Midlands State University graduates who beat 122 universities earn President’s applause

Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]

WHEN Midlands State University (MSU) law graduates Prince Tinokunda Mafigu and Ruth Fadzai Jokonya walked across the graduation stage on Thursday, they were not just celebrating the end of their studies. They were being honoured for an achievement that had already placed Zimbabwe on the global map.

Only months earlier, the two young lawyers had helped MSU win the prestigious 18th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, defeating teams from 122 leading universities from across the world.

On Thursday, their success received special recognition when President Mnangagwa, who is also the university’s Chancellor, personally congratulated them during MSU’s 27th graduation ceremony.

The recognition provided a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary chapter in the lives of the two graduates and their coach, Claudius Makwara.

Their achievement was highlighted by MSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, who paused his address to acknowledge the trio before inviting them to the graduation dais.

As their names were announced, Mafigu, Jokonya and Makwara walked before thousands of graduates, family members and guests, where President Mnangagwa stood to congratulate them on their international success.

For Mafigu, the moment was one he will never forget.

“It was surreal. Walking onto that stage, the weight of our entire journey crystallised in a single

moment. To shake hands with the Head of State and receive his commendation bridged the intense global advocacy in Geneva with the great, grounding pride of home. It reaffirmed that excellence knows no borders and that our triumph was only the beginning of our duty to serve and defend justice,” he said.

The recognition carried particular significance given the journey that had brought them there.

Just a few months ago, the pair were representing Zimbabwe at one of the world’s most prestigious student law competitions, showcasing their legal knowledge and advocacy skills against some of the finest young legal minds from around the globe.

Mafigu said winning the competition was the result of months of sacrifice, determination and hard work.

“Standing on the global stage at the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, our team carried more than just rigorous legal arguments. We carried the hopes, intellect and resilience of our university and our nation. Bringing that world title home to Zimbabwe was a victory forged in countless sleepless nights and an unyielding belief that our voices belonged among the finest in international law,” he said.

He said being recognised by the President added another dimension to the achievement.

“Standing beside the Chancellor today reaffirmed that excellence knows no borders, and that our triumph in Geneva was only the beginning of our duty to serve, defend justice and contribute meaningfully to the future of our nation,” he said.

For Mafigu, law has always been about more than academic success.

He believes the profession provides an opportunity to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful contribution to society.

“For me, studying law was never just about mastering rules; it was about equipping myself with the intellectual tools to solve complex global challenges, advocate with precision, and drive meaningful, sustainable progress,” he said.

Jokonya described the Geneva victory as one of the proudest moments of her life and a fitting reward for the effort invested by the team.

“Winning the competition was both exciting and deeply fulfilling, as it marked the culmination of countless sleepless nights and endless hours of reading and preparation. To see all that hard work pay off on such a prestigious international stage was truly remarkable,” she said.

She said representing Zimbabwe and emerging victorious against universities from around the world filled her with pride.

“It was a profound honour to receive recognition from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the Honourable Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava.

Their acknowledgement made this accomplishment even more meaningful, as it highlighted the pride this achievement brings to Midlands State University and to Zimbabwe as a whole,” she said.

Jokonya was quick to point out that the success was not theirs alone. She credited their coach, university leadership and the many people who worked behind the scenes to ensure the team could participate in Geneva.

“Your belief in us and your unwavering support made this dream possible, and for that we are eternally grateful,” she said.

She also paid tribute to her family, mentors and friends for providing constant encouragement throughout her academic journey.

“My inspiration comes from the people around me. I draw strength and motivation from my family, mentors and friends who constantly encourage me to push beyond my limits,” she said.

The recognition of the Moot Court champions came as MSU continues to strengthen its legal education programmes in response to emerging global challenges.

Prof Muzvidziwa announced that the Faculty of Law has introduced new modules in Space Law and Cyber Law, while Environmental Law has now been made a compulsory component of the LLB degree programme.

He said the changes are aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 and are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.