Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
GWANDA State University (GSU) has been challenged to position itself as a key driver of economic growth in Matabeleland South by producing skilled professionals and developing innovations that respond to the province’s needs.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the university should harness the province’s economic potential, particularly in engineering, agriculture and innovation, to support industrialisation and improve livelihoods.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Matabeleland South
Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko, at the university’s inaugural stakeholder engagement meeting, Minister Nguluvhe said the institution had a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the province’s development. He said the establishment of GSU had brought higher and tertiary education closer to communities in
Matabeleland South, providing a foundation for inclusive development and the devolution of educational opportunities.
“As we look ahead, our forecast for GSU in Matabeleland South is both bold and transformative, because we envision GSU becoming a premier, leading centre for engineering, agriculture and innovation, capitalising on the unique strengths and economic pillars of our province,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“The university will actively contribute to local economic growth and robust human capital development across Matabeleland South. GSU is set to fully develop its main campus in Gwanda Town while aggressively expanding its academic programmes to every corner of the nation.”
Minister Nguluvhe said the university should go beyond theoretical learning and use the national Education 5.0 philosophy to translate research and classroom ideas into practical products, services and enterprises that address local challenges.
Education 5.0 places emphasis on teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation.
“Gwanda State University was born right here in Matabeleland South Province through an Act of Parliament as a direct and deliberate effort to increase access to higher and tertiary education for our communities,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“For a long time, our students travelled long distances to seek higher learning in some parts of the country and beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. The establishment of GSU brought quality education directly to our doorstep, laying the foundation for true devolution and inclusive development.”
The minister called for concerted efforts among the university, industry, Government and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and increase the institution’s visibility and influence in the region.
Minister Nguluvhe said GSU should respond to stakeholder expectations by offering practical academic programmes and community engagement initiatives that directly improve livelihoods.
In her remarks, Mrs Dlamini-Maseko urged the university to strengthen skills development and innovation to accelerate economic growth in the province.
She said the availability of skilled manpower was critical to the growth of local industries, mines and agricultural enterprises.
“We want economic development in our province. We want skilled manpower. We want to see GSU becoming a leading centre for engineering, agriculture and innovation, leveraging the province’s economic strengths.
“There is a need to improve the availability of skilled manpower, ensuring our local industries, mines and farms are driven by highly competent, home-grown experts,” she said.
Mrs Dlamini-Maseko said the stakeholder engagement meeting was intended to gather views and recommendations to ensure the university’s strategic direction reflected the needs of the communities it serves.
“The primary goal of today’s meeting is to gather your invaluable views, opinions, and concrete recommendations as GSU stakeholders to ensure the institution’s strategic direction aligns perfectly with the people it serves,” she said.
The meeting was attended by representatives from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and other sectors to explore partnerships that could strengthen the university’s programmes, improve livelihoods and increase the supply of skilled professionals.
