Midlands State University reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous, socially responsive and policy-relevant scholarship when PhD candidate Morrison Chiwundura defended his doctoral thesis in peace and public management during a Viva Voce at the Gweru Main Campus on 20 January 2026.
Convened by the Postgraduate Studies Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences, the event was conducted in a hybrid format, facilitating participation from both on-site and virtual audiences.
Chiwundura’s thesis, titled ‘Introducing a Context-Based Approach for the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2013,’ proposes a context-sensitive peacebuilding framework that emphasises local ownership, faith-based mediation and institutional engagement.
Set against Zimbabwe’s complex socio-political backdrop—marked by political violence, economic turmoil, contested elections and social polarisation—the study highlights the often-under-documented role of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in conflict mitigation, civic advocacy, humanitarian response and national dialogue from 2000 to 2013.
The session was further enriched by the contribution of Dr T. Rukuni, former Commissioner of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
His insights bridged theory and practice, underscoring the policy relevance, practical applicability and societal value of the research.
This event stands as a powerful reminder that rigorous, context-anchored research can meaningfully contribute to peacebuilding, governance reform and national development, cementing the University’s growing stature as a hub of impactful research.