TWENTY ace-students drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces have benefited from the Bridging Gaps Foundation (BGF) fully-funded scholarships to study medicine and law at the University of Zimbabwe. BGF is a non-profit organisation founded by business magnate and philanthropist Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra.
The BGF Research Scholarship Programme, launched in partnership with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, targets academically outstanding students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, covering full tuition, accommodation, examination fees and a monthly stipend to ensure talented students are unhindered in their studies.
The programme picks two students from each province, male and female only, to study law and medicine.
In his speech, Tagwirei said the foundation was built not on availability of resources, but on a faith-driven conviction to give.
He said the scholars themselves were now expected to become part of that giving chain by mentoring younger vulnerable learners either in Grade 7, Form 4 or Form 6.
“We do not give because we have we give because we are given.”
He said the scholarship was designed to spark a movement, not merely change individual lives.
“That is how a scholarship in our mind becomes a movement.
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“That is how a bridge in our thinking becomes a highway.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony to the Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerayi Moyo said the programme proved that excellence could emerge from anywhere in Zimbabwe.
He said government alone could not carry the burden of expanding access to education.
“Talent knows no geographical boundaries and opportunity should know none either,” he said.
“The beneficiaries are not merely pursuing academic qualifications.
“They are preparing to become custodians of health, justice and human dignity.”
Moyo commended efforts by Tagwirei and his wife towards giving an opportunity to the underprivileged.
“As we receive these scholarships on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, we wish to express our profound appreciation to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Mrs Sandra Tagwirei.
“This intervention comes at a time when the global development financing landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with traditional sources of external assistance becoming increasingly constrained and unpredictable.
“The lesson for developing nations is clear: sustainable development must be anchored in domestic resource mobilisation, local leadership, and home-grown solutions.
“The Bridging Gaps Foundation stands as a compelling example of this approach, demonstrating how local initiative, strategic philanthropy, and national consciousness can be harnessed to address developmental challenges and create opportunities for future generations.”
The Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development ministry's director for innovation, science and technology development, Willie Ganda, said scholarships awarded through the BGF are a deliberate investment in Zimbabwe’s intellectual and professional future.
“Every scholarship we award is a deliberate investment in our national intellectual and professional strength,” Ganda said.
“Scholarship recipients, this scholarship is a commitment to your graduation by facilitating 100% completion rate.
“No student should drop out for financial reasons. No student will fail for lack of support.”
University of Zimbabwe Vice-Chancellor Paul Mapfumo said the institution warmly welcomed the new scholarship recipients to pursue studies in law and medicine, urging them to make full use of the resources provided.
“The mistakes one makes in life cannot be reversed or corrected, but they can be learned to perfect tomorrow’s path,” he said.
“The University of Zimbabwe welcomes you, and we expect the full utilisation of these fully funded scholarships in the service of national development.”
Primary amd Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata heaped praise on the BGF founders, urging students to remain focused.
A beneficiary learner from Gokwe, Olga Sitotombe, speaking on behalf of all 20 recipients, said the scholars understood the weight of what had been entrusted to them and were committed to returning that investment to their communities.
“Your investment in our education is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future,” she said.
“We will use our education not only for our personal success, but also to strengthen our communities, institutions and nation.”
Other students also thanked Tagwirei for the generosity, expressing optimism that they will deliver in their studies and be able to uplift others within their communities.
