President Mnangagwa Commends MSU Law After Sweeping Global Moot Court Title
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly commended Midlands State University (MSU) law graduates Prince Tinokunda Mafigu and Ruth Fadzai Jokonya at the 27th graduation ceremony following their global victory at the 18th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Kwekwe — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly commended Midlands State University (MSU) law graduates Prince Tinokunda Mafigu and Ruth Fadzai Jokonya following their landmark victory at the 18th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Geneva.
The President, who is the University Chancellor, personally congratulated the pair and their coach, Claudius Makwara, during MSU’s 27th graduation ceremony at the ED Mnangagwa Law School Campus in Kwekwe recently.
The triumph saw the Zimbabwean team outshine competitors from 122 universities worldwide.
In an unscripted break from formal proceedings, MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa, paused his official address to summon the trio to the main dais, where they received presidential handshakes before thousands of assembled guests, parents and fellow graduates.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mafigu described the presidential recognition as a defining moment for the team following months of rigorous preparation and international advocacy.
“Shaking hands with the Head of State connected our international achievement with the pride of representing our country,” Mafigu said.
“It reaffirmed that excellence knows no borders and that our triumph was only the beginning of our duty to serve and defend justice," he said.
Jokonya noted that receiving accolades directly from the Head of State alongside Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, Dr. Frederick Shava, validated the national significance of their international win.
“Their acknowledgement made this accomplishment even more meaningful, highlighting the pride this achievement brings to Midlands State University and Zimbabwe as a whole,” Jokonya said, while attributing the success to guidance from their coach and academic mentors.
The high-profile commendation coincided with announcements of major structural updates to MSU’s legal training.
Professor Muzvidziwa revealed the Faculty of Law has introduced specialised modules in Space Law and Cyber Law, alongside making Environmental Law compulsory for all Bachelor of Laws (LLB) candidates to align with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The ceremony saw 7,888 graduands being coferred with degrees, with women making up 55% of the 2026 graduating class.
