The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Honourable Dr Jorum M. Gumbo, toured Midlands State University`s Incubation Hub and Industrial Park on the 23rd of July 2020 on a monitoring visit for the 100-day cycle priority projects.
In his remarks, Dr Gumbo marvelled at the rapid growth of the institution, which he attributed to a committed workforce. He was pleased by the projects currently being incubated in the Incubation Hub and commended the University for commercializing the hand sanitiser project, which has seen the University supplying several companies in the province and beyond.
“I am here to witness the successful implementation of the Incubation Hub despite the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid results approach that the University has adopted is yielding positive results and the Incubation Hub is heavily involved in the fight against the COVID-19 through the production of hand sanitiser. The hub should grow to a level of self-sustenance and I would like to thank Midlands State University for their commitment and support of government initiatives,’ said the Minister.
MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor N. Muzvidziwa expressed gratitude to Hon. Dr Gumbo for visiting the University among other institutions to monitor the progress of the government-funded projects. He applauded the government for its financial support and noted that it is through such support that the University can achieve its set objectives.
Professor Muzvidziwa highlighted some of the government-funded projects that have benefitted the University.
“We are privileged and grateful to have received tremendous financial support from the government for the construction of the Incubation Hub and a Laboratory, the refurbishment of a factory structure at our industrial park as well as the construction of a new factory shell. The factory shell is intended to commercialise the University’s research output. Additionally, the University received funding for setting up a sanitiser production plant and the Indigenous Fruits and Herbs Project.” He added that the establishment of the Industrial Park is in line with the Education 5.0 philosophy, which will see the Institution achieving its objectives and mandate.
The Vice-Chancellor also informed the visiting delegation that the government through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development has committed to funding research that has the potential for innovation. It is in this context that MSU has enrolled 14 postgraduate students who are all on full government scholarships and who are all researching on Zimbabwe’s indigenous fruits and herbs. The outcomes of the research are expected to impact medicine, pharmaceuticals and beverages production among other products.
Minister Gumbo was accompanied during the tour by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor V. N. Muzvidziwa, MSU Principal officers, the Chairperson of the Joint Operations Command, members of the Joint Operations Command (JOC), and several heads of government departments in the Province.