Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Zimpapers Writer
THE heritage-based Education 5.0 model is Zimbabwe’s strategic response to economic challenges and is designed to transform the education system into a driver of innovation, industrialisation and self-sustaining development, former Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda has said.
Delivering a public lecture at the Midlands State University (MSU)’s Tugwi Mukosi Multidisciplinary Research Institute recently, Dr Sibanda said Education 5.0 represents a “fundamental paradigm shift” anchored in practicality and the utilisation of local resources to solve national problems.
“The heritage-based Education 5.0 is the country’s strategic national response to economic challenges aimed at transforming the education system to drive innovation and industrialisation based on local resources,” he said.
“This philosophy aims to produce job creators and problem-solvers, shifting the nation towards an innovation-led, knowledge-driven economy.”
Dr Sibanda challenged universities to lead this transformation by fully utilising their Innovation Hubs and Industrial Parks to support community development and production.
Education 5.0 — built on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation — was adopted four years ago to reposition higher and tertiary education as a catalyst for national development.
Dr Sibanda said the model moves institutions away from producing job seekers and towards nurturing graduates who can develop solutions, create industries and contribute directly to economic growth.
He noted that in 2018, President Mnangagwa outlined a clear vision for a higher education sector capable of advancing national development through skills production, technological advancement and the creation of high-quality goods and services.
The public lecture, held under the theme “Leveraging Heritage-Based Education 5.0: A Pathway to Industrialisation and Youth Empowerment,” attracted university staff, students, business leaders and Government officials.
Midlands State University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Mcebisi Maphosa said MSU is already implementing the model through vibrant activities at its Innovation Hub and Industrial Park, where students are designing and manufacturing products that respond to community and industry needs.
“MSU is implementing the heritage-based 5.0 curriculum, which is a critical step towards driving industrialisation and fostering youth development in the country,” he said.
Tugwi Mukosi Institute Executive Director Professor Jephias Matunhu said the public lecture provoked “enriching discussions” and reaffirmed the necessity of an education system firmly rooted in practical application and industry relevance.
He said MSU remains committed to driving industrialisation, strengthening community engagement and fostering youth empowerment as central pillars of its mission.
