ZOU Engages in Deep Self-Reflection on Second Day of Strategic Planning Workshop
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is embarking on a rigorous self-assessment and data gathering process this Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the second day of its week-long Strategic Planning Workshop being held at the Ancient City Lodge in Masvingo.
Following Monday’s official opening and keynote address, the focus is shifting inwards as university staff and facilitators from the Public Service Academy are redefining the institution’s core identity and its relationship with external stakeholders.
Dr. P. Mutanho addresses workshop participants on the second day
The day’s proceedings, facilitated by the Corporate Planning Manager, Dr. P. Mutanho, and experts from the Public Service Academy, begin with a collective re-examination of the university’s foundational pillars: In a session titled “WHO WE ARE,” participants are revisiting and reflecting upon the University’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values to ensure alignment with its current operational structure.
A significant part of the morning is being dedicated to understanding “Clients and Stakeholders Feedback and Expectations,” led by Dr. Mutanho. This session is underscoring the university’s commitment to being a responsive and student-centric institution, prioritizing the voices of those it serves.
The workshop then moves into a highly interactive phase with an Environmental Scan exercise. Attendees break into groups to conduct a detailed PESTLEG (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.
After the session, the groups then present their findings from the environmental scan, followed by a plenary session of robust debate on the challenges and opportunities facing the open and distance learning sector.
The afternoon continues with a deep dive into “Clients’ Needs/Problems Analysis,” where groups are working to identify and prioritize the key issues affecting students and stakeholders. The day will conclude with report-back sessions, synthesizing the collective intelligence gathered from the various working groups.
The outcomes from today’s sessions are forming the critical evidence base for the subsequent days, where the university will be drafting its new Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The workshop is continuing through Friday at the Ancient City Lodge, with anticipated deliverables including the final strategic plan, a 2026 Annual Plan, and performance contracts for senior leadership.
Day 2 in pictures
