Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THE Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) is targeting US$390 million to develop the proposed Matopo University in Matabeleland South Province, with plans to establish three campuses supported by income-generating projects.
The church will host a fundraising dinner at a Bulawayo hotel on Saturday, with proceeds expected to contribute towards construction and the development of the institution’s infrastructure.
The proposed university is expected to expand the church’s education and healthcare investments, which include 13 educational institutions, three hospitals, two clinics and a Bible institute.
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday, BICC spokesperson Reverend Joel Ndlovu said the church was appealing to the corporate sector, development partners, alumni and well-wishers to support the project.
“The total cost of this institution is projected to reach US$390 million. Of this, US$150 million will constitute the university infrastructure, with the remaining balance dedicated to income-generating projects that will form the core financing strategy of this university,” he said..
“The projects will include a solar power generation farm, agricultural projects and agro-industries as well as research and innovation institutions and centres, all aligned with the adoption of
Education 5.0. All this will be done based on the ethos and principles of Christian education of the BICC.”
The proposed university will have different faculties covering agriculture, mining and engineering, theology and philosophy, education, law, health sciences and medicine, natural resources and commerce.
The natural resources faculty is expected to place particular emphasis on wildlife conservation and climate change adaptation.
Rev Ndlovu said construction had already started and progress will depend partly on the mobilisation of resources. “Construction is underway and we are working to make sure that this vision becomes a reality. We have covered some ground and we are working with the Government,” he said.
The church is also seeking the renewal of the proposed university’s provisional charter, which was granted by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education in 2025 and expired at the beginning of this year.
The initiative adds to efforts by religious organisations in Zimbabwe to establish universities that combine academic training with their institutional values.
