ZOU holds 2023 AGM
Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) held its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 11th of December 2024 at the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD) Boardroom in Harare. The AGM was blended (online and face to face) and presentations were made on the University’s achievements and contributions towards the ministry’s strategic plan and national development agenda.
Delegates follow proceedings at the ZOU 2023 AGM at the Ministry’s Baordroom in Harare
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, The Acting Chairperson of Council Mr. Albert J. Nduna highlighted that ZOU has continued to uplift livelihoods of communities across all the ten provinces of the country in line with the National Vision 2030. In addition, the University successfully hosted the 57th Distance Education Association of Southern Africa (DEASA) Conference in Harare which attracted 93 delegates from seven Southern African Countries. Mr Nduna also intimated that ZOU continues to comply with the provisions of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (CAP 10:31 ZOU Act Chapter 25:20) and the ZOU Code of Ethical Conduct in fulfilling its mandate. He further thanked the line Ministry and other Ministries for their support and guidance towards the ZOU cause under the visionary, transformative and servant leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. He assured stakeholders that the Zimbabwe Open University will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and developmental landscape of our beloved nation.
Left: ZOU Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor Paul Henry Gundani and the Acting Chairperson of Council Mr. Albert J. Nduna following proceedings during the ZOU 2023 AGM
Speaking to stakeholders at the same meeting, ZOU Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor Paul Henry Gundani noted the University’s perseverance in the challenging environment that was characterized by the the high cost of bandwidth, prohibitive cost of technological gadgets and lack of robust technological infrastructure, and requisite gadgets for development of online instructional materials, lack of capacity to attract adequate technical staff and expertise for the introduction of new heritage-based programmes, high staff turnover, lack of adequate vehicles and necessary equipment for outreach programmes, research, and social innovation activities among a host of challenges which has seen the institution produce milestones, goods and services relevant to the knowledge economy and the country at large.
“Oprah Winfrey, an African American television personality, actress and entrepreneur stated, “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” We found a new way to stand and recorded several achievements, for which I am eternally grateful to the men and women who put their shoulders to the wheel”, he said.
Professor Gundani further highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken by the university such as the three flagship innovations based on the Internet of Things (IoT), which include an egg incubator, greenhouse, and fishpond, Kadoma Agro-Techno Project, student entrepreneurial projects, funded partnership which enables students exchange programmes, regional and international collaborations with universities such as UNZA, Chalimbana, Belarus, Russia and Spain to promote scientific research, technical and cultural exchange, and academic cooperation. All these will go a long way in creating an enabling environment for students.
“The University continues to invest in infrastructure to enable the continued deliverance of Education 5.0 and National Development Strategy (NDS 1) such as the Phase One of the Administration, Teaching and Learning Block whose foundation stone was laid by His Excellency and Chancellor, on 7 December 2023, which was completed in April 2023. Its completion created a welcome opportunity for us to relocate approximately two thirds of the Harare/ Chitungwiza Regional Campus staff from the Harare Main Post Office to the new offices and to save on rental costs per month. Professor Gundani appreciated the continued support in the form of PSIP funding through, His Excellency and Chancellor and the Honourable Line Minister and moreso, in anticipation of future PSIP funding to enable us to complete the construction of the Multi-Purpose Hall at the ZOU Hatcliffe Campus. To show his gratitude he quoted a Germany Philosopher, Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said, “Gratitude changes pangs of memory into a tranquil joy.”
The completion of the 10 000-seater Multi-Purpose-Hall will not only be a major source of business attraction to the Hatcliffe Suburb but will be an architectural innovation in the Higher and Tertiary landscape. Indeed, it will be a unique edifice where many a generation of students will find edification. During his inaugural address on the 26th of August 2018, His Excellency and Chancellor made a covenant with the Zimbabwean nation when he made the following public declaration: “Let me assure you that tomorrow is brighter than yesterday. Let us now focus on the journey ahead, a journey of prosperity in the new Zimbabwe.” As ZOU Management, we substitute and share the positive outlook and commit to doing all in our power to build the university he entrusted to us. We take his development mantra, “brick by brick and stone upon stone” very seriously.
Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira stress a point during the ZOU 2023 AGM
Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira expressed the Ministry’s appreciation of the University’s initiatives particularly the introduction of new degree programmes that are in line with Education 5.0, the ZOU Council’s oversight role, which was diligently executed despite the loss of ZOU chairperson during the period under review. He further said that the Ministry will assist the University complete the construction of Multi Campus Hall. He implored the University Management to continue developing human capital development through social innovation, working with the Agnel of Hope Foundation, to invest in emerging technologies, and find innovative ways to generate third stream income and leveraging the Kadoma and Senga Farms.
In attendance were, ZOU Council members, ZIMCHE CEO, Professor Dzvimbo, ZOU Senior Management, Ministry Officials, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and AGM Auditors among other stakeholders.
ZOU 2023 AGM in pictures
