ZIMBABWEANS can now apply for Commonwealth scholarships following an easing of tension between the organisation and the southern African country.
The country iniatiated dialogue with the Commonwealth at a three-day round table meeting which started on Tuesday this week — a move seen as a precursor to having Zimbabwe bounce back to the Commonwealth family.
Officials from the inclusive Government attended the three-day meeting with representatives from the Commonwealth grouping this week in Johannesburg.
They held a roundtable meeting to drum up humanitarian aid for the country and re-establish formal links, according to a statement from the grouping.
At the meeting it was agreed that a network of regional and international civic organisations affiliated to the Commonwealth will develop a special programme to assist Zimbabwe with training, along with technical and other humanitarian support.
Zimbabwe voluntarily left the Commonwealth in 2003.
Yesterday, the head of the Commonwealth Foundation, Mark Collins, said in Johannesburg that Zimbabweans could apply for Commonwealth scholarships
again.
Collins said engagement with Zimbabwe by the Commonwealth network had been growing since civil society bodies petitioned for such support at the 2007
Commonwealth heads of state and government meeting in Kampala, Uganda.
“This meeting has been the first step and a programme for the future has been developed,” Collins said.
Formal political ties between Zimbabwe and the Commonwealth are yet to be restored. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai met Commonwealth officials during his recent visit to Europe and the US.
NTANDOKAYISE NDHLOVU says
This is one of the positive steps taken by the relevant authorities we realy appreciate .I am a 22 year old zimbabwean young man currently studying third year LLB degree at nelson mandela school of law at the University of Forthare in south africa under a bursary because my parents died long back and my brothers can not pay up my fees, i will be doing my final year next year and thus i kindly request the relevant authorities to forward information about the application process of the scholaships as i want to study my Masters degree in international law or human rigths in the UK or Australia in 2013. God bless your response will be greatly appreciated
Chipo Bewu says
Great news for all of us who widh to persue various studies. I also need information relating to scholarship in Mass Communication. thanks
Andrew Sonono says
I am a Zimbabwean aged 24 and do hereby ask for assistance in the form of a scholarship to revive my hope of ever going to university for a professional degree. i was orphaned in 1996 by the passing away of my father who was a bread winner then. My mother later passed on in 2005 leaving me without anyone to look up to.
Being awarded such a chance will be greatly appreciated.
munya says
Im a Zimbabwean 20 years of age and studying BEconSc majoring in actuarial science first year at University of Witwatersrand who is seeking financial assistance for second year study.
Qaphelani Ngwenya says
I am Qaphelani Ngwenya from Zimbabwe residing in South Africa. I am holding a Diploma in Education and I am looking for a scholarship to further my studies in Environmental Management with UNISA.Please assist me to get one.