Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe has vowed to place the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) at the heart of his duties, describing the institution as a strategic pillar in the achievement of national mining sector targets and economic transformation.
Speaking during his first engagement with the mining learning institution’s leadership in Bulawayo today, Dr Wushe pledged unwavering support for ZSM, saying the school plays a critical role in producing the skilled human capital needed to drive the country’s mining industry.
He said the mining sector has a key role to play in the attainment of Vision 2030 and the country’s aspiration to become an upper-middle-income economy.
“I have a promise to make, my promise to you is that I will be your bridge for this school and the policy driver, the President.
“So all those issues that have been raised, through the Minister of Mines, we are going to find ourselves seating in Cabinet every Tuesday, your cases will be there and your stories.
“If you are the fire in the mining industry and your are developing the nation.
“We are not going to disappoint the nation. We are going to make sure that the nation feels the warmth, economically. No one will be left behind, no place should be left behind, everyone should feel the warmth,” he said.
Dr Wushe said his visit to the institution was an opportunity to learn more about its operations and challenges as he begins his tenure as Permanent Secretary.
“Coming here today as your new permanent secretary, I am committed to working together.
“I have come here to learn,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also challenged the school to begin preparations for massive centenary celebrations, saying the milestone should be commemorated in a manner befitting an institution that has shaped Zimbabwe’s mining industry for a century.
Dr Wushe said the celebrations should showcase the school’s legacy, achievements and impact on thousands of graduates who have contributed to the growth of the mining sector locally, regionally and beyond.
“I hear this School was formed in 1926, so we are celebrating 100 years, it must be celebrated.
“I want to ask the board to start preparing today for a mega celebration.
“You must aim high. We want to see how many people have been empowered by this school.”
Established in 1926, the Zimbabwe School of Mines has grown into one of the leading mining training institutions in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), producing highly skilled mining professionals who are sought after across the region and internationally.
The institution plays a strategic role in supporting the growth of Zimbabwe’s mining industry by providing specialised training in mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, mine surveying and gemstone processing
His call for grand centenary commemorations reflects Government’s recognition of the Zimbabwe School of Mines as a key institution in skills development and the country’s quest to build a modern, competitive and sustainable mining sector.
Dr Wushe’s remarks underscore Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support mining sector growth, with the Zimbabwe School of Mines remaining one of the country’s leading centres for mining education and skills development.
