DR Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the Chief Executive Officer of SAKUNDA Holdings, made history this weekend at Solusi University by becoming the first black individual to be honoured with the Global Award of Excellence by the General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the Chief Executive Officer of SAKUNDA Holdings, made history this weekend at Solusi University by becoming the first black individual to be honoured with the Global Award of Excellence by the General Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
The Global Award of Excellency is a prestigious accolade in the Seventh Day Adventist Church awarded to an individual who has made a global impact in education worldwide.
Dr Tagwirei became the first black person to receive such an award owing to the work being done by his foundation, bridging the gap which has transformed 63 schools across Zimbabwe through availing tractors, farming implements and infrastructure development.
At Solusi University, projects worth at least US$7 million have been implemented and are at different stages of completion.
“Installation of a comprehensive turnkey irrigation system at Mananda Farm, including electrical and pump plants, conveyance systems, infield setups, fencing, and telemetry control systems. Over nine kilometers of pipeline were installed for five of six center pivots, covering 127 hectares, alongside 5 850 meters of perimeter fencing.
“Enhanced water access through the drilling of six boreholes (three operational) and the fabrication of a pontoon at Mananda Dam. University T
transportation, donation of vehicles to support the university’s transportation needs, including nine SUVs, two double-cab vehicles for senior personnel, one single-cab truck, two UDI lorries, two buses with 65-passenger capacity each, five tractors, enhanced Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), successful rehabilitation of the campus water supply and sewer systems, with ongoing improvements to ensure sustainability,” Solusi University Vice Chancellor, Professor Khumbulani Mpofu said.
Seventh Day Adventist Church General Conference Director for Education, Dr Lisa Hardy said Bridging Gap Foundation Founder Mr Tagwirei is the first black person to scoop the award owing to his immense contribution to education in Zimbabwe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
“Through his Bridging Gap Foundation, Tagwirei’s outreach extends well beyond the university. His dedicated capacity-building and welfare programmes are making a significant impact across the region’s primary and secondary schools.
“Under the Centers of Influence Department, numerous beneficiary institutions, including Bindura University, among others, are receiving enhanced support designed to uplift educational standards and foster community growth,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Tagwirei said education is a centre of influence hence it must transform nations through the implementation of tangible projects.
“When we dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s work, we do not do it for accolades or recognition, we do it out of obedience, love, and a deep sense of mission. Yet, standing here today, I feel profoundly humbled that the work we do has been noticed and appreciated at such a high level. For me, Solusi University has been more than just an institution, it is a pillar of Adventist education, a beacon of excellence, and a center of influence.
This is why we have invested over US$7 million in capacity building at the Solusi farm not merely as a financial contribution but as a deliberate and strategic effort to ensure that our beloved university has long-term sustainability, self-sufficiency, and a future of excellence. Our institutions must not only survive, they must thrive, and that requires leadership, vision, and commitment,” he said.
Besides investing in education, Dr. Tagwirei has contributed to the country’s health sector through Arundel Hospital in Harare, which provides free medical services with more than half a million people having been assisted so far. Over US$3,5 million has been channeled to six church conferences.
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Mortgage Refinance Guide: When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
Mortgage refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one. Homeowners refinance for several reasons, including lowering the interest rate, reducing monthly payments, changing loan terms, removing mortgage insurance, or using home equity through a cash-out refinance.
Refinancing can be a smart financial move, but it is not always the right choice. The biggest question is whether the savings outweigh the cost. Refinance loans often include closing costs, lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, and other expenses. Even if the new loan has a lower monthly payment, it may take months or years to break even.
One common reason to refinance is to lower the interest rate. A lower rate can reduce your monthly payment and save money over the life of the loan. However, the amount you save depends on your current balance, remaining loan term, new rate, and closing costs.
Another reason is to shorten the loan term. For example, changing from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage may help you pay off the home faster and reduce total interest. The monthly payment may increase, but long-term savings can be significant.
Some homeowners refinance to switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. A fixed-rate loan offers predictable payments, which can be helpful for budgeting.
A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to borrow more than they owe and receive the difference in cash. This money may be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. However, it increases the loan balance and uses your home as collateral, so it should be considered carefully.
Before refinancing, calculate your break-even point. Divide the total closing costs by your monthly savings. For example, if refinancing costs $4,000 and saves $200 per month, it would take 20 months to break even. If you plan to move before then, refinancing may not be worth it.
Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, home value, and income all affect refinance approval and pricing. Improving your credit and paying down debt before applying may help you qualify for better terms.
Compare offers from multiple lenders. Look at the annual percentage rate, closing costs, monthly payment, loan term, and whether the rate is fixed or adjustable.
Refinancing can be useful when it supports your financial goals, but it should not be done only because a lower payment looks attractive. Always review the total cost, long-term impact, and risks before signing.
