Students turn entrepreneurs

GWERU Polytechnic has emerged as a leader in technical and vocational education in Zimbabwe, aligning all its training with the Education 5.0 philosophy championed by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.

Over the past three years, the institution has pioneered ground-breaking innovations, community development projects and industrial solutions that bridge the gap between academia and real-world challenges.

Giving an overview of the Education 5.0 models undertaken at the college, Vice Principal Mr Fidelis Mushayi said that under the Integrated Skills Outreach Programme (ISEOP), Gweru Polytechnic has implemented three key projects during the period under review.

“Gweru Polytechnic undertook a significant community development project at Gomo St Barnabas Primary School in Chiwundura. This vital initiative involved the complete electrical tubing and wiring of two classroom blocks — a crucial step towards modernising the school’s infrastructure and enhancing the teaching and learning environment,” he said.

Mr Mushayi explained that the project included the installation of all necessary conduits and wiring systems, ensuring the classroom blocks would be safely and efficiently supplied with electricity.

Under the student-led consortium, he said an “Auto-Savvy and General Solutions Company” was established last year as part of the college’s drive to train students to become employers upon completing their qualifications.

“This initiative was launched in 2024 by a group of seven innovative students from departments such as Auto-Electrics and Motor Mechanics at Gweru Polytechnic. The company is fully registered and offers services including vehicle body repair, spray painting, panel beating, auto mechanics, auto-electrics and engine repair,” he said.

Mr Mushayi noted that revenue generated by the company is reinvested into the consortium, enabling the procurement of improved tools and helping finance the education of its founders, who are at present pursuing National Diploma studies.

In June 2022, Gweru Polytechnic also established the college-led “Clothing Factory Consortium”, which now produces all personal protective equipment and sports attire for students at the institution.

“It is now accepting students from other colleges for industrial attachment. The factory has embraced the work-for-fees concept, offering temporary employment to students from the clothing section to help them raise tuition fees,” he said.

The young factory at present employs 18 people, including seven students on attachment (six from Gweru Polytechnic and one from Harare Polytechnic), nine students enrolled in the innovative Work-for-Fees programme and three lecturers.

In terms of product development, Mr Mushayi highlighted a unique innovation from the Tourism and Hospitality Department: a new type of biscuit called the “Masekesa” biscuit and cookie.

“The department sought to explore the culinary potential of local flora, creating nutritious and distinctive food products that contribute to food security and economic diversification. This led to the production of Masekesa (Piliostigma thonningii) biscuits and cookies,” he said.

He added that both staff and students actively participated in the project, which strategically utilised Masekesa — an indigenous plant known for its nutritional properties and widespread availability in Zimbabwe.

By incorporating this local resource, the Polytechnic is not only promoting the use of sustainable and readily accessible ingredients but also demonstrating the potential for value addition to indigenous plants.

“This aligns with national efforts to leverage local biodiversity for economic benefit and improved livelihoods,” Mr Mushayi said.

To validate the nutritional claims and ensure consumer safety, the Masekesa biscuits were submitted to the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) for assessment. SAZ provided independent verification of the biscuits’ nutritional value, shelf-life and compliance with national food standards — paving the way for potential commercialisation and broader acceptance.

Mr Mushayi also highlighted another innovative product: the Rapoko (Finger Millet) and Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) cake, inspired by the Education 5.0 philosophy.

“By transforming this traditional staple into a popular baked cake, Gweru Polytechnic is not only encouraging its consumption but also adding significant value to indigenous crops,” he said.