LSU raises $20 000

Robin Muchetu Senior Reporter
VICE-President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday teed off with various stakeholders at a golf tournament held at Harry Allen golf course in Bulawayo to raise funds for Lupane State University (LSU). The university is fund-raising to buy computers as the institution is operating at a ratio of one workstation for 60 students.

LSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Pardon Kuipa said the event was meant to interact with stakeholders outside the formal environment as well to raise funds for the institution.

“We came here to have fun with our stakeholders because Government has been the sole sponsor of our expenditures but there are many universities that have come after us so the cake is too small to share therefore universities have to do something to raise funds from other sources,” said Prof Kuipa.

About $20 000 was raised at the event, with the amount set to go towards purchasing of the computers.

The recommended ratio from Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education is that one computer should be accessible to six students. Prof Kuipa said they intended to move to Lupane in May, and highlighted that they needed sporting facilities at the university campus.

“We are appealing to the corporate world for support in that area. We also need support in developing Lupane into a town as the university is growing. We want the outside world to invest in businesses in this area especially in accommodation for both students and staff as we are not yet fully developed,” he added.

The university will move two faculties in May and the Faculty of Commerce will remain in Bulawayo until the university can accommodate them on site. LSU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Nomathemba Ndiweni said the university has put together various fund-raising activities.

“We have put in place various activities throughout the year to assist the university. We will take advantage of ZITF and also the agricultural show to do this. We are doing these activities throughout the country, not in Bulawayo alone,” she said.

Recently, the university received a donation of 50 computers from Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo.