Chancellor of State Universities President Mnangagwa
By Dickson Bandera
A fundraising dinner was held Friday evening at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare in support of the upcoming 12th edition of the Chancellor of Zimbabwe State Universities Staff Games, set to take place at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) from July 6 to 13, 2025.
The dinner brought together key stakeholders from government, state universities, and corporate partners to mobilize resources and support for the annual sporting event, which has become a cornerstone of wellness and unity within the higher education sector.
In a historic first, this year’s edition will also include private universities, marking a significant expansion in participation and scope.
The Chancellor’s Games aim to promote physical and mental wellness among university staff, foster meaningful networking opportunities, and strengthen team spirit across institutions.
The event serves as a platform for camaraderie, healthy competition, and inter-institutional collaboration, all of which contribute to a more vibrant and productive academic community.
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In his address, Minister Frederick Shava’s representative, Professor Norman Takaidza — Chief Director of Skills Development in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, and a full professor in Curriculum, Educational Management, and Leadership Studies — thanked the President, sponsors, and partners for their continued commitment to the success of the games over the years.
“We are immensely honoured to have His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, to serve as the Patron of these Games. His support underscores the national importance of — and the government’s commitment to — the development and well-being of our higher education sector.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our partners, both in the private and public sectors. Over the years, your unwavering support — both financially and in material terms — has been instrumental in the successful organization of these Games,” he said.
The Chancellor of State Universities Staff Games bring together staff from across Zimbabwe’s public universities to compete in various sporting disciplines, including football, volleyball, basketball, netball, tennis, pool, chess, darts, and athletics. CUT, the host institution, offers modern sporting facilities and is well-prepared to accommodate this year’s events.
Zimbabwe’s university system has grown significantly since the early 1990s, with public institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Midlands State University (MSU), and Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) playing prominent roles. These institutions have not only expanded access to higher education but also emphasized staff development and wellness.
The 2025 edition of the Chancellor’s Games is expected to be a key moment of engagement and celebration within the tertiary education sector. It also reflects the vision and legacy of the Chancellor of State Universities, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, under whose patronage the games are held.
Strong participation is anticipated from universities across the country, with preparations now in full swing ahead of the July kickoff.
At the 11th edition last year, the hosts, Midlands State University came out as the overall best sporting institution.
