On Monday, 6 October 2025, the Department of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology under the Midlands State University (MSU) Faculty of Science and Technology ignited a spark of ambition, hosting a powerful public lecture delivered by distinguished alumnus Mr. Takunda Lameck Ngwenya.
The event, held at the Gweru Main Campus, offered students a clear, compelling window into the vast career pathways within Biosciences and Biotechnology.
Opening the session, departmental lecturer Mr. Stanley Alifa set the stage, urging students to seize the unique opportunity to learn from a proven pathfinder.
“Take this as a valuable chance to learn how to navigate your own career journey,” he advised.
Mr. Ngwenya, currently pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience & Immunology at King’s College London, began by tracing the origins of his own story back to his undergraduate days at MSU in 2015.
He firmly established a central theme: background does not determine destiny.
“Coming from a humble background in Gokwe, my journey was driven by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for the sciences,” he said.
He then charted his academic ascent, recounting the determined pursuit of a Master of Science in Medicine (Chemical Biology) at the University of Cape Town, which he completed with distinction.
He was candid about the challenges, revealing a path paved not with easy wins, but with persistent effort.
“I sent several emails to potential MSc supervisors and scholarships but failed to get favourable responses — in most cases, I got messages that started with the word ‘unfortunately,’ ‘we regret to inform you that…’ including the one that I ended up getting positive responses,” he recalled.
His message was clear: brilliance alone is not always enough. “You need people — connections — you need to be present so that relevant people may know you,” he advised, encouraging students to build meaningful networks to fuel their professional growth.
Mr. Ngwenya also highlighted the profound impact of his tenure as Vice Chairperson of the Student Representative Council.
This leadership role, he explained, was pivotal—forging his confidence, shaping his professional outlook, and connecting him with influential figures.
Echoing this sentiment, Senior Lecturer Dr. Ruvimbo Jessy Mapaya underscored the critical importance of relationship-building.
She stressed that strong connections with both peers and lecturers provide invaluable support that extends far beyond the university campus.
The lecture provided a resonant, practical blueprint for a successful scientific career, leaving students with a powerful testament to the combined force of perseverance, strategic networking, and bold leadership.