“Empowering the Student Voice: A New Era of Service Begins for the 2026 National SRC”
In a historic ceremony that fused tradition with a forward-looking digital vision, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) officially inaugurated its 2026 National Student Representative Council (NSRC) on April 9, 2026. Held at the University’s 2nd Floor Boardroom, the event marked a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to “Empowerment Through Open Learning”.
Professor Ermson Z. Nyakatawa Addresses the incoming SRC during the swearing-in programme
The Vice Chancellor’s remarks, delivered by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Professor Ermson Nyakatawa during the inaugural swearing-in, underscored the unique nature of leadership at ZOU. Addressing the newly elected members, the Professor Nyakatawa emphasized that leading at an open and distance e-learning (ODEL) institution requires a “digital mindset” and “innovative thinking,” as the student body comprises working professionals and parents across remote areas.
Key expectations for the 2026 SRC include:
- Servant Leadership: Prioritizing humility and commitment to the student voice.
- Bridge Building: Strengthening the partnership between the administration and the diverse student body.
- Institutional Alignment: Acting as an integral part of university management to nurture excellence.
The ceremony was marked with a poignant reflection on the 2025-2026 tenure. Outgoing SRC President, Ms. Joyline Madombwe, delivered an emotional farewell, attributing the council’s successes to a collective mission centered on the mantra ‘Zvido zvevadzidzi’, the will and welfare of the students first.
“We haven’t just held titles; we have carried a mission,” Madombwe stated. “I may have been the voice in this boardroom, but my cabinet’s commitment was the heartbeat of our success.”
Madombwe lauded the University Executive for fostering a professional environment where student leaders are treated as partners in governance, helping ZOU move toward its goal of becoming a world-class institution.
Upon taking the oath of office, administered by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Nyakatawa, and the Acting Manager, Legal, Partnerships & International Affairs Dr. Tapiwa Kasuso, incoming President Mr. Alpha Zigara accepted the mantle of leadership with a call to action.
Professor Nyakatawa pose for a kodak moment with the incoming National SRC President Mr. Alpha Zigara after signing his pledge to lead the 2026 NSRC
Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela, Zigara committed his presidency to transparency and inclusivity. “Today is not just about leadership; it is about service,” Zigara remarked. “Our mission is to ensure that no voice is left unheard and no student is left behind“. He pledged to advocate tirelessly for student welfare and to improve academic and social conditions across all campuses.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the new SRC Secretary General, Mr. Lazarus Madimutsa. He expressed gratitude to the electoral body for a transparent process and reaffirmed the council’s dedication to ZOU’s mission of providing quality, accessible education.
As the ceremony ended, the atmosphere was one of shared purpose. With a new cabinet in place and a clear mandate from both the administration and the student body, the 2026 NSRC begins its journey to transform the ZOU community through dedicated representation and collaborative governance.
In attendance, was the Dean of Students, Ms T, Chivasa, ZOU Senior Managers, Deans, Directors, Managers and the Student Affairs staff.
SRC Swearing in Ceremony Gallery
