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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa was yesterday conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Law by the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) at a colourful graduation ceremony attended by senior Government officials, academics, students, parents and the university community.

In citation, UZ senior lecturer Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki said President Mnangagwa was a visionary leader who had demonstrated leadership.

“Most significantly in our history, he successfully defended General Josiah Magama Tongogara who had been falsely accused of the assassination of chairman Herbert Chitepo, which in fact was the work of the Rhodesian agents,” he said.
“That was Emmerson Mnangagwa, the lawyer.”

Prof Mpepereki chronicled the several portfolios that President Mnangagwa held after Independence, including being the Speaker of Parliament.

“He stands out as a visionary leader whose mantra ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ has galvanised both local and international people to invest in Zimbabwe, significantly boosting prospects of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery,” he said.

“Permanently seized with an enduring passion to make Zimbabwe great again, he has articulated Vision 2030 to raise standards of living to upper middle-income levels for all Zimbabweans.

“Cde Mnangagwa, proponent of justice and rule of law, the cornerstone of his being nominated for the Doctor of Law Degree.”

Prof Mpepereki outlined events that led to President Mnangagwa being elected President of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe in July this year.

“He has consistently delivered on his promise on open political society where freedoms are respected and where elections are free, fair and transparent and held under international observations,” he said.

“He has also unequivocally demonstrated strong leadership and ability to rally all Zimbabweans in his sincere call for peace, tolerance and harmony that has resulted in the unprecedented emergency of numerous political parties and individuals campaigning freely across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe.

“Now, therefore, it is my singular honour and privilege to present to this congregation the candidate for the conferment of an Honorary Degree of Law, Honoris Causa, he is none other than Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”

In his congratulatory message, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said he wanted to congratulate President Mnangagwa for guiding the higher and tertiary institution system to deliver an education that produced goods and services.

“An education system with an implementation system that is heritage-based, an education system that drives industry, that causes industry, not vice versa,” he said.

“You have held us to create a big dream for a Zimbabwe of our dreams, that Zimbabwe that is free of hate, violence, poverty that will be free from preventable disease. A Zimbabwe where democracy prevails, all this because of education.
“Allow me to heartily congratulate you on the conferment of the Doctor of Laws degree to you, it is well-deserved.”