Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
THE Government has called for greater collaboration in advancing Heritage-Based Education 5.0, emphasising its role in fostering socio-economic transformation, innovation and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the inauguration of Professor Khumbulani Mpofu as Solusi University’s fourth Vice-Chancellor last Thursday, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava, highlighted the need to align education with national development goals.
“The heritage-based education initiative, championed by President Mnangagwa, is a revolutionary approach that positions education as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation through innovation and industrialisation, aligning with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030,” he said.
“I urge Solusi University to embrace Education 5.0, particularly in commercialisation, in line with President Mnangagwa’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Commercialisation.'”
The minister also stressed the importance of Solusi University creating innovation hubs and collaborating with other tertiary institutions to bring Heritage-Based Education 5.0 to life.
Dr Shava commended the university’s contribution to the country’s education sector, having pioneered Africa’s first Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning.
“Solusi University holds a special place in the history of education, not only in Zimbabwe but across Africa. It has been a beacon of excellence, faith and service for generations,” he said.
Dr Shava also acknowledged the vital contribution of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church to education in Zimbabwe and beyond, highlighting its extensive global network of over 200 universities and colleges, along with 10 000 primary and secondary schools.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to holistic education,” he said.
Dr Shava noted that graduates from Adventist-run institutions are not only academically competent but also morally upright, disciplined and dedicated to serving humanity.
“Many of our nation’s leaders, professionals, and community builders are products of this holistic educational system,” he said.
The minister congratulated Professor Mpofu on his new role, commending his impressive academic achievements.
The Vice-Chancellor succeeded Professor Ephraim Gwebu, who has since retired.
“I want to say congratulations to the new Vice-Chancellor of Solusi University, Professor Khumbulani Mpofu. Makorokoto! Amhlophe! This institution, historic as it is, could not have wished for a more seasoned Vice-Chancellor than the one we have today,” Dr Shava said.
Professor Mpofu’s remarkable credentials include over 17 awards, more than 90 publications, nine patents and the supervision of 11 PhD students to the level of professors.
Dr Shava stated that, given Professor Mpofu’s expertise in engineering, he was confident that he would make significant strides in embracing Education 5.0.
The event took place during a week-long Regional Education Convention at Solusi University, which ran under the theme “Educating for Mission.”
Among those who attended were church leaders and heads of SDA educational institutions from across Africa, as well as from other parts of the world, including Russia.
In an interview shortly after his inauguration, Professor Mpofu outlined his vision for Solusi University, emphasising the institution’s commitment to holistic, faith-based and hands-on education.
“We are raising US$130 million as the global Seventh-Day Adventist community for the recapitalisation of Solusi University. We are reviving the heritage of this institution while introducing new faculties such as the Schools of Medicine and Law,” he said.
Professor Mpofu stated that hands-on education, grounded in faith, will be a priority at Solusi University.
“Given the institution’s historical roots in trade, we are determined to foster a faith-based education that touches the heart, the mind and the hands. We are committed to leading an education system that is effective for students’ future lives,” he said.
Professor Mpofu expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the Government, the university and the SDA Church would shape a brighter, more innovative future for education in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Online Reporter