The Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) made history as the first state institution in Zimbabwe to launch an endowment fund, a landmark initiative designed to support financially vulnerable student athletes while driving research, innovation, and industrialisation.
The launch, held at a colourful dinner at Cresta Lodge Masasa in Harare, brought together government officials, corporate leaders, alumni, and the vibrant BUSE student body in a celebration of excellence and vision.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje described the endowment fund as a “financial war chest for the future,” designed to empower raw talent, accelerate breakthrough research, and build tomorrow’s infrastructure.
He emphasised that BUSE has evolved from a modest teacher-training college into a national powerhouse of technological innovation, citing pioneering projects such as Palpo Technologies’ smartphone and laptop assembly line, OpTech Lens Manufacturing, and agro-industrial innovations like Masawu-based juices and wines.
“We are not gathered here to simply witness the launching of a fund; we are here to ignite a revolution. This inaugural launch marks our definitive break from survival to unshakable generational self-reliance,” said Professor Mwenje.
Guest of Honour Mr. Lawrence Nyazema, Group CEO of CBZ Holdings, officially launched the fund and underscored its strategic importance.
He noted that the initiative is not just a financial donation but a strategic investment in the intellectual infrastructure of the nation, directly advancing the goals of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“Through this fund, we are building a continuous, self-sustaining financial engine for research and innovation. CBZ Holdings stands ready to anchor these targets through institutional backing and expert fund management,” he said.
The endowment fund has set a bold five-year target of USD 1 million, with annual milestones of USD 200,000. Impressively, more than USD 60,000 was raised during the launch dinner, marking a strong start toward achieving this vision.
Both speakers called on corporates, alumni, and industry leaders to embrace a culture of yearly giving and strategic partnerships, positioning the fund as a catalyst for sustainable futures.
The evening was not only a financial milestone but also a celebration of BUSE’s role as a trailblazer in higher education, innovation, and national development.
