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Bulawayo Bureau
THE government of India last week handed over equipment worth millions of dollars to the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in concerted efforts by both nations, under the Indo-Zim Phase II programme, to monetise and boost the production of goods and services in the country through technological advancements.
Part of the machinery donated to the Bulawayo Technology Centre housed at Nust include tool and dye making, metal fabrication, plastic moulding, food processing and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines.
India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Vijay Khanduja, who was present at the ceremony held yesterday at the university, said the donation was an indication of his country’s commitment to the development of Zimbabwe.
He said India holds ties with Zimbabwe that date as far back as the Independence struggle.
“The fraternal ties between India and Zimbabwe go back to Munhumutapa’s times, of which we have written records when businesses traded in textiles, metals and minerals, as also when there were educational exchanges. The name Prince Dom Miguel remains etched in the annals of Indian and Zimbabwean history. He had travelled to India in the 17th century to study in Goa and there is an inscribed pillar in tribute to his intellectual stature,” said Ambassador Khanduja.
He said his Government has strengthened educational exchanges in more ways than one, saying that an estimated 3 000 students are studying in India.
“This year the Government of Zimbabwe has provided Presidential scholarships to more than 250 students to study in India. The Indian government provides over 250 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes to Zimbabwean nationals,” said Ambassador Khanduja.
He said the educational relationship between the two nations is sturdy and that it seeks to empower Zimbabwe’s education sector with space technology.
“India has sent missions to Mars and the moon. The Mars orbiter mission project cost was less than that of making the movie Gravity, at less than US$75 million. Chandrayaan III landed on the South side of the moon in August this year, a first in itself. Just two days ago the Chandrayaan 3 propulsion module returned back to earth’s orbit from the moon. India holds a record of sending the most number of satellites in space, when in February 2017 we sent 104 satellites in a single rocket,” said Ambassador Khanduja.
He said while India was making great strides in development, the collaboration between Zimbabwe and India will bear many fruits.
“…We certainly can collaborate in education, technology, youth empowerment, health, infrastructure, energy skills training and now with our achievements in the space sector, dare I say that sky’s the limit to India and Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Khanduja.
Speaking at the same event the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira who was represented by his deputy Cde Simelisizwe Sibanda, said the machines will go a long way in the training extended to lectures, technicians, artisans and students under the Indo-Zim projects.
Prof Murwira said the continued support from the Indian Government to the Higher and Tertiary Education sector of Zimbabwe is an enabler to Heritage Based Education 5.0, specifically the pillar on Physical and Digital Infrastructure.
“Through Heritage Based Education 5.0, our education now focuses on the production of goods and services. We are now making things that are required by our people for the industrialisation and modernisation of our nation. This equipment and training we have received shall contribute to the development of capabilities we require for the production of goods and services that satisfy the needs of our people,” said Prof Murwira.
He said the donation also amalgamates President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“There are eight centres across the country that are benefiting from the Indo-Zim Phase II programme. The machines installed at these centres are for Tool and Die Making, Metal Fabrication, Plastic Moulding, Food Processing and some are Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines,” said Prof Murwira.
He said the Indo-Zim programme, provides Zimbabwe with the capabilities to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Prof Murwira said the programme is happening at an opportune time when Zimbabwe is reconfiguring its Higher and Tertiary Education System to enable the production of goods and services to complement efforts in attaining Vision 2030.
“The equipment and machinery provide the means to produce goods and services for the industrialisation and modernisation of our nation. We aim to develop human capital that is fit for purpose with an ability to transform knowledge into goods and services. Correct education by nature must lead to industrialisation and modernisation through the production of goods and services. The Second Republic led by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, is committed to strengthening the cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of Zimbabwe for the mutual benefit of fulfilling the needs of our people,” said Prof Murwira.
Online Reporter