be more specific, about you live – you can gain a as well as examinations timetables. is way cheaper than other ZOU. At the Zimbabwe degree from anywhere in This platform puts ZOU on the conventional universities Open University, various the country.We believe world map as Virtual students can because of low overhead have easy access to all their learning prestigious degrees are distance education is costs. material as students can download soft awarded and these are copies of modules from the platform all about convenience recognised nationally and and flexibility. You can Choice Apart from MyVista, ZOU hard internationally. Personally, plan your study around copy printed modules are the best The university offers with other universities jostling to I completed the following your work or lifestyle several courses accredited have a piece of the ZOU module. programmes, MBA and commitments, so you’re by some of the most While this is the first edition of the PGDE with this prestigious only studying at times respected awarding bodies magazine, but the editorial team will be university. These convenient for you. This open to suggestions and contributions. internationally. Students qualifications have met has helped to maintain are also exposed to a lot This is our project, let’s welcome and international standards with high levels of literacy in embrace it. Seat down relax and enjoy of research which sharpen various awarding bodies. the country. In addition, your first edition of the ZOU magazine! stheir research skills. Most of my colleagues are you can improve your 4 Principal officers of the university

Professor Alfred Champion Ncube — Acting Vice

Professor Gabriel Kabanda — Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Daniel Ndudzo — Research, Innovation and Enterprise Registrar Development

Mr. Garainesu Shoko — Mr Albert Makurumure — Mr Nephas Mufutumara — Director Finance Director Library And Information Director Information and Services Communication Technology 5 Council Chairperson’s Message

Dear ZOU Family:

wish to extend my warm greetings and welcome you to the 2017 Second Semester edition of the ZOU Magazine. I This edition provides an in-depth look at significant milestones made possible by the ZOU family’s unwavering passion for our critical mission and our strong willpower to deliver high quality tertiary education. Without question, the vibrancy of the ZOU family, including our students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and business partners is proudly displayed in our operations and prominently captured within these pages.

The has assumed a unique strategic direction that is underpinned by the following five key result areas;

• Technology

• Research and Innovation

• Service quality

• Infrastructure development

• Resource capability

The strategic thrust was deliberately coined to ensure that the University becomes a leading self sustaining higher education Institution, preeminent in research that produces commercially valuable intellectual property.

We are required to take a leading role in the reindustrialization of Zimbabwe and we know the expectations of our Government, Industry and other key stakeholders. To that effect, we have re-structured our faculties in an endeavour to enhance our capabilities in teaching , Technology, , , Arts and Heritage disciplines as expected by Government.

Moving forward, the ZOU Council and are fully concentrating limitless energies in implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to fulfill the University’s objects. We strive to become an innovative, premier university, preeminent in innovative applied research with impact, excellent in learning and teaching, and committed to local and global community development through sharing of knowledge

ZOU has arrived! This Magazine truly serves as a unique opportunity for you to personally experience the triumphant entry of ZOU among leading higher education institutions.

With ZOU Pride,

Mrs Chipo Mtasa

Chairperson, Zimbabwe Open University Council 6 ZOU, Sanyati beef production project kicks off

In this picture, which is the second stage, Dr Gomo injects the animal which he found empty with the first injection he Zimba- cows involved in through artifi- Dr Gomo does the first stage of artificial insemination in Sanyati recently. This bwe Open artificial insemina- cial insemination first stage is to check whether the animal is engulfed (pregnant). University tion. The project was conducted in (ZOU) will see ZOU help- Sanyati. The pro- Tin conjunction ing out Sanyati cat- gramme comes with Sanyati cattle tle farmers on how in three stages farmers have com- to introduce and which are assess- bined their efforts use latest technolo- ment of cow preg- in trying to im- gies in animal hus- nancy, injection prove beef produc- bandry. and taking blood tion in the country The director,samples to deter- with more than 50 ZOU Material De- mine any ineffi- farmers taking up velopment Unit, ciencies. The sec- the programme in the Sanyati Area of Mr. Chesterfieldond phase of the Midlands province. Vengesai and also breeding stage is The project, San- a farmer from done after 11 days yati Beef Cattle Sanyati Area, Dean of the first estrates Production and Re- Faculty of Agri- to synchronize all search, a brainchild culture Professor cows in estrates. of ZOU Faculty of Nobbert Takar- The third and fi- , was wirwa Ngongoni nal stage will then launched on July and Doctor Calvin be conducted af- 20, 2017 in Sanyati Gomo were the pio- ter 72 hours af- and will run under neers of the project. ter the second four phases with an The programme injection, where The third stage is the marking of an injected animal for the purposes of identifi- estimated number comes in four the artificial in- cation for the next stage of more than 100 phases which are semination will breeding through be done using the artificial insemina- Thuli bull semen tion, training on to improve the routine beef cattle cattle breed. Preg- management, re- nancy diagnosis search in cattle pen for all the cows fattening using sor- that would have ghum and maize as gone through the well as the use of process is done indigenous herbs after 45 days. as replacements to Prof Ngongoni conventional dip- added that the ping chemicals. main objectives Explaining the of the programme concept of artifi- include helping cial insemination, Sanyati farm- Prof Ngongoni ers to shift from said it was a ben- subsistence and eficial move as it traditional cat- would help farm- tle farming to ers get a calf year in sustainable com- year out from their mercial beef pro- cows rather than duction using lat- to wait for the cow est technologies to conceive from to improve their the local bulls. livelihood. Again, On August 11, calves coming the first phase of at a particular In this picture, Dr Gomo draws some blood from the animal which will be tested to see if it is prone to the programme period of time abortions which is breeding are manageable. 7 Association of African Universities honours ZOU

