“The illiterate of the future is not those who can’t read or write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler

This is the belief of accomplished scholar, Prof Innocent Chirisa, who has produced more than 120 peer-reviewed journal articles, 80 book chapters, and 20 edited books during his career.

Rural setting of his childhood

The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe, Prof Chirisa, received his second PhD qualification during the April graduation ceremonies at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Prof Chirisa, who has been involved with the UFS since 2017, is a research fellow in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He conducts research with a special focus on disaster risk resilience planning and the everyday aspects of rural, regional, and urban planning.

His latest PhD is the outcome of deep reflection on a rural setting of his childhood. “In the aftermath of the 2019 disaster brought on by Cyclone Idai in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, I had a rude awakening to the terrifying effect of large weather events with unprecedented outcomes on rural settlements. I examine many aspects of rural vulnerability in my thesis, titled: Infusing Disaster Resilience Thinking and Practice into Rural Settlement Planning, Development and Management in Zimbabwe, and explain why there must be a deliberate effort and thinking to address and change the situation for the betterment of rural settlements and communities.”

Great experience and an honour

Prof Chirisa’s first encounter with the UFS was during a short visit in 2013 when he attended training on applied systems analysis. In 2016, he again paid a visit to the UFS. Not only was he overwhelmed with a “great liking of the ambiance of the university”, but he also enjoyed the warm welcome that he received from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. So much so, that he decided to take the department up on its invitation to join as a research fellow, to supervise a few PhD candidates, and to also enrol for a PhD himself.

For Prof Chirisa, doing a PhD at the UFS was a great experience and an honour.

According to him, the UFS contributes significantly to the value of its students. “There is value in availing support and resources to students; even my university can emulate that and achieve much,” he says.

He goes on to add that he also learned a lot from his supervisor, Prof Verna Nel, and the Head of the Department, Prof Maléne Campbell, about dedication to duty and work.

Prof Chirisa received both his undergraduate qualifications (BSc and MSc) as well as his first PhD, titled: Housing and Stewardship in Peri-urban Settlements in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Ruwa and Epworth, from the University of Zimbabwe.