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Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Reporter
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, through institutions of higher learning seeks to deepen its collaboration with its counterpart ministry in South Africa as the two countries intensify areas of cooperation.
Speaking after meeting the South African ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mpakama Mbete, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo, said one of the initial collaborative projects the ministry would embark on was a study on the impact of sanctions on the economy.
Minister Moyo said this collaborative study will be conducted by the University of Zimbabwe in partnership with the University of Witwatersrand and or the University of Stellenbosch.
“This study will be of interest not only to Zimbabwe, but to the SADC region as a whole,” said Prof Moyo.
He said other collaborative projects in areas of emerging technologies and pharmacy were lined up on the initial projects.
Prof Moyo said the Minister of Science and Technology from South Africa was expected in the country in two weeks’ time to deliberate on these collaborative projects.
Minister Moyo said these collaborations were necessary because South Africa had the technology and resources in their institutions of higher learning while Zimbabwe had the human capital.
He said many Zimbabweans were also fleeing to study in South Africa to tap into these technological advancements in institutions of higher learning.
Speaking after meeting Prof Moyo, Mr Mbete said South Africa acknowledges the presence of many Zimbabweans studying in his country as well as other collaborative projects currently underway with different universities.
He said it was paramount for his embassy to build on these relationships to further strengthen the bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“I indicated the importance of building on these relationships and our facilitation role as an embassy to intensify these relationships for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” said Mr Mbete.
He said the collaboration between universities will also go a long way in transforming the curriculum of South African universities, which hinge on that of its former colonial masters.
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Godfrey Gandawa and Professor Charles Maponga from the University of Zimbabwe were also present in the meeting.
Africa has 14 universities that are ranked among the top in the world, six of which are South African.
Online Reporter