Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
SOLUSI Mission, which started as a college before it was later upgraded to a university, has celebrated 130 years of existence with its Vice-Chancellor Professor Khumbulani Mpofu appealing to stakeholders to chip in with funds for the rehabilitation of the university campus.
Speaking during a recent Zoom webinar during the commemorations of the institution’s 130 years, Prof Mpofu said they were on a global fundraising campaign dubbed “13 Weeks of Prayer and Fasting to raise US$130 million.”
He said the initiative aims to revive, recapitalise and rebuild Solusi University. Solusi was established in 1894 by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the then Southern Rhodesia.
Initially known as Solusi Mission, it began as a centre to educate African students on Christian principles and practical skills. Over the decades it grew into a fully-fledged university.
Today, Solusi University continues to uphold its founding principles of academic excellence and Christian values, making significant contributions to education and community development in the region.
During the meeting, Prof Mpofu praised the global community for their significant contribution towards raising US$130 million, saying it is crucial for the successful recapitalisation of the institution.
“This is a direct contribution to God’s work. It’s a specific effort to call people to eternity. We are starting by recapitalising to rebuild our mission. Currently, in our 9th week of prayer and fasting, we aim to raise the target amount that would provide Solusi a million dollars for every year,” he said.
“We trust in the God that we serve that we will achieve our aim as the global Adventist community, which has over 20 million members. We as Solusi are the mother of missions for the entire world. We are well known for being the mother of missions, and wherever you go, people can relate to Solusi.”
Prof Mpofu said they were working towards transforming the university into a smart campus. “We want to maximise water supply efficiency, establish a medical centre and a school of engineering. We also want to revitalise the university’s agriculture sector through the new administration,” said Prof Mpofu.
Solusi University Chancellor and president for the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s Zimbabwe West Union Conference, Dr Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, said Solusi was born out of the sacrificial work of the pioneers of the institution.
“The history of Solusi is steeped in missionaries who arrived in Bulawayo many years ago dedicated to spreading the word of God. Numerous pioneers passed through Solusi, significantly contributing to its enduring mission,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu said the missionaries accomplished remarkable feats.
“Today, we hold the reins, tasked with upholding the honourable legacy of the mission. It is our mandate to leave a permanent mark that preserves the mission’s essence throughout our tenure,” he said.
“While their focus was primarily on missionary work and evangelism, our focus now shifts towards future-oriented development. As the saying goes, ‘to move a mountain, begin by moving stones.’ Thus, I propose that our initial steps mark the beginning of this monumental task.”
SDA Church’s Zimbabwe East Union Conference’s chief financial officer, Mr Simbarashe Muzamhindo, who was among the panellists during the meeting, said: “The revival of the Solusi Mission demands unity of purpose and co-operative spirit.”
Online Reporter