Harare — Government has paid fees for all students who applied for cadetships and will continue to do so for everyone to have access to education, Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Stan Mudenge said last Friday.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at Seke Teachers' College where he was guest of honour, Minister Mudenge urged the graduates not to leave the country, but to persevere in the face of the country's economic challenges.

"My ministry received the money for the cadetship programme from the Ministry of Finance and all the colleges and universities were paid what was due to them.

"This will continue up until everyone benefits from the Government and I want to appeal to the relevant authorities not to expel anyone because we are sorting everything out," he said.

Minister Mudenge urged the graduates not to allow monetary benefits to determine their contribution to the country, but to add value to society through patriotism.

"We have been going through hard macro-economic conditions, but it calls for people who are determined to persevere. Let me remind you that contribution to society must not be guided by monetary gains, but by concern for others and societal needs," he said. He pointed out that relentless migration of key manpower remained a major concern to the Government, adding that it was mandatory for patriots to contribute to the development of Zimbabwe.

"It is our hope that you will use the investment this nation has made in you to develop the nation first before you think of anything else. It is the mandatory duty for every patriotic and responsible citizens to put some years of their career in developing their country," he added.

Minister Mudenge said this should not, however, be taken to mean professionals were absolved from their responsibility.

He said they were free to explore external opportunities at a later stage, but should remember to repatriate funds home.

The ceremony, which saw 421 students graduating with diplomas, was attended by the Governor and Resident Minister of Harare Province David Karimanzira, Chief Seke and several senior Government officials.