By Tendai Chisiri
Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Prof Fanuel Tagwira announced that Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Developmentl launches DuraIsiphala263, Zimbabwe’s first indigenous data analytics system for higher and tertiary education.
The launch was officiated by the Honourable Minister Dr. Frederick Shava on Monday, 14 April 2025.
“DuraIsiphala263 is a groundbreaking development in our ongoing drive to modernise and integrate data-based planning and decision-making within our national education sector. The system provides real-time dashboards, comprehensive analytics, and harmonised reporting tools to support manpower planning and institutional oversight across all higher and tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe”, Tagwireyi said in a press statement.
“Unlike other countries in the SADC region that rely on proprietary and externally developed systems, Zimbabwe has distinguished itself by successfully designing and developing an end-to-end solution through local expertise from our institutions. This speaks to the country’s growing capacity for innovation and reflects the effectiveness of our Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model”, he added.
The development and implementation of DuraIsiphala263 is made possible by the policy guidance and visionary leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. It is through His Excellency’s unwavering support for the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy—from primary school to university—that Zimbabwe is now seeing the operationalisation of homegrown innovations such as DuraIsiphala263.
The system was piloted and refined through collaborative training with 89% of the country’s higher and tertiary education institutions. A thriving community of practice has been established, and over 167 technical users are now actively participating in the continuous improvement and utilization of the system.
Among its key capabilities, DuraIsiphala263 currently manages data on:
Active students and student inclusivity
Graduates
Academic and administrative staff
Employee qualifications and inclusivity
Accredited programmes
“This historic milestone will significantly improve our planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes, ultimately ensuring that the Ministry and all institutions operate from a unified, evidence-based position in driving development”.
“As the Ministry, we reiterate our deep appreciation to His Excellency for prioritizing science, technology, and innovation in education, thereby creating an environment where Zimbabwean solutions are made for Zimbabwean and Global challenges”, he stated.
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