The team that attended the African Quality Rating Mechanism evaluation workshop in recently. Seated third from left is Professor Margret Flieder followed by Doctor Violet Makuku and team leader Professor Goolam Mohamedbhai. he Zimbabwe Open Uni- () The Catholic Uni- eral of the Association of Af- ZOU was tasked to evaluate itself, versity (ZOU) was hon- versity of Eastern Africa (Ken- rican Universities (AAU), as which it did, with the help of its oured by the Association ya,) University of Science well as former Vice-Chancellor team of internal quality assurance of African Universities and Technology (Sudan) Ndejje at the University of . auditors and sent the report to the T(AAU) through an African Quality University () Univer- Professor Mohamedbhai was ac- AAU ahead of the evaluation visit. Rating Mechanism (AQRM) evalua- sity of Science and Technology companied by Professor Margret This gave the experts an insight of tion visit held in Harare in June 2017. of Masuku () and Univer- Flieder, Professor of at ZOU. They also requested relevant ZOU is the only University in sity of Kisangani (DR Congo). Protestant University in Germany additional evidence before the visit. Zimbabwe that took part in the AQRM is an evaluation instru- as well as Doctor Violet Makuku, The team then visited ZOU exercise, as well as the only Open ment which was developed by who was representing the AAU. and Distance Learning (ODL) Uni- from June 22 to 23, 2017 and con- the African Union Commission In November 2016, the AAU sent versity that joined 14 other Uni- ducted the evaluation which in- as part of the African Union’s out a call to approximately 1500 versities on the African continent. cluded plenary discussions with strategy for harmonising high- African universities to participate The other Universities included unit heads, interviewing students er education and was adopted in the evaluation programme. Eduardo Mondlane University in the absence of ZOU personnel, by the Conference of Ministers However, there was stiff competi- () Durban University interviewing academic staff in the of Education of Africa in 2007. tion for the programme as the Asso- of Technology, Botho University absence of University manage- Its goal is to revitalise and ciation had the capacity to sponsor of , Ecole Normale Super- ment, verifying evidence, visiting strengthen African higher educa- only 15 Universities from the 1500. rieure De Constantine of Alge- facilities at Harare/Chitungwiza tion institutions to ensure that they ZOU Director, Quality As- ria, University of Moulay Ismail Regional Campus and a cour- are globally competitive and attrac- surance, Mr. Benson Gabi, said (Morocco) Al-Azhar University tesy call on the Vice-Chancellor. tive while being locally relevant. through the office of the late Vice () (Ni- The final report rated ZOU The assessors’ team was led by Chancellor Professor Primrose geria) Kwame Nkrumah Univer- highly and credited ZOU’s inter- Professor Goolam Mohamed- Kurasha, the University applied sity of Science and Technology nal quality assurance mechanisms. bhai, the former secretary gen- to participate and was selected. () University of Ouaga II Manicaland Regional Campus takes part at Manicaland Agric Show

