In a heartfelt address, Professor Paul Mavima, the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, praised Dr. Washington Mbizvo, an eminent academic and former senior government official, for his monumental contribution to Zimbabwe’s education sector. Delivering remarks during the launch of Dr. Mbizvo’s book titled “Building a TVET System for a Changing Zimbabwe: Skills Development, Reflections and Perspectives 1980-2030,” Minister Mavima described the work as a profound gift to the nation.
“Dr. Washington Mbizvo, a name synonymous with educational reform and innovation in our nation, is not just an academic of great repute but also a former long-serving senior government official who has shaped policy at the highest levels,” Minister Mavima stated. “His illustrious career, which includes founding institutions like the Harare Institute of Technology and Chinhoyi University of Technology, and serving as Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education for over 15 years, makes him, without a doubt, the most qualified person to have penned this monumental book.”
The minister emphasized the importance of the publication as more than just a book. “This is not merely a publication; it is a historical record, a strategic blueprint, and a scholarly resource all in one,” he explained. “It provides us with an exhaustive and much-needed historical perspective on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Zimbabwe, tracing its evolution from its nascent stages in the early 20th century to the present day. This historical lens is crucial, as it allows us to understand the foundations upon which our current system is built, to learn from past successes, and to avoid repeating previous missteps.”
Looking towards the future, Minister Mavima urged Zimbabweans to embrace the strategic insights offered within the book. “More than that, the book offers a critical and forward-looking analysis of the future of TVET. It dares to look ahead, to the year 2030 and beyond, challenging us to think strategically about how our skills development ecosystem must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. For this reason, the book is an essential resource. It must find its place on the desks of policymakers, in the libraries of academic institutions, in the hands of TVET practitioners, and in the homes of every citizen who is committed to a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
Minister Mavima reiterated the government’s vision as articulated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status by 2030. “At the heart of this vision lies a powerful understanding: that our greatest resource is not our minerals, our land, or our infrastructure, but our human capital,” he affirmed.
“We have embarked on a profound and deliberate skills revolution,” the minister said. “Social and economic transformation cannot be an accident; it is the direct result of a skilled and competent workforce. TVET takes its rightful place as a central pillar of our national development agenda. It is the engine that will power this skills revolution, ensuring that our human capital is leveraged to its fullest potential.”
Reflecting on global lessons, Minister Mavima pointed to successful TVET models from Asia. “Chapter 11 of Dr. Mbizvo’s book provides an insightful analysis of key global success stories in TVET. The examples of South Korea, Japan, China, and India are not just case studies; they are blueprints for what is possible when a nation prioritizes skills development.”
Sharing his recent experience at the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave, the minister acknowledged similarities and lessons between Zimbabwe and India. “I was recently in India, attending the conclave alongside our Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga. The engagement with my counterparts in the Indian Ministry of Skills was remarkable. Our challenges, such as a large informal workforce and high youth unemployment, mirror theirs. India’s coordinated, policy-driven approach, with frameworks like the National Skill Development Corporation and Sector Skill Councils, offers profound lessons for us.”
Minister Mavima concluded with a strong commitment towards transforming Zimbabwe’s TVET sector. “The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of His Excellency, the President, is fully committed to addressing the challenges that have historically plagued our TVET sector. Guided by the National TVET Policy, we are making decisive steps to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, ensure supportive policies and legislation, and prioritize Public-Private Partnerships to modernize infrastructure and continuously update curricula.”