ZANU PF Central Committee member Dexter Nduna has issued a public apology to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for attending the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) graduation ceremony last month despite not having actually graduated.
Nduna, who was pursuing a Bachelor of Substantive Laws Degree, was present among the graduating class, even donning the academic regalia.
Nduna’s apology, released on Thursday, October 10th, explains his actions. He states that he had anticipated a successful outcome from his request for a remarking of his modules and was confident of graduating. He further reveals that he was advised by the Minister of Defence and ZANU PF National Chairman, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, before issuing his apology.
In his statement, Nduna addresses President Mnangagwa in several capacities: “Your Excellency the commander in chief of the Defence forces and Chancellor of all state universities in Zimbabwe, head of state and government and first secretary of our colossal gigantic and humongous party ZANU PF.”
He explains his presence at the ceremony: “I was assured that the remarking and all amends for the requests I had made with the authorities at the University of Zimbabwe were being addressed and that there was a possibility for a positive outlook which would lead to my graduation hence my appearance on the graduation day dawning the attire given to me for the purpose of graduation.”
Nduna then describes his realisation that he had not, in fact, graduated: “I was happy like everyone that I had indeed graduated until after graduation day that I was informed through social media that my case was still pending and I was not on the final list of graduates for the law class of 2024. I’m informed by the same notices posted on social media that my two modules still need to be attended to before I can have a clean transcript then graduate.”
He expresses remorse for his actions and the potential damage to the university’s reputation: “I therefore take this opportunity to apologize to you Your Excellency for celebrating before graduating thereby putting the credibility and revered name of your institution into disrepute. I have made arrangements to register and write exams for the outstanding two modules so that I can complete my law studies at the university of Zimbabwe.”
He concludes his apology by referencing his past experience and appealing for forgiveness: “As a former military officer of ten years and former legislator of ten years I should not have allowed the administration glitches at the institution and my own excitement of completing a law program to cloud my judgement and act the way I did on the day of graduation. I therefore apologize and hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive me. I beg to be Sir, Your humble Servant, Dexter T. Nduna.”
This is not Nduna’s first public apology to President Mnangagwa. In March 2019, then-Chegutu West MP Nduna apologised for death threats made against fellow MP Temba Mliswa, President Mnangagwa’s cousin, during a heated parliamentary exchange. Reports suggest that President Mnangagwa lived with Mliswa’s family for a period during his childhood, further highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
The 2019 incident involved a heated argument during a parliamentary committee meeting, where Mliswa threatened to “castrate” Nduna, and Nduna retorted with a threat to add Mliswa to his list of those he had killed. Nduna later issued an apology for his “unpalatable utterances” made “in the heat of the moment”, acknowledging the damage to his character, reputation, and the integrity of Parliament.
He stated at the time: “I make no excuse for the dishonourable behaviour I displayed on the day in question and they are unpalatable utterances that I made in the heat of the moment. I unconditionally apologised for my behaviour. I could have reacted differently in the face of the occasion which had the effect of destroying my character and reputation. I could have chosen a more dignified response to the persuasion of my character, a development that would ultimately protect my reputation and the name of my party Zanu PF and the integrity of Parliament.”
He further admitted that his behaviour was damaging not only to himself but to the people of Zimbabwe, stating: “Pursuant to this, I have since offered a public apology, to Mliswa and also to the President of Zimbabwe.”
Following this incident, Nduna lost the Zanu PF primary elections. Last year, Nduna donated 60 heifers and five bulls to President Mnangagwa at a rally in Mashonaland West province, a gesture interpreted by some as an attempt to appease the party leader.
