324 GRADUATES IN VOCATIONAL SKILLS FROM PONESAI VANHU TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Ponesai Vanhu Technical College, Shamva District, Zimbabwe – The 3rd Graduation Ceremony of Ponesai Vanhu Technical College took place on Thursday, 13 November 2025, with the theme “Leaving No One and No Place Behind through Skills Development and Youth Empowerment”.
The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mt Darwin South, Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, delivered the keynote address, congratulating the 324 graduates (140 male and 184 female) on their achievement.
Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, as well as the Member of Parliament for Mt Darwin South, delivered the keynote address, congratulating the 324 graduates, comprising 140 males and 184 females, on their accomplishment.
“In today’s world, vocational education stands at the centre stage of our national development strategy,” said Honourable Mupamhanga. “Ponesai Vanhu Technical College is a shining example of our national motto, ‘Leaving No One and No Place Behind’.”
The Minister commended the college for its commitment to empowering young people and contributing to national development. He urged the graduates to use their skills to uplift their families and communities, and to become leaders in their chosen fields.
Graduation Highlights:
- 53 youth (42 male and 11 female) graduated in 2 long courses accredited by HEXCO.
- 271 youth (98 male and 173 female) graduated in 9 short courses accredited by Bindura University of Science Education.
- 240 students graduated in agri-entrepreneurship courses accredited by Bindura University of Science Education.
DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director, Luckson Soda, highlighted how the college has gone beyond Zimbabwe’s borders through its integration into the Africa Skills Revolution, where some TVET students have participated in the AUDA-NEPAD HUMANA initiative to revolutionise vocational education and training.
“Students from this college participated in the Skills. Revolution competition in 2025, where they demonstrated innovation in vocational training in Africa. Although they did not win awards, I am proud to say that 3 youth from Angola, Namibia, and Malawi, from DAPP-owned vocational training centres, made it into the top 10. It is my appeal to you, Honourable Minister that you encourage more youth from Vocational training Centres in Zimbabwe to partake in the Africa Skills Revolution, so that through innovation, together the government and all players here, we give the world what it really needs and what works in our specific context.
This is not just a success for those individuals, but a collective achievement for our entire Humana People to People network. It is a testament to the innovation and potential that exist within Africa’s youth, and it highlights the growing strength of vocational training across our continent.
As we look toward the future, let this graduation serve as a reminder that the responsibility to shape Africa’s development lies in our hands. I urge all graduates here today to take the skills you have acquired and boldly step into the opportunities offered through the Africa Skills Revolution. Participate, innovate, collaborate and let your work reflect the excellence and resilience of Zimbabwean youth.” Said Mr Soda
“I am grateful to DAPP Zimbabwe and the government for providing us with the opportunity to acquire on-the-job demand skills that will allow me to compete in my area of specialty, become an entrepreneur and also improve my life,” said Robert Mataramvura, a 30-year-old graduate of Confectionery and Bakery Studies.
Another graduate, 22-year-old Mercy Muchecheko, who specialised in Motor Vehicle Maintenance, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “As a single mother of one, I am excited to return to my community and share the knowledge and skills I have gained. I am confident that I will earn a living for myself and my child”
Two best students, one male and one female from the Motor Mechanics department, received start-up kits awards from InstaToll Zimbabwe. Additionally, two outstanding ladies from Confectionary and Bakery Studies, one of whom is living with a disability also got start-up kits awards from the HigherLife Foundation. These start-up kits are a great milestone for these youths as they begin their journey.
According to UNESCO, TVET in Africa faces challenges like high youth unemployment (over 20%), a mismatch between skills and labor market needs, and inadequate funding and infrastructure.