The Zimbabwe Open Uni- The first prize went to Africa versity (ZOU) Manicaland University. Other Universities Regional Campus took part that participated include Cath- at the just-ended Mani- olic University and the newly caland Agricultural Show established Manicaland Mid- lands State University branch. which was held in Mutare. Manicaland Regional Cam- This year’s 107th edi- pus Director Mr Kenneth tion of the show run un- Saruchera was pleased with der the theme; “Sus- the way people flocked to tainable Industrial and the stand. He however gave Agricultural Innovations credit to the Vice Chancel- Through Renewable Energy”. lor’s Games that were held However, it was unfortunate in Mutare as many potential that ZOU affiliated late and students made reference to could not be included on the list the games which left an indel- Potential students being assisted by ZOU personnel during the Manicaland Agri- for assessment of their stand. ible mark in the border town. cultural Show in Mutare recently 8 9 ZOU Faculty of Commerce in two major partnerships

put ZOU a shoulder above with professional organisa- Honours, a professional Starting from Janu- he Zimbabwe other institutions of higher tions, namely, the South- qualification that has be- ary 2018, the Faculty of Open University learning in the country. ern Africa Association come very popular among Commerce and will (ZOU) entered Speaking on behalf of the of Accountancy (SAAA) internal audit practioners. be offering two new pro- into two part- Faculty, Professor Tavonga and the Institute of Inter- Under the partnership grammes namely, the Tnerships that have proved Njaya made known the two nal Auditors Zimbabwe. with SAAA, the Faculty of Bachelor of Commerce in to be the catchment area major partnerships that Through the partner- Commerce and Law is as- Special Hon- for business students in ZOU has entered so far. ship with the Institute of sisting in the development ours and the Bachelor of as far as student recruit- Through the Faculty of Internal Auditors Zimba- of professional accountants. Commerce in Banking and ment and employment Commerce and Law, ZOU bwe, ZOU is jointly offer- Finance Special Honours. issues are concerned. has entered into two op- ing the Bachelor of Com- Two New Pro- According to Professor The partnerships have erational collaborations merce in Internal Auditing grammes on offer in 2018 Njaya, the new programmes

The above picture combo shows how Zimbabwe Open University clientele has changed from being a university of elders to an all inclusive institu- tion with school leavers flocking to ODL. In this picture combo taken at the Harare Regional Campus, some of the youths are seen visiting the campus on a daily basis from 8am to 4pm interacting with their as well as making use of internet facilities provided by the regional campus. 10 Masvingo Regional Campus strikes gold

Masvingo Regional Campus employees pose with a trophy and the certificate they won during this year’s edition of the Masvingo Agricultur- al show. The ZOU stand was voted the best decorated among all the universities that took part at the event. The regional campus came first, winning gold.

