Online Reporter
Judith [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) has called on local engineers to continue playing a crucial role in spearheading national industrialisation and development for the attainment of Vision 2030.
Speaking at a ZIE and Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) engagement with Matabeleland Area at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) on Friday, ZIE chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Engineer Sanzan Diarra said local engineers serve as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s development.
“Engineering is the foundation of every economy around the world. It plays a vital role in national industrialisation and development by enabling infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, transportation systems, energy supply and technology.
“Local engineers continue to shape sustainable development at national level aligning Vision 2030 priorities. Their expertise play a crucial role in the country’s industrial, infrastructural and economic landscape,” he said.
He called on Matabeleland engineers and engineering students to become members of professional bodies such as ZIE to consolidate and strengthen the profession in ways that deliver sustainable, inclusive and transformative impact on society.
ECZ CEO, Dr Engineer Ben Rafemoyo called for professional compliance, ethical practice and legal frameworks.
He said there was absolute statutory necessity of registration and licensing with the council to preserve safety and global engineering standards.
“ECZ as a statutory body established by the Engineering Council Act regulates the engineering profession in the country. Our primary role is to register practitioners, uphold ethical standards, protect the public from unqualified “bogus” engineers and promote the overall development of the industry.”
NUST Executive Dean of Engineering, Dr Busiso Mthunzi highlighted NUST’s unwavering commitment to producing innovative, industry-ready graduates capable of solving real-world challenges.
Engineer Lookout Butho Ndlovu from the Bulawayo City Council (BCC)’s Engineering Services Department and ZIE Matabeleland Area Chapter chairman, unpacked how they were addressing current infrastructural and industrial challenges within Matabeleland, while calling for adoption of ongoing regional initiatives.
Event coordinator, Engineer Felix Mudhindi who serves as the NUST Civil and Water Engineering Department chairperson and a ZIE board member, said it was critical to establish a direct, active link between the lecture room, the regulatory board and heavy industry.
“Our main objective was to demystify the transition from being a student to becoming a registered, practicing professional. By bringing the apex leadership of both the ECZ and ZIE directly to Bulawayo, we provided our students and local engineers with first-hand clarity on professional compliance, global safety standards and the vast opportunities available right here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said such engagements are essential catalysts for driving the national Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, which champions the fusion of teaching, innovation and direct industrialisation to solve local and regional challenges.
Eng Mudhindi said the core theme that echoed throughout the engagement was the evolving and indispensable role of a modern engineer in driving sustainable development.
ZIE student chapter representative, Mr Michael Kumirai said there was need for vital support from the professional community to bridge the transition for graduates into the field.
The high-profile event drew hundreds of eager engineering students, seasoned industry professionals and key stakeholders from across the region, filling the venue to capacity and signalling a vibrant future for the local engineering ecosystem.
The dialogue highlighted that local engineers are no longer just builders, but key custodians of the country’s natural resources.
