Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Vice Chancellor Prof. Eddie Mwenje joined Zimbabwe’s academic community in celebrating the retirement of Prof. David Jambgwa Simbi as the Vice Chancellor of Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), marking the end of an illustrious era in higher education leadership.
The farewell and conferment ceremony was held at CUT’s Great Hall, drawing Government officials, Vice Chancellors, academics, and captains of industry from across the country.
The event was both a retirement celebration and the formal conferment of Prof. Simbi as Professor Emeritus.
Prof. Mwenje, representing BUSE, stood alongside fellow academics to honour a man whose career has become synonymous with institutional transformation and academic excellence in Zimbabwe. His presence underscored the deep respect CUT and BUSE share as sister institutions.
For two decades, Prof David J. Simbi has been the driving force behind massive institutional growth at Chinhoyi University of Technology. Under his stewardship, CUT evolved from a fledging institution into a technological powerhouse renowned internationally.
His tenure saw unprecedented infrastructure development across CUT’s campuses. Lecture theatres, laboratories, student hostels, an innovation hub and a state-of-the-art administration block were constructed, creating an environment where teaching, learning and research could thrive.
Beyond brick and mortar, Prof Simbi championed a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. He believed universities should not only produce graduates but also job creators, problem solvers, and inventors who could transform Zimbabwe’s economy.
This vision shaped CUT’s curriculum and research agenda. The University became known for cultivating creative minds, with students encouraged to develop prototypes, register patents and launch start-ups before graduation.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Eddie Mwenje described Prof. Simbi as a “pillar of Zimbabwean academia” whose influence extends far beyond Chinhoyi. He noted that Simbi’s hard work had raised the standard for all state Universities.
“Prof. Simbi’s visionary guidance has not only built CUT, but it has helped shape the future of higher education in Zimbabwe,’’ Prof. Mwenje said.
“His commitment to excellence challenges all of us to aim higher.’’
Prof. Mwenje thanked Prof. Simbi for his “unparalleled service” to the nation. He emphasized that retirement was not an end, but a transition into a new role as a mentor, advisor and Professor Emeritus.
In his congratulatory remarks, Prof. Mwenje said BUSE remains committed to the ideals Prof. Simbi advanced; building institutions that produce graduates ready to solve real- world problems. Your legacy is safe with us,” he affirmed.
