Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS)

About the Faculty The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) is a dynamic and unique academic unit that brings together a diverse array of disciplines within the realm of social sciences. Established in 2010 as the Academic Department (ACAD) of the th…
3 Departments 15 Programmes 50+ Faculty Members

About Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS)

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) is a dynamic and unique academic unit that brings together a diverse array of disciplines within the realm of social sciences. Established in 2010 as the Academic Department (ACAD) of the then National Defence College, the faculty was later renamed the Faculty of Social Sciences upon the transformation of the institution into the ZNDU in 2017.

Aligned with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development's Education 5.0 policy, the FSS is dedicated to nurturing research, teaching, community service, innovation, and industrialization as key pillars underpinning all its academic programmes. This commitment is driven by the faculty's recognition of the vital role that these pillars play in catalysing national development.

To achieve this, the FSS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach that encourages cross-pollination of ideas and collaborative problem-solving across its academic offerings. This holistic framework equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to navigate the complex social, political, and economic landscapes of the 21st century.

Beyond the lecture room, the Faculty of Social Sciences actively pursues community engagement initiatives, partnering with progressive stakeholders to undertake developmental projects that address pressing societal needs. This commitment to serving the broader community complements the faculty's emphasis on research, teaching, and innovation, ensuring that its academic endeavours have a tangible impact on the nation's development trajectory.

As the ZNDU continues to evolve and solidify its position as a leading institution of higher learning, the Faculty of Social Sciences remains at the forefront of this transformation. The FSS is committed to continuously produce graduates and research outputs that would significantly contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of the country.

VISION

To be a viable social sciences Faculty fostering innovative solutions to complex contemporary security challenges, through the promotion of skills development and interdisciplinary research.

MISSION

To advance competency-based knowledge and understanding of emerging societal challenges while nurturing critical thinking, ethical leadership and patriotism

CORE VALUES

  • Innovation
  • Professionalism
  • Inclusivity
  • Excellence

 

 

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Staff Profiles 2

Brigadier General (Dr) Joshua Chikanga
Brigadier General (Dr) Joshua Chikanga
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy degree in Ethics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Zimbabwe Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in War and Strategic Studies Diploma in War and Strategic Studies Certificate in Defence and Security Management from Wits University in South Africa
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Brigadier General (Dr) Joshua Chikanga
Brigadier General (Dr) Joshua Chikanga
Dean
  • Dr. Joshua Chikanga is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. An accomplished academic and scholar with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in ethics
  • international relations
  • and strategic studies. With a distinguished academic background and extensive experience in higher education
  • Dr. Chikanga provides visionary leadership that advances teaching
  • research
  • and community engagement within the Faculty. His academic and professional qualifications include: • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ethics – University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • South Africa • Master of Science (MSc) in International Relations – University of Zimbabwe • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in War and Strategic Studies – University of Zimbabwe • Diploma in War and Strategic Studies – University of Zimbabwe • Certificate in Defence and Security Management – Wits University
  • South Africa Dr. Chikanga is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society (Southern African Chapter). He has actively contributed to academic and policy discourse through participation in high-level seminars
  • conferences
  • and strategic forums. He has delivered presentations on ethics
  • and security studies to diverse academic and professional audiences. His work continues to advance interdisciplinary collaboration
  • policy development
  • and the skills development of future leaders in the social sciences.
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