Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava has commissioned 17 new council members for Marondera and Great Zimbabwe universities, assigning them to transform the institutions into engines of national development.
At a signing ceremony on Wednesday, Amb Shava outlined a comprehensive mandate for the new council members, saying their role “transcends ceremonial oversight” and requires active stewardship aligned with the Government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model.
“The Second Republic under the stewardship of His Excellency, Dr ED Mnangagwa, declared universities as engines of innovation and drivers of industrialisation,” Amb Shava said.
“In this regard, your stewardship must reflect national priorities.”
The minister detailed specific expectations for the councils, including exercising fiduciary duty with prudence, ensuring compliance with governing statutes and upholding ethical leadership.
He emphasised the need for councils to champion innovation and industrialisation by fostering research commercialisation and industry linkages.
“Your leadership should drive the university’s contribution to innovation and industrialisation,” Min Shava said, urging councils to ensure universities “show more visibility of their products by flooding the market and opening big shops”.
The governance framework for the universities rests on several key statutes, including the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Manpower Planning and Development Act, and the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education Act.
Amb Shava highlighted that the amendment of the State Universities Statutes Act (2022) harmonised university governance structures with the national education policy.
Mr Farai Karonga, Dr Matthews Kunaka, Ms Emillia Mabika, Professor Rudo Irene Makunike Mutasa, Mr Phinias Manwa, Professor Mandivamba Rukuni, Mr Jonathan Rushwaya, Professor Enos Shumba and Ms Susan Dimbi, Ms Natsai Shoko and Ms Siphathisiwe Mguni Maisiri were appointed to the Great Zimbabwe University Council.
Marondera University saw Ms Tsitsi Enyonam Dzvukamanja, Ms Hilda Tsitsi Kabangure, Mr Nyasha Phillip Mafukidze, Engineer Lovemore Magombo, Ms Marjorie Munyonga, Ms Rufaro Chipiwa Matowanyika Nemaunga, Ms Samantha Pherloon Nhende, Engineer Tapfumanei Pedzisai, Professor Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona being appointed to the council.
