CUZ

History of the Catholic University of Zimbabwe

The Catholic University of Zimbabwe was established to address the need for a Catholic institution of higher education in Zimbabwe. This initiative was spearheaded by a group of lay Catholics, predominantly alumni of Kutama College and members of the Kutama Old Boys Association (KOBA). They were later joined by Catholics who attended various other Catholic primary and secondary schools, forming the organization Friends of the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (FOCUZ).

Formation and Vision

The founders recognized the significant impact of Catholic primary and secondary schools in Zimbabwe, noting the absence of a Catholic University to further this mission. They envisioned a university that would cultivate leaders with ethical values, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to service and societal impact.

Early Meetings and Support

Throughout the 1980s, the group met to discuss the establishment of the university. They received the endorsement of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), the leading authority of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe. In January 1991, FOCUZ elected an Executive Committee to spearhead the project, whose members later became the trustees of the university. The initial executive committee included:

• Professor G.P. Kahari
• Mr. Herbert Munangatire
• Mr. L.C. Vambe
• Mr. P.H.J. Arnold
• Dr. L. Tsumba
• Mr. L.C. Mbanga
• Fr. A.B. Berridge SJ
• Professor S.J. Nondo
• Professor T.O. McLoughlin
• Professor A.J. Chennels

The late Archbishop Patrick Chakaipa and the late President Robert Mugabe served as patrons of the project, with additional members joining over time.

Founding Principles

FOCUZ emphasized that the primary goal was not merely to create a university for Catholic students but to establish an institution that upholds Catholic principles, moral integrity, academic excellence, and a spirit of service. The Catholic University of Zimbabwe aimed to produce graduates whose decisions, leadership, research, and ideas would be grounded in these values.

Establishment and Growth

On 20 August 1998, the Catholic University of Zimbabwe was officially established through Statutory Instrument 268, Proclamation 49 of 1998, which granted its Charter. The first University Council was formed in October 1998, and the university opened its doors on 25 February 1999 with 41 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Management and Information Technology (BBM&IT) Honours Degree program.

In August 2000, the university admitted 13 more students for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree program. The first graduation ceremony took place on 5 February 2004, with a total of 45 graduates: 36 from the BBM&IT program, 5 with a BA (General), and 4 with a BA (Honours).

The Catholic University of Zimbabwe continues to uphold its founding vision, fostering academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service, significantly contributing to higher education in Zimbabwe.