Mberengwa and Gweru, 26 & 28 March 2025 – The Faculty of Law at Midlands State University (MSU) has reaffirmed its commitment to social justice and legal empowerment through two landmark initiatives: a dynamic legal aid clinic outreach in Mberengwa and the launch of a dedicated on-campus Legal Aid Clinic in Gweru.
These efforts underscore the faculty’s pivotal role in bridging the gap between legal education and community needs.
On 26 March, MSU’s Faculty of Law brought vital legal services to York Growth Point in Mberengwa, offering free consultations on pressing issues such as maintenance, marriage rights, and inheritance disputes.
The outreach, conducted in partnership with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) and funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe, saw robust participation from residents, many of whom lack regular access to legal assistance.
The event was graced by key stakeholders, including Mr. Mikael Wiking, Programme Officer at the Embassy of Sweden, and Mrs. Moreblessing Mbire, Programme Officer at RWI, whose presence highlighted the strength of international collaboration in advancing human rights.
Fourth-year and final-year law students led consultations with remarkable confidence, addressing complex queries with minimal supervision.
Their ability to engage meaningfully with community members demonstrated the practical rigour of MSU’s legal training.
“The turnout was overwhelming,” said one student participant. “Many people here are unaware of their legal rights, so this clinic was a lifeline for them.”
Following individual sessions, a community meeting further amplified awareness, with villagers expressing gratitude for the initiative.
The outreach not only enhanced legal literacy but also strengthened trust between the University and rural communities.
In a parallel development, MSU deployed its Legal Aid Clinic at its Main Campus in Gweru, marking a significant milestone during Women’s Month and the University’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.
The clinic served as a critical resource, particularly for women seeking redress in cases of gender-based violence, property disputes, and labour rights violations.
“This clinic embodies our mission to blend academic excellence with societal impact,” said Dr. A. Mugadza – Acting Executive Dean of Law.
These initiatives reflect MSU’s broader strategy of fostering partnerships to amplify its outreach.
The collaboration with RWI and the Swedish Embassy has been instrumental in scaling the faculty’s community engagement, setting a benchmark for legal education in Zimbabwe.
For Mberengwa’s residents and Gweru’s vulnerable populations, MSU is not just an institution of learning but a beacon of hope and justice.