In a move to bolster socio-economic development in the Midlands Province, Midlands State University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands on the 18th of February 2019 at the institution’s main campus in Gweru.
Addressing dignitaries who attended the MoU signing ceremony, the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Senator Larry Mavima acknowledged the University’s immense contribution to the local economies of Gweru, Zvishavane and the Midlands Province at large. He also underscored the urgent need for his office to work with the institution in driving economic growth through devolution in the province in line with the Government’s vision 2030 national agenda.
“The Province is mandated to develop a Provincial Economic Plan and Regional Investment Master Plan whose processes have already started and I urge MSU to spearhead enhancement of production and value addition in all sectors and stimulate various value chains like cotton, livestock, chrome, gold, Platinum Group of minerals amongst many others,” said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution,” Senator Mavima.
The MoU was inspired by the devolution thrust where central government transferred powers to local government to empower local people and communities to make decisions regarding their area and also to give Council more room to work effectively to improve public service delivery.
The Vice Chancellor of Midlands State University Professor Victor Muzvidziwa committed that Midlands State University is ready to join hands with all the partners and participate in the collaborative effort to develop the Midlands Province guided by the national agenda of attaining a middle-income economy by 2030.
“MSU will seek to work with partners identified by the Minister and the provincial leadership in attaining the national goals of mutual development through various initiatives, we are also committed to working with other partners in developing novel projects in the province and this MoU will strengthen our already flourishing relations as we contribute towards industrialization and modernization of country,” he said.
It is without doubt that Midlands State University will play a crucial role in collaborating with other provincial partners in the industrialization of the Midlands Province as it has already started pursuing industrialization through the recently established Incubation Hub. Plans are afoot to set up an industrial park which will enable the development of companies weaned from the hub.
The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries in the Midlands Province including the Mayor of the city of Gweru, Mr J Makombe, the Midlands Chairperson of War Veterans Association, Mrs V Mupasu, members of the provincial Joint Operation Command (JOC), provincial heads of departments, MSU principal officers and staff.