LANDMARK APPOINTMENTS FOR WOMEN AT GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY

March and April 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), as the institution made historic strides toward gender equity and transformative leadership. In a bold and progressive move, GZU announced two landmark appointments: Professor Marian Tukuta as the university’s first woman Pro Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Annatoria Chinyama as the first woman to lead the Works and Estates Department. These trailblazing leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, visionary thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Professor Marian Tukuta: GZU’s First Woman Pro Vice Chancellor

In a groundbreaking appointment effective April 1, 2025, Professor Marian Tukuta has become GZU’s first-ever woman Pro Vice Chancellor for Industrialisation, Business Development, and Strategic Partnerships. Her selection not only breaks a long-standing glass ceiling but also signals the university’s dedication to inclusive, future-forward leadership. Professor Tukuta is an acclaimed scholar and higher education administrator with deep roots in academia and industry. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Supply Chain Management (University of Fort Hare), MPhil in Logistics (University of Johannesburg), MBA (Zimbabwe Open University), and a Bachelor of Business Studies Honours (University of Zimbabwe).

She has authored over 65 peer-reviewed articles, books, and presented at global conferences, cementing her status as a thought leader in supply chain and logistics. Her tenure as Executive Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences at Chinhoyi University of Technology was marked by innovation and impact. She spearheaded student-led initiatives that secured seven patents, seven industrial designs, and five copyrights — showcasing her ability to connect academia with real-world solutions. Welcoming her to GZU, Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said, “Professor Tukuta brings the expertise, energy, and vision that will help us transform our research and innovation into practical, commercial solutions for Zimbabwe and beyond.” Looking ahead, Professor Tukuta is set to drive GZU’s industrialisation agenda, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure graduates are equipped as problem solvers and creators. Reflecting on her new role, she shared: “I am honoured to take on this challenge, and especially proud to do so as the first woman in this role. Our partnerships with industry must be intentional, sustainable, and impactful.” Outside academia, Professor Tukuta is a proud mother to Levina, a practicing lawyer.

Dr Annatoria Chinyama: GZU’s First Woman Director of Works and Estates

Adding another historic milestone, Dr Annatoria Chinyama has been appointed Acting Director of the Works and Estates Department, becoming the first woman to lead this crucial operational arm of the university. Her appointment represents not only recognition of her engineering expertise but also GZU’s commitment to gender-inclusive leadership. A registered Civil and Water Engineer, Dr Chinyama is affiliated with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. She holds a Doctor of Technology in Civil Engineering (Tshwane University of Technology), MSc in Integrated Water Resources Management, BSc Honours in Civil Engineering (University of Zimbabwe), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (NUST).

Dr Chinyama’s diverse experience spans academia and practice. Prior to this role, she lectured at GZU and held leadership positions at Gwanda State University and NUST. She recently served as the Chairperson of the Technical Committee on Bulawayo City, Water and Sanitation Services Improvement. She is also Co- founder and Director of Carpe Diem School of Engineering in Bulawayo — a training hub for aspiring engineering technicians. Her impact extends beyond the classroom. She is an active mentor through Women in Engineering and represented Zimbabwe on UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme National Committee. With over 25 publications which includes book chapters and research briefs, her work in water engineering and environmental sustainability continues to shape policy and practice both locally and internationally. “As the first woman to lead the Works and Estates Department, I hope to inspire other women to take up space in engineering and leadership roles,” said Dr Chinyama.

“I look forward to working with the university community to ensure our infrastructure supports innovation, teaching, and learning. ”Their appointments further strengthen the leadership presence of women at GZU, joining ranks with esteemed colleagues such as University Registrar Dr Sinikiwe Gwatidzo, and Director of Postgraduate and Research Professor Vongai Nyawo. This growing cohort of accomplished women leaders is reshaping the university’s leadership landscape and inspiring a new generation of women to lead with confidence and purpose. Great Zimbabwe University congratulates Professor Marian Tukuta and Dr Annatoria Chinyama on their historic appointments.

New Executive Deans appointed for Law School and School of Business Sciences

Great Zimbabwe University has ushered in a new chapter of leadership with the recent appointment of two young, dynamic and highly accomplished professionals to head the Munhumutapa School of Business Sciences and the Herbert Chitepo Law School respectively. Professor Talknice Saungweme has been appointed Executive Dean of the Munhumutapa School of Business Sciences, while esteemed legal scholar and policy expert Mr Nkosana Maphosa will serve as the Executive Dean of the Herbert Chitepo School of Law. Professor Saungweme A highly respected scholar and researcher, Prof. Talknice Saungweme brings with him a strong academic record and an unwavering commitment to advancing business education and research. With 44 peer-reviewed publications, four book chapters, and several additional manuscripts under review or in preparation, Prof. Saungweme is a prolific contributor to the field of business sciences. He currently holds a Google Scholar h-index of 11 and an i10-index of 12, clear indicators of his impact in academia. His leadership experience as the former Deputy Dean and Research Chairperson at the School has already laid a solid foundation for his new role.

In addition to serving as Associate Editor for three reputable academic journals, he is also a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa (UNISA), a position he has held since 2021. His appointment is expected to further catalyse research and innovation, enhance industry collaboration, and promote a culture of academic excellence across the Business School. Mr Nkosana Maphosa Joining GZU’s leadership ranks is Mr Nkosana Maphosa, a renowned legal professional and visionary academic, whose career spans legal education, governance, institutional reform, and international policy engagement. With a unique academic background that includes legal qualifications from institutions in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the United States, Dean Maphosa is known for his innovative approach to legal education. His expertise spans law and economic development, artificial intelligence and data protection, commercial law, animal law, and governance. His research has been published in top-tier journals and has contributed to important national and international policy discussions. Dean Maphosa is a strong advocate for curriculum reform, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary legal training.

His philosophy is guided by modern legal education models that combine legal knowledge with leadership, technology, and innovation—aimed at producing legal professionals who can shape the future of governance, business, and society. Under his leadership, the Law School is expected to consolidate its academic achievements, deepen research efforts, and expand its influence in policy and legal reform at both national and continental levels. The Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said the appointments reflect the University’s deliberate efforts to enhance academic leadership, drive innovative teaching and research, and position GZU as a hub of intellectual excellence both regionally and globally. Great Zimbabwe University congratulates Professor Saungweme and Mr Nkosana Maphosa on their appointments.

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