MUTARE, Jun. 8 (NewsDay Live) — Anglican Diocese of Manicaland secretary Edmund “Father” Samutereko has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance from Africa University, a milestone expected to bolster policy development and governance within the church.
Samutereko was among five graduates awarded doctorates during the university’s 32nd graduation ceremony held over the weekend in Mutare.
The Class of 2026 comprised 698 graduates, including 568 undergraduate degree recipients and 125 master’s degree holders.
Widely known as “Father” in both religious and academic circles, Samutereko also holds master’s degrees in peace and governance and public health.
He has served as education secretary for the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland for the past decade. The diocese is headed by Eric Ruwona.
Speaking to NewsDay Live on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, Samutereko said his studies would strengthen the church’s ability to engage with governance and policy issues.
“It is important for churches to have educated people because they can interrogate policy issues affecting society and the church,” he said.
“Governance is central to both churches and government institutions, and it is important that churches have people with the expertise to contribute meaningfully in that area.”
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His seven-year doctoral research examined Zimbabwe’s constitutionalised devolution framework introduced in 2013 and operationalised in 2020 to improve service delivery, development, democratic participation, national unity and peace.
The study assessed the implementation of devolution in Manicaland province.
Beyond academia, Samutereko has authored several peer-reviewed publications on social and governance issues in Zimbabwe. His research has covered topics including disaster preparedness following Cyclone Idai in Chipinge and Chimanimani, as well as the role of civil society in Africa.
He said the knowledge gained through his doctoral studies would help the church strengthen governance systems and contribute to informed public policy discourse.
