“Peace Begins with Me”: ZOU Graduates New Leaders in Anti-Corruption and Governance
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) celebrated the graduation of 32 participants from two crucial intermediate certificate programs: one in Peace, Leadership, and Governance and another in Anti-Corruption. The ceremony, held on Friday, 1 August 2025, in the ZOU Corner House 6th Floor Boardroom, marked the culmination of two weeks of intensive study aimed at tackling some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Graduates pose for a pose with the ZOU officials and guest of Honour, Professor Tavonga Njaya
The graduates, who included several high-profile government officials, successfully completed their courses through a blended learning approach that accommodated both in-person and virtual attendance. The programs were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster peace, promote good governance, and combat corruption.
The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Dr. Godfrey Tsvuura, expressed his pride in the graduates and their commitment to these vital fields. “We hope these beneficiaries will take advantage of these two short courses to develop peace among themselves, their families, their communities, and the societies they represent,” he said in his address. “Peace begins with me, with you, and society at large. Once there is peace, corruption is fought.”
Dean, Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Dr. Godfrey Tsvuura delivers his remarks
Dr. Tsvuura emphasized the ripple effect that good leadership and governance can have, leading to stable families and communities by ensuring decision-making processes are inclusive and accountable. He also encouraged the graduates to view this achievement as a stepping stone, highlighting the availability of a Master of Science in Peace and Governance program and the forthcoming Bachelor of Science Honours in Peace and Security, which is currently awaiting accreditation by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). “Education is an investment and not a waste,” he implored them.
In his keynote address to the graduands, delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor by the Acting Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Development, Professor Tavonga Njaya, commended the graduates for making the “wise decision” to attend the courses and recognized their potential to become agents of positive change.
The guest of honour Professor Tavonga Njaya delivers his keynote address to the graduates
“I urge our esteemed graduands to put into practice what they’ve learned and become ambassadors for anti-corruption and peace in their communities,” Professor Njaya stated. He also applauded the Department of Peace, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution for developing these “important courses” and thanked the faculty and staff for their hard work.
The ceremony celebrated 17 graduates from the Peace, Leadership, and Governance course and 15 from the Anti-Corruption course. Professor Njaya concluded his remarks with a powerful message of encouragement, beseeching the new graduates to “go forth and make a positive impact in their communities.” The event closed with a testimony from the representatives of the students, with both genders represented.
Certification Ceremony in Pictures
