By Nigel Pfunde
As the 2026 academic year gets underway, veteran educationist Dr. Cleopas Kundiona has issued a clarion call to teachers across the nation, urging unwavering resilience and dedication as schools reopen for the critical examination period for Grade 7, Ordinary, and Advanced Level pupils.
Addressing educators, Dr. Kundiona emphasized that this cohort of students represents the next drivers of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
He said that the education sector is a cornerstone of this national vision .
“The upcoming examinations are not just a test of academic knowledge but a rite of passage for the future architects of our nation.
“We must equip these young minds with the fortitude and skills necessary to build the Zimbabwe we all envision by 2030.”
The educationist, who is the founder and president of the UMAA Group of Institutions, took a moment to extol the significant strides made in the education sector under the leadership of President Mnangagwa .
He noted that the Second Republic’s policies have fundamentally transformed the learning landscape.
“We have witnessed a remarkable boom in our education sector under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
” We are seeing an unprecedented expansion of school infrastructure, modernising learning environments and ensuring no child is left behind, from rural areas to urban centres” .
“In line with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, the government is placing a greater emphasis on digital and industrial skills,” he continued.
“This is preparing our learners for life beyond examinations, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to drive our economy” .
Dr. Kundiona also praised the government’s commitment to equitable access, noting the expansion of programmes like the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) to support vulnerable pupils .
“The provision of teaching and learning materials, alongside the construction of new schools in marginalised communities, is a testament to the administration’s ‘no one and no place left behind’ mantra” .
“Furthermore, the introduction of the competency-based curriculum is a game-changer,” he asserted. “It is ensuring our children acquire scientific, innovative, vocational, and technical skills that empower them to become job creators rather than job seekers” .
“The focus on equal access to ICT and internet connectivity in schools is levelling the playing field for all children,” Kundiona added, “guaranteeing they are globally competitive” .
Dr. Kundiona also reserved special praise for the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, lauding her as a beacon of hope and progress in promoting holistic education .
He cited her various initiatives, including the National Careers Expo and cultural heritage programmes, which are instrumental in developing well-rounded learners.
“The First Lady’s relentless work in promoting our cultural heritage and guiding our youth is invaluable,” Dr. Kundiona said.
“Her efforts to ensure our children know who they are through programmes like Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba, while also exposing them to diverse career paths, are shaping the character and vision of our future leaders.”
As the nation prepares for the intense exam period, Dr. Kundiona’s message is clear: the future is bright and through collective resilience and a commitment to the government’s educational vision, Zimbabwe is firmly on the path to success .
