Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) last week recorded a clean sweep of all positions, including the presidency, at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) elections.
The elections, that were held last Thursday, saw Zicosu member, Mr Russel Mashinya, being elected as the SRC president and all the 13 members of his cabinet are also from the student representative body.
In his inaugural address, the president-elect stated that the new leadership’s mandate is perfectly timed to meet the country’s current aspirations.
“I am deeply honoured and overwhelmingly grateful for the trust the students have placed in me to serve as their SRC president, alongside a dedicated team of 13 members, all from ZICOSU.”
“Having previously served in leadership since birth right up to the tertiary level, my focus was and remains crystal clear: to drive youth development through innovation, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.”
“This is not a moment of chance, but the rightful season for this kind of progressive leadership. Our mandate, focused on growth, empowerment, innovation, and development, is perfectly timed, as it is in absolute harmony with the national agenda.”
Mr Mashinya declared his readiness to champion the student body’s interests in this transformative period.
“I stand ready, today, to serve as the voice of the students in this new era and new vision for our university. My leadership will be defined by an unwavering dedication to ensuring that the energy, brilliance, and concerns of every NUST student are the driving force behind our collective progress.”
Acknowledging the national leadership, the president expressed gratitude for the Government’s investment in youth and infrastructure.
“We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the Government for clearly demonstrating major support in ensuring the youth are prioritised and empowered,” he added.
“This commitment is championed by our Visionary Leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa.”
He said it is through this continuous, deliberate support from the Government—through its vital programs, innovations, empowerment initiatives, and steadfast focus on infrastructural development—that NUST will unquestionably rise to new heights.
“We are witnessing a national renaissance. Just as we see massive, self-funded infrastructural development all around Zimbabwe, so too will NUST benefit and thrive. This is the solid platform for our growth,” added Mr Mashinya.”
“This dedicated support has led to significant improvements across the nation, ensuring inclusive growth and development so that no one and no place is left behind, especially in Science, Technology, and Innovation—the very heart of NUST.”
He said, under his presidency, NUST will be the leading voice and active partner in this national transformation.
“We will create an environment where every student is empowered, innovative ideas are funded, and our academic pursuit directly contributes to making Zimbabwe a prosperous upper-middle-income nation by 2030.
“We will rise together, leveraging this national momentum. Together, let us rise to this.”
Mashinya (20) is the youngest SRC president in Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions and the first ever second-year SRC president at NUST.
