Vusumuzi Dube
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) emerged victorious last week at the 2024 ENACTUS World Cup Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan, clinching the title after defeating Brazil in the final.
This annual global event, which took place from October 1 to 4, brought together innovative students from 33 countries to showcase their impactful projects.
Team Nust’s remarkable achievement not only earned them the prestigious ENACTUS World Cup Championships trophy but also highlighted the event’s theme, “Thrive,” which promotes an environment where social innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish and drive sustainable change worldwide.
Zimbabwe was represented by Nust, the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University and Bindura University of Science Education.
Nust director of communication and marketing Mr Thabani Mpofu said six Nust students scooped the top prize in the Early-Stage Competition.
“Their project was inspired by the National Clean-up Campaign. The students saw a business opportunity from plastic waste collected all over the country. The innovation that produces diesel from plastic waste, has the potential to empower the youth and communities through job creation and income generation.
“As Nust, we are excited that our students have fully embraced the Heritage-based Education 5.0 that challenges them to come up with innovations on local and global challenges. Through our Innovation Hub, the students will be supported to form a start-up company,” said Mr Mpofu.
Nust ENACTUS president, Mr Gershom Mhlanga was elated about the win.
“We would like to thank the University for the opportunity and support to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan to compete internationally against other universities. Our project converts plastic waste into fuel.
“We are working with communities to collect the plastic waste to conserve the environment. We are excited to bring home a trophy for the best international early-stage competitions,” said Mr Mhlanga.
Mr Mpofu said the win in Kazakhstan comes a few weeks after Nust scooped five prizes at the 2nd Presidential Innovators Fair 2024 held in Harare recently.
“This milestone comes on the heels of yet more achievements by Nust. The University won five awards at the prestigious Presidential Innovators Fair including being recognised as the 2nd Runner-up in the grand Presidential Award, 2nd Runner-up in the Best Innovating University category and clinching the Best Young/Early Career Innovators Award.
“This year, Nust will be graduating the first cohort of the Heritage-based Education 5.0. These are innovative graduates who are not just looking for employment but are armed with knowledge and skills to use local resources to produce goods and services,” added Mr Mpofu.
Nust was represented by Sylvester Tabete studying Civil and Water Engineering, Michelle Chada, Langalenkosi Ncube and Tinotenda Mutanga studying Industrial and Water Engineering and Thabani Dlamini doing Informatics.–@NyembeziMu
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter