In what ranks as a landmark development, the inaugural edition of the annual Global Leaders REAL IMPACT conference was held amidst pomp and fanfare at Midlands State University from the 3rd to the 5th of June 2016. The Midlands State University arm of the national Global Leaders network organized the conference, which brought together students from different tertiary institutions within the country.
The term Global Leaders refers to beneficiaries of the Capernaum Trust and the Joshua Nkomo scholarship, sponsored by telecommunications mogul Dr. Strive Masiyiwa and his spouse, Dr. Tsitsi Masiyiwa. The main agenda of this historic conference was to bring together beneficiaries of the Capernaum Trust and the Joshua Nkomo scholarship from all of Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions, in order to appraise them of the new vision of the Joshua Nkomo scholarship that has been rebranded to the Higher Life Foundation.
Midlands State University Pro Vice Chancellor (Business Development and Administration) Professor Kadmiel Wekwete graced the occasion and spoke glowingly of the work that is being done by the majority of the members of the Global Leaders Network within the University.
“I want to acknowledge the work that is being done by the MSU Global Leaders at this institution. They are the ones who for example came with the idea of the Chapel Building Project,” noted Professor Wekwete.
“The Student Representative Council President Adele Mcilo-who is a member of the network- and her colleagues came up with the noble initiative and it is our wish that you Global Leaders be with us until the completion of project,” he added.
In her keynote address, guest of honour and Higher Life Foundation Executive Director Petronella Maramba applauded Midlands State University for nurturing an innovative and enthusiastic character in the MSU Global Leaders and expressed her delight at the ability of the young people to organise such a phenomenal and history making national conference.
“I want to thank the Midlands State University for cultivating enthusiasm and creativity in MSU Global Leaders who managed to organise a conference of such magnitude,” she said. Mrs. Maramba went on to give motivational guidance to the Global Leaders who were in attendance.
Addressing the gathering, the University Chaplain Dr Reverend Mpofu also took the opportunity to thank Higher Life Foundation for the difference they are making in the lives of the Global Leaders.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Higher Life Foundation for their support towards young souls and I also want to advise you the young ones to know your purpose in life.
The Pro Vice Chancellor together with Dr Reverend Mpofu took the Higher Life Foundation representatives for a tour of the University that included a tour of the Chapel site.
Participants to the three-day conference were drawn from the University of Zimbabwe, the National University of Science and Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, Lupane State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Mutare Polytechnic, Kwekwe Polytechnic, Harare Polytechnic, the Zimbabwe School of Mines and Bulawayo Polytechnic.
In the picture, Higher Life Foundation Executive Director, Petronella Maramba(in white cap) with some members of the Global Leaders Network