he Zimbabwe Open Uni- versity (ZOU) Masvingo Regional Campus won gold at the just ended Masv- Tingo Agricultural Show, beating two other universities to the top post. The Regional Campus, which was presented with a floating trophy for decorating their stand to what the judges said were international standards, beat Great Zimbabwe University and Reformed Church University. The three were the only universities that took part at the show. The Masvingo Agricultur- al Show came into life on Sep- tember 28 and the curtains came down on Sunday October 21. Masvingo Regional Campus Acting Director Professor Pat- rick Chadamwoyo was happy with the achievement by his region. By the time the ZOU media crew visited the stand, it was evident that the stand was overwhelmed by po- tential students with the visiting reg- ister showing around large numbers of people that had visited the stand. ZOU salutes business partners The Zimbabwe Open Univer- Society, CBZ holdings, First cultural Society. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Profes- sity (ZOU) would like to thank Banking Corporation, First Also special mention to the fol- sor Alfred Ncube thanked all their business partners who Mutual, Eduloan, Esteem lowing individuals who donated the stakeholders who partnered made sure their 15th edition on Travel, New Ziana, NICOZ towards the event: Mrs. Mary the University, highlighting that the graduation ceremony was s Diamond, Nyaradzo Funeral Chiwenga, Mr Simbarashe Ma- as a stakeholder driven institu- success. Services, Old Mutual, Time- gonde. Mr Herbert Mutubuki tion, ZOU continues to value The business partners are as and Prof Lincoln Hlatwayo. partnerships aimed at enhanc- less Photos, Zimbabwe Agri- follows: Bonvie Medical Aid Speaking at the event, ZOU ing the welfare of its principal 11 ZOU National SRC honoured in Ghana he Zimba- bwe Open University (ZOU) Na- Ttional Student Rep- resentative Council (SRC) was recently, honoured at a students conference which was held in Accra, Ghana. The ZOU National SRC was represented by its President, Sandra Chikeya, Vice Presi- dent, Stranger Chivasa, Secretary General, Shu- pai Kamunyaru and the Treasurer, Moreb- lessing Muvungani. The conference, whose main objective was to increase and maintain peace and or- der at University cam- puses in Africa, was attended by students from three Universi- ties in Ghana, Benin and . ZOU was the only Univer- sity from the South- ern African Region. Students presented papers on topics to do with promoting and maintaining peace at University campuses. The topic required stu- dents to give scenarios at their campuses, hence ZOU was voted to be one of the best in terms of promoting and maintaining peace at their campuses. The Director, Centre for Student Manage- ment, Professor Da- vid Chakuchichi trav- Zimbabwe Open University National Student Representative Council president Sandra Chikeya (right) with Na- elled with the team. tional SRC Treasurer Moreblessing Muvungani just after receiving ZOU’s Peace at the Campuses award in Ghana recently ZOU Development Studies students shine The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Development Studies stu- dents went to represent the In- stitution at a debate tournament which was hosted by Development Practitioners Network in Zim- babwe. The event ran under the theme “Development Reality, col- lectively envisioning the future’. The tournament featured five Zimbabwean universities name- ly Midlands State University, Catholic University, Zimba- bwe Ezekiel Guti University, Great Zimbabwe University and Zimbabwe Open University. The ZOU delegation was represent- ed by Mr Evidence Mbizvo, Tari- ro Mukunga and Yvonne Moyo. 12 All smiles . . . The Zimbabwe Open University granduands enjoying the momentous occassion at a graduation ceremony recently ZOU students graduate The Zimbabwe Openthe Guest of Honour. with various degrees at parts. Female students con- attaining Doctor of Philos- University (ZOU) suc- The 2017 edition of the the momentous event. tinue to dominate in insti- ophy degrees (PhDs). Out cessfully hosted its 15th graduation ran under the Among the grandaunds, tutions of higher learning. of the 17 PhD graduates, it edition of the gradua- theme “Transforming High- 1736 were females while The historic 15th con- was impressive to note that tion ceremony at their er Education for Industriali- males were 1595, a clear gregation of the Zimba- eight of them were female. main Campus in Hatcliffe. sation and Modernisation”. indication that women are bwe Open University’s Also two male students Former President Rob- A total of 3331 stu- now taking up education graduation ceremony also were awarded with Mas- ert Gabriel Mugabe was dents were conferred than their male counter- witnessed 17 graduands ters of degrees. Nyaradzo, ZOU partner in Research Conference The Zimbabwe Open Univer- sanitation, , health and sity (ZOU) in partnership with well-being and Aquatic, ter- the country’s leading funeral restrial ecosystems and energy. service provider, Nyaradzo A number of case stud- Group, held a research con- ies were presented among ference in the capital recently. them occupational awareness The Conference, a brain- in small scale and repair in- child of ZOU’s Faculty of dustries, the demise of green Science and Technology spaces in Zimbabwe’s urban spearheaded by Professor areas, a case study of Centu- rion Park in Kadoma, urban T.P.Z Mpofu, ran under the fragility, the impact of slum theme “Sustainable Devel- dwellings on the health de- opment, Innovative Ideas livery system and a case ” for a better Zimbabwe. study of Caledonia in Harare. The conference was designed Other case studies were in four main topics with each presented include edutain- topic having a number of case ment in ensuring child de- studies within Zimbabwe. The velopment in Mkoba suburb, four main topics of the con- , Climate change and ference were Sustainable cit- household water availability in ies, Communities and global Ward 10, Buhera District, as partnerships, Education and well as Medical waste manage- The picture shows some of the participants at the Zimbabwe Open University sustainable development, ment systems in Harare’s Mu- (ZOU) Faculty of Science and Technology Research Conference that was held at Climate change, Water and nicipal Health care Centres. the Century Towers recently. 13 The Zimbabwe Open University 15th Edition Graduation ceremony in pictures

The former President of the Republic of Zimbabwe flanked by the Zimbabwe Open University Council members at the just ended ZOU th15 edi- tion of their graduation ceremony.

