Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) had the privilege of hosting the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Minister of Health and Child Care, the Honourable Rtd. General Dr. C.D.G.N Chiwenga on 18th March 2021.
Hon. Rtd. Gen. Dr. Chiwenga who was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, government officials and University management toured various University projects including the University’s Optometry Clinic, Sanitisers and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) production plants, the Goat Genetics and Artificial Insemination project and the Innovation Hub Construction works.
Addressing guests at the occasion, the Vice President said that his visit to BUSE was a result of a special request made by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. “I must from the onset highlight that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Dr. E.D Mnangagwa is elated with these projects. It is at his behest that I am here today,” he said.
Commenting on the various University projects that he toured, Hon. Dr. Chiwenga said that he was impressed with the innovations that were taking place at the University and, that the projects marked a significant milestone in the development of not only Mashonaland Central Province but Zimbabwe as a whole.
“I am particularly pleased that the projects all speak to the “Health of the Nation” which is in line with the country’s 2030 vision,” he said, commending the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eddie Mwenje and his team for their enormous contribution to the quality of health services that these projects were bringing to the nation.
The Hon. Vice President also applauded the Honourable Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Dr. Amon Murwira and his team for providing the much needed support as well as shepherding BUSE and other institutions of higher learning towards the feats that he witnessed during his tour.
Commenting on the University’s Sanitisers and Personal Protective Equipment production facilities, the Hon. Vice President said BUSE’s intervention in this area has been remarkably impressive.
“As Government, we cherish the support by our higher and tertiary education institutions as they partner us in the fight against this dreaded COVID-19 predicament that has the potential to wipe out whole nations,” said the Hon Vice President.
For the Goat Genetics and Artificial insemination project, Hon. Dr. Chiwenga said he was amazed by the tremendous inroads that the University has made in an effort to alleviate poverty among communities by enabling them to realise cash returns and improve their household nutritional status through the project. He added that the project demonstrated the importance of research that does not end in laboratories, but goes beyond, to help support the development of the country’s livestock sector.
“The venture is well placed to assist in providing affordable nutrition as well as being an important enabler in the implementation of the Presidential Livestock Inputs Support Programme and Recovery. Its potential contribution to the attainment of Vision 2030 is remarkable,” said Dr. Chiwenga.
He said what impressed him most about the University Goat Genetics and Artificial Insemination project was the fact that the University planned to expand the project into a commercial enterprise that should see the institution raking in substantial revenue through the sale of goat meat and related products to such thriving and lucrative global markets as the Middle East.
The Hon Vice President also spoke at length about the construction of the University Innovation Hub whose completion he said would see the University setting up a natural products discovery laboratory. He was very impressed with the fact that the University had already filed a total of five patents of natural products drugs. “For us in the Health sector, we look forward with eager anticipation to the realisation of these plans as you will no doubt collaborate with industry and commerce to grow to greater heights,” he said.
Also present at the occasion was the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon Professor Dr. Amon Murwira and the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Senator Monicah Mavhunga who gave some welcome remarks whilst the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira gave a vote of thanks.
The occasion was also graced by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and Senate, Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development officials, Mashonaland Central Provincial Heads and University staff.
