Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Mazowe Veterinary College has received a fully equipped Clinical Skills Centre donated by the AWARE Trust and the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), in a development expected to strengthen veterinary training and boost livestock health services across Zimbabwe.
The facility, officially opened at Mazowe Veterinary College on Thursday, is expected to not only benefit Mashonaland Central Province but the entire livestock value chain through improved practical training for veterinary professionals.
Speaking at the official opening, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resource Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the donation comes at a critical time when livestock disease threats continue to pose risks to the region.
“I wish to place on record our sincere appreciation to the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) for their generous donation and their longstanding commitment to the welfare of working animals worldwide, and to our local partner AWARE Trust, for their active support in establishing practical training facilities for veterinary professionals in the country,” he said.
The project represents a total investment of US$12 760,17, covering renovation works worth US$8 953,29 and equipment, including a fridge, laptop and security enhancements, valued at US$3 807,88.
Prof Jiri said the donation was timely, given current regional animal health challenges.
“Right now, South Africa is grappling with the devastating impact of Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks, which have disrupted livestock movement, threatened regional trade, and severely affected many farming families,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government, I formally accept this donation. I further reaffirm the college’s commitment to fully integrate this facility into its training programmes and ensure its sustainable use and maintenance for generations to come.”
He said the Clinical Skills Centre would strengthen national disease surveillance and emergency response systems through practical skills development.
“Therefore, this donation is not merely an act of generosity. It is a timely, strategic intervention in our fight to protect the national herd and secure regional animal health,” said Prof Jiri.
He added that the facility marks a significant milestone for students enrolled in the Diploma in Animal Health and Production programme, as it will allow them to gain practical competencies in blood collection and smear preparation, bandaging and wound management, dosage calculations, antimicrobial stewardship and animal welfare assessment.
SPANA chief executive officer Ms Linda Edwards said the organisation remains committed to ensuring working animals are prioritised globally.
“We have not changed our mission; working animals remain at the heart of what we do. Hopefully, by having a name that firmly states what we do, we will be able to open more doors and have more conversations to ensure working animals are not overlooked and that they are truly on the agenda of policymakers, whether at the local, national or global level,” she said.
Ms Edwards said the Mazowe facility was unique.
“We have for many years been working with university colleges and veterinary students and have had the privilege of supporting clinical skills centres, but this is the first of its kind for us globally, and it starts here in Zimbabwe. You students, are the beginning of what I hope is an exceptionally exciting journey,” she said.
Mazowe Veterinary College principal Mr Maxwell Munyangani welcomed the donation, saying it closes a long-standing gap in practical veterinary training.
“Today, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Working Animals International and the diligent coordination of their local partner AWARE Trust, this Clinical Skills Centre becomes key in the delivery of our Diploma in Animal Health and Production programme. It transforms the way our students learn,” he said.
“They will no longer just read about blood smears or faecal examinations, they will perform them right here. They will be able to master wound management, dosage calculations and welfare assessments in a controlled and professional environment. We desire that by the time they graduate, they will be field-ready and able to support our rural communities.”
