mbulelo smpofu
Fungai Lupande, Harare Bureau
BINDURA University of Science Education (BUSE) is poised to revolutionise eye care in the country after securing modern equipment for the manufacture of eye lenses at its optometry and audiology centre.
This development will enable BUSE to supply affordable eye lenses to other facilities across the country in the shortest possible time at affordable prices.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere yesterday visited high-impact projects in Mashonaland Central Province and expressed his admiration for the domestication of value chains in eye lenses, fertiliser, and water purification chemicals.
During the Mashonaland Central provincial media tour, Dr Muswere said President Mnangagwa’s philosophy is that, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (a country is developed by its people) and that has been demonstrated by universities like BUSE.
He said the implementation of the Heritage-Based 5.0 Curriculum has led to the establishment of innovation hubs aimed at empowering learners — as was articulated by President Mnangagwa.
“In line with Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1, human capital development is a priority to propel and accelerate achievements across all sectors of the economy,” Dr Muswere said.
The minister’s tour also included a visit to Ran Mines, which has seen an increase in its gold output.
“Before 2017, the mining sector contributed around US$3 billion to the economy. Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, we now have a mining sector worth over US$15 billion, significantly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Dr Muswere said.
“We toured a water purification chemical company, Chilmund Chemicals and this is part of the localisation of all value chains within Zimbabwe.
“The Government is shifting the balance of trade from negative to positive by producing most goods and services locally through the implementation of the local content strategy.”
He added that a fertiliser manufacturing company, FSG, has contributed to increased agriculture productivity and cut costs in agricultural production by 50 percent.
The minister said the establishment of local manufacturing plants reduces the country’s import bill and contributes positively to job creation.
“The more a country exports, the more it generates foreign currency and domesticates its value chains. If we import more, we are exporting jobs,” he said.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, we have witnessed a growth strategy that has improved our current accounts and helped stabilise inflation. There is less volatility in the currency because we are producing the goods ourselves. Domesticating value chains, especially in fertiliser production, ensures we can plan and meet deadlines.”
Dr Muswere stressed the importance of adopting new technology in production, especially in agriculture.
“Timing and control of inputs are crucial for food and nutrition security. Although we have been affected by environmentally-induced drought, we are recovering.”
The tour will extend to farms owned by women and youth excelling in agriculture, which supports the security of tenure and economically empowers citizens participating in agriculture.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Christopher Magomo, said the province is undergoing economic transformation as the President works to ensure that everyone achieves an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
He noted several developments in the province, including tapping into natural resources to produce food and beauty products.
“The optometry programme will see lenses being cut to size in the shortest time possible. This is a milestone for Heritage-based Education 5.0,” Minister Magomo said.
He pointed out that Mashonaland Central produces 50 percent of basal fertiliser at FSG, expressing pride in these achievements.
Mr Daniel Chihombori, an assistant to the Vice Chancellor at BUSE, said the optometry programme encompasses both academic and professional services.
He said they will soon begin manufacturing eye lenses as the necessary machinery has been procured, and they are awaiting experts from Germany to install the equipment.
Mr Chihombori expressed gratitude to the Government for its support in infrastructure development at the university.
“This is the first optometry school in Zimbabwe. People from as far as Bulawayo seek services here because we can produce spectacles within a day or two.
“All these achievements are possible because of the strong support from the Government. We extend our gratitude to President Mnangagwa for this support.”
The optometrist at the facility, Mr Evans Aboagye, added that they also check for eye diseases like glaucoma and conduct comprehensive eye examinations for all patients.
“The new machinery will enable us to reduce the importation of eye lenses that were previously inaccessible in Zimbabwe. We can supply all facilities in Zimbabwe with affordable eye lenses,” he said.
“Our students will learn about all processes involved here, meaning that BUSE will become a top-notch optometry school in Africa.”
At FSG, Acting Plant Manager Mr Tinotenda Kankuni said they currently have 40 000 tonnes of raw materials and hold a market share of between 50 and 60 percent.
They have a capacity of 1 500 tonnes per day and also operate a granulation plant that processes 200 tonnes per day.
The company has completed 70 percent of their Presidential inputs scheme commitments.
“About 80 percent of the raw materials are locally sourced. We are well prepared to supply fertiliser to the market. With the current rains, we are moving into the distribution of top-dressing fertiliser,” he said.
At Ran Gold Mines, the geology manager, Mr Rayn Rosenfields, said they have two resources, Ran and Kimberly.
He noted that the minability of the Kimberly resources is better compared to Ran, which is located on the side of a hill.
“The life of the Kimberly mine is 12 months, and we can process 23 000 tonnes of gold ore per month. Before the end of next year, we have plans to increase this to 40 000 tonnes, translating to a million tonnes per year,” he said.
Ran Mine officials expressed their gratitude to the Government, ministries, and departments for their support, which has allowed them to grow tremendously within three years.
The mine has transformed from processing 5 000 tonnes of gold ore per month in 2023 to the current 23 000 tonnes, with a target of 40 000 tonnes for next year.
