ZOU CHARTS NEW COURSE FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
GWERU, 29 March 2026 – In a strategic move to bolster student governance and institutional excellence, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) recently convened its 2026 Student Representative Council (SRC) Induction Workshop at Mkoba Teachers College. Bringing together 55 newly selected SRC members and their Student Advisors from Masvingo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, and the host Midlands campus, the workshop focused on leadership transformation.
The three-day intensive workshop, held from March 27 to March 29, aimed to mold the newly elected student body into a professional leadership powerhouse. This initiative directly aligns with the university’s mission to remain the “university of choice in Open and Distance Flexible Learning.”
The workshop commenced with a clear mandate: to bridge the gap between student activism and administrative excellence. The Dean of Students, Ms. T. Chivasa, and Student Affairs Manager, Mr. E. Mberi, set the tone by highlighting both the rewards and profound responsibilities of the leadership journey.
“Lead boldly, inspire greatly; your journey starts here,” Ms. T. Chivasa declared, echoing the university’s commitment to its core values of Integrity, Accountability, and Inclusivity.
A Curriculum of Excellence
The induction served as a rigorous training ground rather than a mere series of lectures. Key highlights of the program included:
- Professional Polish: Dr. Duri led sessions on the “Fundamentals of Leadership,” emphasizing etiquette, personal branding, and the art of public speaking.
- Operational Literacy: Senior administrators, including Acting Deputy Registrar Mr. T. Chirunga and Acting Deputy Bursar Ms. C. Mundopa, briefed the council on university structures and the complexities of managing SRC funds.
- Innovation & Tech: Addressing the digital-first era, Senior Software Engineer Mr. W. Mufunga spoke on “Digital Leadership” and the MyVista platform, ensuring leaders can navigate the technological landscape of Education 5.0.
- Student Support Services: Mr. E. Hwande (Call Centre Liaison) and Mrs. C. Tigere (Senior Administrator) provided insights into effective communication platforms and grievance handling.
- Academic Synergy: Regional Director Prof. R. Mangizvo and Acting Manager of Academic Registry Mr. T. Mangwere discussed the role of student leaders in maintaining academic quality and registry procedures.
- Institutional Growth: Manager of Business Development Mr. B. Mutyoraringa and Assistant Librarian Mr. N. Kandira explored how student leaders can enhance Library services and drive innovation.
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Recognizing that conflict resolution is paramount, the workshop dedicated significant time to mediation and emotional intelligence. Led by Midlands Student Advisor Mrs. P. Manhlatini, these sessions utilized case studies and role-play to prepare leaders for the real-world pressures of representing a diverse student body.
Passing the Torch
The summit culminated in a symbolic “passing of the torch” on Saturday afternoon. The outgoing Regional SRC President delivered a poignant testimonial, followed by an acceptance address from the incoming President, marking the official start of a new era for ZOU student governance.As delegates prepared for departure on Sunday following a final team-building exercise, expectations remained high. The university looks to this new cohort to uphold its vision of “Empowering the world through high-quality Open and Distance Flexible Learning.”
HANDOVER AND TESTIMONIAL SPEECH
By Portia Gwenhe, Year 4.2, Records & Archives Management (Outgoing SRC Regional President, Midlands)
“Today marks both an ending and a beginning moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope. Standing before you as the outgoing SRC Regional President for Midalands, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served.This has been a journey of growth, resilience, and responsibility. Leadership has taught me that it is not merely about holding a position, but about representing others with integrity. During our tenure, we made meaningful strides. In partnership with SAYWHAT, we successfully trained peer educators, equipping students with vital life skills. We also celebrated the crowning of Miss ZOU, a reminder that leadership involves fostering talent beyond the boardroom.
While our journey was not without hurdles, the challenges posed by the centralization of funding, these obstacles only strengthened our ability to adapt. On a personal note, balancing this role as a mother, wife, employee, and student was demanding, but I am proud of how this experience has shaped me.To the incoming team: Embrace this opportunity. Be visible, active, and professional. As ambassadors of ZOU, your presentation matters as much as your words. Balance your duties with your academics, as deadlines wait for no one! Work as a team; progress is only possible where collaboration outweighs disagreement.”
Thank you!!
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
By Lisa Queen Moyo (Incoming Regional SRC President, Matabeleland North)
“My name is Lisa Queen, and I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me to serve as the Incoming Regional SRC President for Matabeleland North.Standing here, I am reminded of the young King Solomon, who sought wisdom when tasked with leadership. Though I am new to this role, I believe that with the guidance of God, the support of the university administration, and the collaboration of my SRC team, the wisdom required to lead will be abundant.The real responsibility begins now: representing my province and the entire student body to our greatest potential. I commit myself to serving with integrity, accountability, and dedication. My promise to you is to promote unity, strengthen our communication, and ensure that every student feels heard and supported. Together, let us build a stronger, more inclusive student community.”
Thank you!!