UZ Student Takes Second Place in SADC Essay Competition

University of Zimbabwe accounting student Danai Kwedza has won second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning US$1,500 and regional recognition (image source)

HARARE — A 21-year-old University of Zimbabwe accounting student, Danai Kwedza, has secured second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning a prize of US$1,500.

Kwedza, who hails from Chihota and is a former pupil of Mahusekwa High School, said her participation was inspired by a desire to recognise initiatives that support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. She said competing at regional level despite coming from a rural setting demonstrated that such achievements are possible with determination.

“Coming from a rural setting and competing at regional level is not easy, but it has shown that it can be done,” Kwedza said.

She said she plans to continue entering the competition, with the aim of securing first place in future editions. Kwedza also highlighted challenges she faced during the competition, including limited access to digital devices and internet data required for research. Despite these constraints, she successfully completed and submitted her essay.

Her achievement has attracted local support, with a company donating a laptop to assist her academic work. Kwedza’s father, Tendai Kwedza, encouraged parents to prioritise their daughters’ education, saying learning creates opportunities that enable young people to realise their full potential.