Acting ZOU Vice chancellor Professor Alfred Ncube and Minister Pat- Acting ZOU Vice chancellor Professor Alfred Ncube delivering his rick Chinamsa share a lighter moment at the graduation ceremony speech during the event

The former President Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe flanked by ZOU Council members and the national Student Representative Council Senate members at the graduation ceremony 14 The Zimbabwe Open University 15th Edition Graduation ceremony in pictures

Ebenezer, Jesus you have taken us this far.... Some of the grandaunds following proceedings at the graduation ceremony

PHD grandaunds follow proceedings at the graduation ceremony Graduands were all smiles on this special day

15 Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Regional Campus employees pictured with the Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Alfred Ncube during their inaugural fund raising dinner dance held in Bulawayo recently Bulawayo Regional Campus hosts dinner dance he planned dinner dance versity Bulawayo Regional Cam- and a ZOU, MBA graduate) ap- ZOU for its quest to restore hope rolled into life at Bula- pus. Among the list of attendees plauded ZOU for playing an im- to those who lost opportunities wayo Holiday Inn on were CBZ, Eduloan, Old Mutual, portant role in the development to attend conventional Univer- the 6th of October 2017 First Mutual, Telone, Econet, Zim- of human capital in Zimbabwe, sities. Many have now acquired Tunder the theme ‘Strengthen- def, Zilch Investments, Datlabs, SADC, Africa and beyond. ZOU degree qualifications through ing Partnerships for Academic Founders High School, Chris- students improve productivity at ZOU even at their twilight ages. Institutions Self Sustainability’. tian Brothers College, Theologi- their respective work stations by The Director, Academic Reg- The ZOU family was humbled cal College of Zimbabwe, POSB, practicing things they have learnt by the response it got from the Amtec, ZOU SRC and staff. immediately, hence employers are istry Mrs. Margaret Munyoro gave Bulawayo business community, Speaking at the event, the guest implored to take advantage ex- the vote of thanks. The Resident which reacted positively to the call speaker Mr. Obert Sibanda (Board tended to them by the ZOU mode Minister of Bulawayo Metropoli- for improvement of service deliv- Member of National Employment of learning which allows working tan Province, Honourable Eunice Sandi Moyo was among the guests. ery by the Zimbabwe Open Uni- Council of Construction Industry and learning at once. He applauded ZOU takes part at Harare Agri show The Harare Agricultural Show (HAS) company is the leading international exhibi- tion organiser in Zimbabwe. It provides a platform for all players on the economy to showcase their products and services to a diverse audience. The 2017 Harare Agriculture Show ran under the theme “Seed to food: innovate, consolidate, sus- tain”. Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) showcased its rich academic products and services, including 42 degree and diploma programmes. The participation of ZOU at the 2017 HAS 107th edition helped the institution to find out what the market is demanding in terms of its product offering. The indi- cations from interactions by those who visited the ZOU stand were that, Zimba- bwe Open University fees structure was competitive and thus, most prospective students were willing to study with ZOU. The major stumbling block was lack of a variety of relevant programmes to choose from and amongst those submitted by the market; the following topped the list;

• Degree in • Degree in Law, • Degree in Supply Chain Management, • Degree in Risk Management, • Degree in Food Design • Masters in Development Studies • Masters in Media and Communication. Prospective students anquiring about ZOU programmes at The feedback from potential students will be shared with relevant units in order to the Harare Agricultural Show recently influence the introduction of such programmes. 16 Bundura Campus successfully host dinner dance

ZOU management, staff members and National SRC representatives pictured just after the end of the Mashonaland Central Dinner dance held in Bindura ashonaland Cen- tral Regional Cam- pus successfully host- ed their inaugural Mfundraising dinner dance that was held at their Bindura campus recently. The theme of the dinner dance was; Breaking the boundaries, making His- tory. The purpose of the event was to raise money to build a multi-pur- pose hall, library, canteen and in- stallation of a solar system among other important developments to ensure the University improves on service delivery to students who are catered for by the Regional Campus. Speaking at the event, Mashonal- and Central Regional Campus Re- gional Director Doctor Cuthbert Zimbabwe Open University Bindura Campus employees share a joke with the Acting Vice Chancellor Majoni thanked all the stakeholders Professor Alfred Ncube while the Registrar Professor Daniel Ndudzo (back to camera) looks on who were present for taking their time off their busy schedules to grace Guest of honour applauds ZOU programmes the occasion. Dr Majoni also said that the event was meant to make people The Zimbabwe Opennancial institution, they were know more about the brand ZOU. University (ZOU) got more than satisfied with the way ZOU was running The Regional Campus made avail- a thumbs up from one its programmes and were able 25 tables which were all oc- of the country’s leading banks, Commercial Bank more than pleased work- cupied, a clear indication that the ing with ZOU graduates. of Zimbabwe, (CBZ). event was a success. Some of the CBZ supported the event Speaking at the just ended organisations that bought tables of by buying a platinum ta- 10 people which had prices rang- Mashonaland Central Din- ble for 10 valued at $500. ing from $350, $400 and $500 are ner Dance, CBZ official Mr Mureriwa reiterated their ZRP, Econet, Paddy, CBZ, Nyarad- Norbert Mureriwa, who was relationship with the Region- zo, POSB, Bindura University, the guest of honour stand- al Campus and said he was ing in for Chief executive of- ZEGU, ZOUSSA, SRC and Edu- optimistic more partnerships ficer Mr N Nyemudzo who were on the cards while he also cational Studies part time tutors. could not be available due Mashonaland Central Regional urged all corporates and or- to a busy schedule said ZOU ganisations that attended the Campus has five centres which in- was in the right direction. event to urge their employees clude Centenary, Shamva, Mvur- Guest of honour Mr Nobert Mureriwa Mr Mureriwa said as a fi- to take up ZOU programmes. wi, Mount Darwin and Guruve. from CBZ 17 ZOU Students to take part in two Debate Championships

