Staff Writer
The Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) proudly celebrated the graduation of over 120 students at a ceremony held last Saturday (July 25) a the Hyatt Regency Harare – The Meikles Hotel.
The event brought together distinguished leaders, faculty, families and friends to honour graduates from the Institute’s programmes, including IBAS diplomas, Public Sector Accounting and Chartered Governance and Professional Accountancy qualifications.
The guest of honour, professor Obert Sifile, Director of the Graduate Business School at Chinhoyi University of Technology, delivered an inspiring keynote address.
He reminded graduates that their achievement was not merely academic but a testament to resilience and character:
“Graduation is far more than the conferring of certificates or professional disciplines. It is the celebration of discipline over distraction, perseverance over adversity, and hope over uncertainty,” he added.
Professor Sifile highlighted the evolving role of governance and accountancy professionals in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, climate change and shifting demographics.
He also underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
“AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already reshaping how organisations make decisions, analyse information, detect fraud, manage risk, and engage with customers. Routine accounting tasks that once required days can now be completed in minutes.”
He cautioned, however, that technology must remain accountable to humanity.
“Technology must never replace judgement. Algorithms must never replace integrity. Automation must never replace accountability,” he highlighted.
The president of CGAIZ, Tendayi Kanjanda, whose speech was delivered by vice president Theresa Madziva, echoed these sentiments.
She introduced the presidential theme of the year ‘Future-Proofing Governance – Developing Ethical Leaders in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ and emphasised that while AI offers unprecedented opportunities, ethical leadership remains paramount.
“Artificial intelligence may process information faster than any human being, but it cannot replace integrity, compassion, sound judgement and moral courage. These remain uniquely human responsibilities.”
Both speakers urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and ethical responsibility.
Professor Sifile encouraged them to adopt five commitments.
“Embrace innovation, but never abandon ethics; pursue excellence, but remain humble; use technology wisely, but never surrender human judgement; lead sustainably, recognising that today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s world; and serve with integrity, because your reputation will always be your greatest professional asset,” he said.
The ceremony also recognised the vital role of families, mentors and faculty in supporting graduates through their journey. Vice president Madziva expressed gratitude and said the achievement belongs to them as much as it belongs to the graduates.
Dr Lovemore Gomera, chief executive officer of the CGAIZ, commended the graduates for their resilience and commitment to excellence.
He highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in a rapidly changing world, noting that governance and accountancy professionals are uniquely positioned to shape institutions and society.
“Our graduates today are stepping into a world where technology, sustainability and accountability intersect.
“Their role is not only to manage numbers, but to safeguard trust, strengthen institutions and ensure that progress is achieved with integrity,” he said.
Dr. Gomera also underscored the Institute’s mission to prepare professionals who can harness innovation responsibly while upholding ethical standards. He stressed that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies must be guided by human judgement and values.
“As we embrace innovation, we must remember that competence without integrity is dangerous and knowledge without character is incomplete. At CGAIZ, we are proud to equip our graduates with both technical expertise and the ethical wisdom to lead Africa into a sustainable future,” he added.
In closing, Professor Sifile invoked Nelson Mandela’s timeless words: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ He urged graduates to use their knowledge wisely, courageously and ethically to strengthen institutions and build trust.
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