Harare — Gwanda State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Doreen Zandile Moyo, has been honoured with a Zimbabwe Women Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the higher and tertiary education sector.

The Awards, held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and service have made a significant impact across various sectors of national development. The awards recognise trailblazers in education, governance, business, law, tourism, science and community development, highlighting the critical role women continue to play in advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.

For many within the academic community, the accolade comes as a reflection of the steady progress witnessed at Gwanda State University under Professor Moyo’s leadership. Since taking the helm of the institution in 2021, she has overseen a period marked by growth in academic programmes, infrastructure development, research visibility and innovation-driven initiatives.

An accomplished animal parasitologist and seasoned academic, Professor Moyo has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in higher education. Her academic journey has seen her rise through the ranks from research assistant and lecturer to senior university administrator, researcher and ultimately Vice-Chancellor. She previously served as Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research and Academic Affairs at Midlands State University before being appointed to lead Gwanda State University.

The recognition also carries special significance for women in leadership. At a time when more women are taking up leadership positions in higher education, Professor Moyo’s achievement serves as an inspiration to young women pursuing careers in academia, science and research.

Colleagues and stakeholders have described the award as a fitting acknowledgement of a leader whose work continues to create opportunities for students, staff and communities. Beyond the university campus, her contribution has helped position higher and tertiary education as an important driver of national development.

For Gwanda State University, the award is a moment of pride. It reflects not only Professor Moyo’s personal achievement but also the collective efforts of the University community in advancing education, innovation and research, while reaffirming its role as a catalyst for development in Zimbabwe and beyond.

As Zimbabwe continues to celebrate women making meaningful contributions in their respective fields, Professor Moyo’s recognition stands as a reminder of the transformative role that education leaders play in shaping institutions, empowering communities and preparing future generations for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Professor Doreen Zandile Moyo, the Vice-Chancellor of Gwanda State University, has been honoured at the Zimbabwe Women Excellence Awards in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education sector, further cementing her growing reputation as one of the country’s most influential academic leaders.

The Zimbabwe Women Excellence Awards, held under the patronage of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and service have made a significant impact across various sectors of national development. The awards recognise trailblazers in education, governance, business, law, tourism, science and community development, highlighting the critical role women continue to play in advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Professor Moyo’s recognition comes at a time when Gwanda State University continues to register notable milestones in academic development, innovation, infrastructure expansion and research-driven industrialisation. Since assuming office in March 2021, she has spearheaded the transformation of the institution into a rapidly growing centre of excellence, guided by Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy which emphasises teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.

An accomplished animal parasitologist and seasoned academic, Professor Moyo has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in higher education. Her academic journey has seen her rise through the ranks from research assistant and lecturer to senior university administrator, researcher and ultimately Vice-Chancellor. She previously served as Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research and Academic Affairs at Midlands State University before being appointed to lead Gwanda State University.

Under her stewardship, Gwanda State University has accelerated infrastructure development, strengthened research capacity and expanded opportunities for innovation among students and staff. The university has also increasingly positioned itself as a key contributor to national development through the production of skilled graduates and solutions-oriented research. Her leadership has earned both institutional and personal recognition, including previous accolades for exemplary academic leadership.

The award also carries symbolic significance for women in academia. Professor Moyo has broken barriers in a field historically dominated by men and remains one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent female university leaders. Her appointment as Vice-Chancellor was widely hailed as a milestone for gender representation in higher education leadership, inspiring young women and aspiring scholars across the country.

Speaking during the Zimbabwe Women Excellence Awards, national leaders applauded the contribution of women in shaping stronger institutions, driving innovation and fostering sustainable development. The awards celebrated women whose dedication and service continue to transform communities and strengthen Zimbabwe’s socio-economic landscape.

For Gwanda State University, Professor Moyo’s latest accolade is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the institution’s growing national footprint. It underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community impact, while reaffirming its role as a catalyst for development in Matabeleland South and beyond.

As the higher and tertiary education sector continues to evolve, Professor Moyo’s recognition at the Zimbabwe Women Excellence Awards stands as a testament to visionary leadership, scholarly excellence and an unwavering commitment to empowering future generations through education.