he Zimbabwe cently, Director Center dents and one lecturer to took part and was even- three students and a lec- Open University For Student Manage- the Pan African Debate tually won by the Uni- turer to the event, which (ZOU) through ment, Professor David Championships that took versity of the Witwa- was held in Ghana in 2016. the Centre for Chakuchichi said the two place in Yaoundé, Cam- tersrand of South Africa. However, Professor TStudent Management debate Championships eroon during the second The second event was Chakuchichi urged ZOU (CSM) in December 2017 were the remaining big week of December 2017. the Impact Africa De- students to take debate sent a group of students events on the students cal- The CSM had received bate and Public Speaking sessions seriously and selected from differentendar after the Vice Chan- the invitation to the event. which took place at the Regional Campuses to cellor’s Games were suc- In 2016, the event was University of in take this as an opportuni- take part in two differ- cessfully done in Mutare. held in Zimbabwe at the Gaborone, Botswana in the ty to mix and mingle with ent debate competitions. Professor Chakuchichi Midlands State Univer- third week of December. students from other uni- Speaking in Harare re- said ZOU sent four stu- sity where 400 students Again, ZOU will sent versities across Africa.

Matabeleland South staff members and students pose for a photograph with inmates at Gwanda Old People’s Home Mat South Regional Campus donate to Old People’s Home The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Matabeleland South Regional Campus donated goods worth hundreds of dol- lars to Gwanda Old People’s Home re- cently. According to the Regional campus’ stu- dent Advisor Josephine Sakhala, the idea was the brainchild of the Student Repre- sentative Council (SRC) led by their presi- dent Fungai Mpofu. The goods donated to the home,which looks after nine elderly inmates and two volunteers, included flour, sugar, mealie meal, cooking oil, salt, washing and bathing soap, toiletries, cabbages and many more. Sakhala said the donation was part of their social responsibility as an institu- tion in an effort to increase visibility. The idea came from the SRC, who went on to put four boxes at four different district centres, Beitbridge, Insiza, Gwanda and Plumtree. 18

ZOU adds colour to carnival

The Zimbabwe Open University students that attended last year’s event of the carnival in the capital. Among them were Miss ZOU pageants. Students have been thriving to make the brand ZOU visible. imbabwe Open Univer- ners of the Miss ZOU Pageant ZOU, four other Universities ing in the positive direction.” sity (ZOU) through its which was held in Mutare dur- took part in the event namely Af- The Carnival equipped ZOU Harare/Chitungwiza Re- ing the Vice Chancellors’ games. rica University, Uni- with a deep understanding of di- gional Campus joined Present were the incoming Miss versity, Great Zimbabwe Univer- verse cultures of the world that Zthe nation and participated in last ZOU Charity Mahombera, second sity and . can be used to attract students year’s Carnival. The event was pio- princess Privilege Musvanhise and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority from those cultures as well as neered by Harare/Chitungwiza Re- Miss Personality Makaita Saita. (ZTA) spokesperson Sugar Chago- provision of customised services. gional Campus’ Campus Culture. Thousands of Zimbabweansnda said the fourth edition of the The idea behind the partici- were in the streets to appreci- carnival has surpassed expectations. This experience will go a long pation was to make the brand ate the cultures of several par- “The success of the eventway in helping ZOU to achieve ZOU visible by parading the win- ticipating nations. Apart from shows that we are mov- its world class University status. Harare/Chitungwiza Regional campus launches Scripture Union Chapter

