GZU, YaFM in partnership

Construction work at the multi-million-dollar Robert Mugabe School of Education is nearing completion at one of the Great Zimbabwe University campuses in the Masvingo Industrial area

Leroy Dzenga Southern Correspondent
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) and regional commercial radio station YaFM will conduct joint research and collaborate in their respective areas of expertise. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YaFM will provide a platform for media students from GZU to get hands-on training in radio production, among other subjects. GZU views this collaboration as an extra avenue they can pursue in their quest to produce resourceful graduates.

Speaking during the signing on ceremony, GZU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Andrew Chindanya said the university stood to benefit from the engagement.

“We acknowledge this MOU as a significant step to bridging the gap between lecture rooms and industry,” he said.

“I am confident that through this MOU, our students will emerge as polished graduates.”

Among the key derivatives expected from the agreement, research possibilities rank high.

“It is significant that we are strengthening our collaboration with YaFM,” Dr Chandanya said.

“Broadcasting industries rely on research and this is among our competences as a university.”

Through the deal, GZU will provide YaFM with talent from within their alumni, while the radio station will be equipping GZU students with requisite broadcasting industry exposure.

In an interview on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, GZU director of research and postgraduate studies Professor Pesanayi Gwirai said the agreed terms aptly represented the college’s values.

“The partnership means a lot to us as a university,” he said.

“One of our mandate areas include arts, culture and heritage studies. I believe a partnership of this nature will bring immeasurable gains as we maintain that identity.”

YaFM station manager Leslie Moyo said there was need to tap into raw talent found at tertiary institutions.

“We will continue to look for fresh talent and we will start our search at GZU,” he said.

“The MOU will also help us in terms of programme development.

“Throughout the world, students are at the forefront of new innovations and we want to get on the trend together with GZU.”