Tatenda Mqetu
The Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) officially launched the Masvingo Diocese campus on 19 July 2019 opening the first phase of the Bachelor of Education degree programs at Bondolfi Teachers College starting August 2019.
Bachelor of Education degree programs in Primary Education and Early Childhood Development are the pioneer degrees to be offered at Masvingo Campus with more degree programs to be established in the long run.
CUZ has four faculties which are Commerce, Humanities and Social Sciences, Theology and Education and other Short Courses studied on Block Release, Parallel and Conventional.
The Catholic University’s ten-year plan (2013 – 2023) encompass establishing of campuses in the eight dioceses of the church in Zimbabwe, introduction of new study programs and diverse study modes.
Harare is the main campus whilst others are in Bulawayo, Mutare, Chinhoyi, and Gokwe whilst Gweru and Hwange will be opened in the coming years.
The Bishop of Masvingo Diocese, Michael Bhasera who was the guest of honor at the launch of CUZ in Masvingo noted that the event was historic and he is optimistic that the institution and diocese will grow together spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
“This is a historic event for us as Masvingo Diocese. We have been planning for the opening of the Catholic University of Zimbabwe Masvingo Campus for the last five years and we are indeed grateful that the Lord has brought us this far,” said Bishop Bhasera.
CUZ Vice Chancellor Professor Ranga Zinyemba also revealed the strides being done by the institution in developing it into a world class organization as they are currently expanding the Harare Campus.
“We have a number of infrastructural projects in progress at our Harare campus including the Chapel, events arena and we plan to build student hostels in conjunction with the Infrastructure Development Bank,” said Vice Chancellor of CUZ Professor Ranga Zinyemba.
The opening of campuses in different dioceses is in line with the Catholic University’s goal of bringing education close to the people and making it affordable to the poor most of whom could not access higher education due to distance, time and poverty.