The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus took the lead and launched their Scripture Union chapter at their Main Post Office Campus recently. The move, an initiative of the Student Representative Council (SRC), with the help of Student ad- visors and other staff members at the Regional Campus, was success- fully launched in October this year. Members will meet in the SRC of- fice every Wednesday and Friday at 13:15 to share the word with differ- ent preachers who will be called to deliver the gospel week in week out. However, SRC representa- tive Vitalis Makaza said the move was long overdue as Scrip- ture Union has over the years proved to be a unifier among people. Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Cam- pus IT specialist Edmore Mukubvu ministered while close to 60 people attended the launch. Numbers are Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus SRC members, students and staff members pictured set to increase as the event gains during the launch of the Scripture Union group at their Main Post office Campus recently popularity. 20

Harare/Chitungwiza Region steals show in Masvingo

Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus dance group doing what they know best on stage in Masvingo recently he Zimbabwe Open The theme of this year’s event the hosts GZU, gramme, but however stole the University (ZOU) Ha- was Celebrating Ubuntu/Hunhu. whose musical group also did well show from all other participating rare/Chitungwiza Re- The Harare/Chitungwiza Region- and Midlands State University. groups with their dance group. gional Campus stole al Campus through their Campus ZOU were scheduled to show- Their sterling performance Tthe show at the just ended Mad- Culture group represented ZOU at case their drama play for the earned them another invite to zimbabwe 10th Anniversary cel- the event which was also attended first time which they couldperform at the Miss Poly event ebration hosted by Great Zim- by other universities that included not do due to a pressing pro- that was held in the capital. babwe University in Masvingo. Another scintillating performance at Poly

Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Harare/ Chi- tungwiza Regional Campus dance group put up another sterller performance at the just held Miss Harare Polytechnic in the capital recently. After what onlookers said was a fantastic dis- play at the just ended Carnival in the capital, the dance and drama group was invited to perform at the 10th Anniversary of the Madzimbabwe at Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo. Their performance in Masvingo earned them another ticket to perform in the capital at the Miss Ha- rare Poly event which they did with distinction. Director Centre for Student Management Pro- fessor David Chakuchichi heaped praise on the current Student Representative Council (SRC) for making sure that students participate in a num- ber of activities to keep the ZOU brand visible. He promised that the university will leave no stone unturned in order to support diversity of talents within students so that they achieve their greatest potential and became ambassa- Harare/ Chitungwiza Regional Campus dance group performing at the Miss Harare Poly- dors of the University in all sporting activities. technic in Harare recently 22 23 VC’s Games medal presentation in pictures

