Midlands State University hosted Gweru City Council on the 7th of June 2021 for a round table meeting that was aimed at further strengthening cooperation in line with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was signed between the University and the City authority on the 6th of December 2018.
The meeting, which was held at the University’s Gweru Main Campus was organized under the auspices of the University’s recently established Centre for Public Policy and Devolution, with the Centre’s coordinator Mrs V Makanza as the moderator.
Guided by the provisions of the MOA both parties agreed to come up with a budget and jointly raise funds to support their activities. A wide range of issues were discussed and it was agreed that Midlands State University would provide services to Gweru City Council when needed at discounted rates and vice versa.
Meeting participants further agreed to develop a plan of action that will assist Council in addressing strategic gaps as well as in its decision-making processes. Additionally, the University through the Centre for Public Policy and Devolution will provide mentorship and training to Council officials as part of efforts to help strengthen the capacity of Gweru City Council for effective governance and service delivery.
Gweru City Council in turn will facilitate for Midlands State University students to carry out research and provide resource persons and experts to deliver public lectures and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The delegation from Gweru City Council comprised Engineer P Mhlanga, Engineering Department, Ms B Chimedza, Roads Engineer, Mr S Sekenhamo, Director Health Services, Mr O Masimba, Deputy Director Finance, Mr Nhundu, Business Development, Ms E Shumba, ICT Manager and Ms V Chingwaramuse, Head Communications and Public Relations.