In a significant step towards advancing community development, Midlands State University (MSU), through its Centre for Public Policy and Devolution (CPPD), signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Chikomba Rural District Council and the Gweru Residents Forum. The MoUs, signed on August 28, 2024, at the Gweru Main Campus, aim to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange to promote sustainable community development initiatives.
The MoUs came after a series of consultative meetings that sought to establish collaborative networks in key areas such as research and development, policy formulation, capacity building, service delivery, economic growth, and innovation.
In his welcome remarks to the two entities, the Pro-Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor Mcebisi Maphosa said that the MoUs come at an opportune time when the University is walking on the path of Education 5.0 which emphasises innovation towards community development.
“There is scope for collaboration between our entities in the area of local governance, given that you have the manpower in need of training,” said Professor Maphosa. “Your engagement with an academic institution like ours is fitting, as we have the expertise to collaborate with you.”
In the true spirit of collaboration, Professor Maphosa underscored the need for the MoUs to be mutually beneficial to all parties through leveraging on each other’s areas of strength.
Gweru Residents Forum Executive Director, Mr. Charles Mazorodze, expressed optimism about the MoU, stating that, “Given the capacity gaps within our organisation and the diverse communities we engage with daily, this collaboration with MSU, through CPPD, will significantly enhance the capabilities of the communities we serve.”
MoU signing ceremony between MSU-CPPD and Gweru Residents Forum
During the MoU signing ceremony, Chikomba Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bullen T. Chiwara emphasised that the collaboration represents a significant opportunity for enhancing local governance and service delivery. He highlighted that partnering with MSU will enable the council to leverage the university’s specialised knowledge and resources. In addition, he pointed out that this collaboration is anticipated to provide valuable insights and innovative approaches, leading to more effective and efficient public services for the community.
MoU signing ceremony between MSU-CPPD and Chikomba Rural District Council
The climax of the event was an awe-inspiring moment when the three parties signed the MoUs, formalising their commitment to collaboration and signalling the beginning of long-term partnerships. These MoUs are set to drive significant transformation within the communities by facilitating a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise.
In his vote of thanks, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Thomas Marambanyika, expressed a strong commitment to promptly and meticulously implementing the MoUs. He emphasised that MSU is dedicated to collaborating with like-minded organisations to advance community development through effective knowledge exchange.