The picture combo above shows some of the Zimbabwe Open University students from all the 10 regional campuses dotted around the country receiving medals and trophies during this year’s fifth edition of the Vice Chancellor’s games that were held in Mutare. Manicaland Province made use of home advantage to pip Harare and Bulawayo for the first overall prize while Bulawayo and Harare came second and third respec- tively. 24 Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus Counselling student Charity Mahombera won the this year’s edition of the Miss ZOU Pageant in Mutare during the VC’s tournament. Pro Vice Chancellor Gabriel Kabanda graced the occassion. Harare/Chitungwiza dominates Miss Zou Pegeant ractise makes perfect, This was the first time in the first princess. In Mutare, Mahomb- Saita being voted Miss Personality. goes an old saying and of the games that the era beat 13 other contestants. It was For their sterling perfor- true to the statement, event was hosted together with just a matter of exchanging posi- mances, all the four contest- Harare/Chitungwiza Re- the music and culture night. tions for the two. Mahombera took ants won cosmetic hampers and Pgional Campus which success- Harare/Chitungwiza Regional over the crown from Faith Mbuse cash amounting to $465, $300, fully hosted the Miss ZOU Harare Campus contestant Charity Ma- of Matabeleland North, who was $200 and $100 respectively. beauty pageant on 11 March this hombera was voted Miss ZOU unanimously voted Miss ZOU on Speaking during the presenta- year took the form to Manica- 2017, beating Vimbai Munyoro, the pilot event in Bulawayo last year, tion of prizes, Professor David land Province where they domi- who previously beat her to land Privilege Musvanhise of Midlands Chakuchichi urged other students nated the Zimbabwe Open Uni- the Harare/Chitungwiza Regional was voted second princess with from other Regional Campuses versity (ZOU) Vice Chancellor’s Campus beauty pageant crown another Harare Chitungwiza Re- to take up modelling which can Games beauty pageant recently. with Mahombera becoming the gional Campus contestant Makaita be used as a source of livelihood. Manicaland win fifth edition of the VC’s tournament For the first time, Manicaland Regional Campus made use of home advantage to scoop the overall first prize of the fifth edition of the Zimbabwe Open Univer- sity (ZOU) Vice Chancellor’s Games which they hosted in Mutare recently. The Regional Campus dominat- ed most of the sporting events which saw them amassing total of eight gold medals ahead of powerhouses Bula- wayo and Harare, who scooped sev- en and six gold medals respectively. However, all the three Regional Campus- es amassed a total of 17 medals all in all. Speaking on behalf of Acting Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor Profes- sor Gabriel Kabanda said other Regional Campuses which were yet to host the games must emulate Manicaland who were able to make use of home advan- tage to outshine Bulawayo and Harare that have been dominant since the incep- tion of the games in Masvingo in 2013. Apart from dominating in ath- letic events, ball games and indoor games, Manicaland Regional Cam- pus scooped the Music and Choral as Manicaland province students celebrating just after the games well as the Traditional Dance Awards. 25 ZOU to tap into studentsʼ exceptional talent he Zimbabwe Open Uni- versity (ZOU) through the Centre for Student Manage- ment is committed to sup- Tporting all the students who have displayed exceptional talent in other fields of life that is and arts. Speaking at a meeting where the Uni- versity was reviewing this year’s edition of the Vice Chancellor’s Tournament, Director Centre for Student Manage- ment, Professor David Chakuchichi said the University will go out of its way to try and support all the students with ex- ceptional talent in their respective fields. Professor Chakuchichi, who had come from contact leave at one of the state universities in the country, said there was need to pluck a leaf from other universities’ practices. He reiterated that Harare/Chitung- wiza Regional Campus soccer team should be given maximum support to venture into competitive football as they have shown that they are a force to reckon with, having won gold in soccer The Harare/Chitungwiza Regional Campus soccer team that has dominated the Vice Chancellor’s since the inception of the inter campus Tournament. The soccer team has won gold since the inception of the games in Masvingo. Most of their games. Other members of the meet- players have exhibited exceptional talent that the university has decided to tap into. ing welcomed the idea and added that players could be drawn from all other athletics talent displayed by fe- disciplines at a more competi- selection of the Victor Ludorum Regional Campuses to come up with a male athletes from Bulawayo, tive level to enhance employ- and Victrix Ludorum respective- formidable team. Plans are underway to male athletes from Mashonaland ment chances for ZOU students. ly, while netball and soccer were have the team registered with the coun- East and Harare. The University It was agreed in the same meet- the first disciplines to have awards try’s supreme football governing body, would like to see such talent nur- ing that the University needs to of the most outstanding play- Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa). tured and promoted at all cost. reward outstanding talent both ers and the player of the tourna- The meeting also noted with pro- There are plans to have Regional in men and women categories, ment. Other disciplines will have found interest and appreciation, pure Campus teams participate in all thus this year’s games will see the similar awards as time goes on. VC’s games leave indelible mark in Mutare The fifth edition of the Zimba- bwe Open University (ZOU) Vice Chancellor’s Games left an indelible mark in the border town of Mutare. All the game venues including Sakub- va Stadium were fully packed for the four days that the games were under way. Addressing Mutare residents who had thronged Mutare town centre where the Mayor Councillor Tatenda Nhemarare addressed participants and the general public, the Mayor urged Mutare residents to further their education by studying with ZOU. In his speech, ZOU Pro Vice Chan- cellor, Professor Gabriel Kabanda said the games where meant to cre- ate awareness about the ZOU brand, hence he was very sure that the 5th edition of the games was going to work in the favour of the institution in increasing the enrolment figures. Manicaland Regional Campus Re- gional Director, Mr Kenneth Saruchera echoed the same sentiments and said even the preparations to the games had helped his Regional Campus in terms of numbers this semester, therefore he was looking forward to an increased enrolment now that the games have Manicaland Regional campus students celebrate after becoming the overall winners at this years event come and gone. The games where the of the VC’s Games which they hosted best platform to market the brand ZOU. 26