Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa last Thursday capped 153 graduates at the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences’ third graduation ceremony.
Running the theme: “Advancing Sustainable Production, Industrialisation and Modernisation Through Research and Innovation”, the graduation ceremony saw 25 students scooping various awards.
Eight of the students graduated with First Class passes.
Gamuchirai Chigariro graduated with a First Class Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering Honour’s Degree, and was the overall best female student.
She received The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$1 000, while Carl Tinashe Nhapi who graduated with a First Class Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Minerals Processing Honour’s Degree, was the overall best male student, and also received The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$1 000.
Three students, Munyaradzi Muchangwara, Ryan Takudzwa Shereni and Tafadzwa Monica Munetsi received The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Awards of US$500 each respectively.
Munetsi also received US$500 for the overall second best graduating female student, and The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Awards of US$500 for the most innovative and promising research.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Dr Fredrick Shava, his permanent secretary, Professor Fanuel Tagwira and Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, among several dignitaries.
In his welcome speech, MSUAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda said the theme of the third graduation ceremony dovetails with the national vision and aspirations.
“This theme aligns perfectly with your vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe, a vision that continues to foster an environment where research, innovation, and development are, not only encouraged, but thrive. In this era of rapid technological advancement and increasing global challenges, research and innovation are the cornerstones of sustainable development.
“As a university of applied sciences, we recognise that the future belongs to those who can harness the power of knowledge to drive sustainable growth. Today’s graduates are not just the products of academic rigour; they are the pioneers of the future, equipped to lead Zimbabwe and the region in sustainable production and industrialisation,” he said.
Professor Chawanda confirmed receipt of the Deed of Donation for the 120 hectares Fernhill Campus land from City of Mutare.
“Your Excellency, Sir, today, we are also celebrating the official receipt of a Deed of Donation for the 120 hectares Fernhill Campus land from City of Mutare. This means that the land you are standing on is now officially ours.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to City of Mutare for its generosity,” he said.
Professor Chawanda said MSUAS secured a research grant of US$55 800, generously funded by the Research Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, meant for research and innovation.
“Turning to research and innovation, I am thrilled to announce that we have successfully secured a research grant of US$55 800, generously funded by the Research Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority. This project focuses on the sustainable valorisation of sawmill waste biomass for energy production. Our aim is to manage waste effectively, while generating energy to power agro-industrial production processes.
“Notably, this initiative will contribute to the development of energy-efficient technology for curing tobacco, a critical advancement in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Zimbabwe.
“In the field of metallurgy, we have achieved significant progress by developing a gold recovery and processing technology specifically targeting our artisanal and small-scale miners. This breakthrough was made possible through our collaboration with the Research Council of Zimbabwe and Botswana International University of Science and Technology. This innovative solution, not only increases the efficiency of gold recovery, but also empowers local miners, contributing to economic growth in our regional communities. I am proud to announce that this innovation was awarded, first runners-up prize in the mining category at the 2024 Presidential Research and Innovation Fair in Harare,” he said.
On strategic partnerships and collaborations, Professor Chawanda said the university secured productive partnerships with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Ndau community of Chipinge as well as Powertel Communications.
“Allow me, Your Excellency and Chancellor, to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Ambassador of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their continued cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and staff exchange collaborations. We are especially grateful for the secondment of three members of staff to the university, who will be contributing their expertise in the areas of basketball, volleyball coaching, and teaching within the Department of Information and Communication Technology. This partnership significantly enhances our academic and extracurricular programmes, and we look forward to further strengthening this invaluable collaboration.
“Your Excellency and Chancellor, the preservation of our culture and heritage is fundamental to our identity. It is for this reason that Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the Ndau community in Chipinge, is proud to organise and host the Ndau Festival of the Arts (NDAFA). We believe it is our responsibility to safeguard and celebrate our cultural heritage. This event also serves as a platform for promoting cultural tourism, helping to raise awareness about the unique traditions and customs of the Ndau people. Through this festival, we aim to, not only preserve our rich cultural practices, but also create opportunities for local communities and contribute to the economic development of the region. By showcasing Ndau arts, music, dance, and crafts, NDAFA will foster a deeper appreciation for these traditions, while strengthening cultural pride and ensuring their continuity for generations to come.”
Professor Chawanda also gave an update of the Innovation and Agro Industrial Park project that the University is pursuing.
“Your Excellency and Chancellor, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support, through our parent Ministry, in the establishment of a vibrant Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable industrial growth, and we are deeply grateful for your leadership and vision in making this project a reality. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on our academic community, as well as the wider economy. I am happy to report that the perimeter of the Agro Park is now fenced,” he said.
The university is also in the process of establishing a game park.
“Crucially, we have since secured the licencing for the MSUAS Game Park from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). A request has since been submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife, through our parent ministry, for the provision of animals to stock the game park.
“This initiative will, not only support our educational programme, but also promote tourism and hospitality activities in our region,” said Professor Chawanda.
