Matopo university to enrol first students in August

THE University of Matopo is set to enrol its first cohort of students in August, operating from three campuses located at Brethren in Christ Church (BICC)-run boarding school premises in Matabeleland South.

The university will specialise in dryland studies, addressing climate change and ecological challenges affecting the region, while also offering mining-related studies due to its strategic location in the gold-rich Insiza District.

The institution’s three campuses will be situated in Matopo (Matobo District), Mtshabezi (Gwanda District), and Wanezi (Insiza District) Missions.

These sites, which already host boarding schools run by BICC, will be repurposed to accommodate university students.

The Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (ZIMCHE) provisionally approved the establishment of the University of Matopo last month, granting it 12 months to meet licensing requirements before being awarded a full operational licence.

The university project was conceptualised in 2000 but faced financial hurdles that delayed its launch for 24 years. However, its board is now confident that the prevailing economic environment is conducive to its successful roll-out.

University of Matopo Trust chairman, Professor Henry Sibanda, said despite the 12-month provisional period, the institution is determined to commence operations in August. The university will prioritise the development of teaching and learning infrastructure.

“They have given us permission to commence operations while we continue to develop our physical infrastructure. We will start with the facilities we already have, including our Bible Institute at Mtshabezi Mission, which we are renovating,” said Prof Sibanda.

“We are going to have three campuses located in Matabeleland South, one in Matopo, another in Mtshabezi and the third one will be in Wanezi.”

Prof Sibanda said Mtshabezi will house the Faculty of Education, while Matopo will be the centre for the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Law and graduate studies.

Wanezi campus will house the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Mining.

Prof Sibanda emphasised that although the university will have niche areas of study, its qualifications will meet national higher education standards.

“ZIMCHE has developed a minimum body of knowledge to ensure uniformity across institutions. This means a degree in computer science from the University of Matopo will be equivalent to one from the University of Zimbabwe or Midlands State University,” he explained.

ZIMCHE regulates 80 percent of all degree programmes across the country to maintain standardised academic excellence, ensuring graduates are competitive in the job market.

BICC has played a pivotal role in establishing the university, with church members actively contributing funds for its development. An endowment fund has been set up to finance the university’s expansion while leveraging commercial ventures based on existing resources.

Prof Sibanda said they have submitted a strategic financial plan to ZIMCHE, outlining both short-term and long-term sustainability strategies. He said their long-term approach involves endowments, with any extra funds generated being reinvested into the endowment fund.

In addition to agro-based activities at Matopo and Mtshabezi, the university has applied for a mining claim in Insiza District to capitalise on the region’s mineral wealth.

“There is already mining happening on our land, and we realised that instead of others benefiting, we should also secure claims for the university. We have officially paid for one mining claim, and while we educate, we will also mine. This presents an opportunity to generate revenue and support the university’s financial needs,” said Prof Sibanda.

He further highlighted the significance of the ongoing development of Old Gwanda Road, which passes through the university’s Matopo and Mtshabezi campuses, saying it will be a major boost for the university.

“We will benefit from the construction of the Old Gwanda Road. It will improve connectivity between the campuses and attract more traffic to the area, benefiting both students and staff,” said Prof Sibanda. He said the university will be modelled around Chinhoyi State University.

The University of Matopo’s launch marks a significant milestone in expanding higher education opportunities in Matabeleland South, particularly in specialised fields aligned with the region’s economic and environmental challenges. —@nqotshili