Online Reporter
Peter Matika
President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who also serves as Chancellor of all State Universities, will preside over the 30th graduation ceremony of the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo today.
The ceremony is being held at the Zimbabwe International Conference Centre.
Among the graduates are Saturday Chronicle editor Stanford Chiwanga, who is graduating with a Masters in Degree in Strategic Communication.
He will also receive a NUST book prize for being the second-best-graduating student in project planning, management, and evaluation.
Chronicle sports writer Brandon Moyo is graduating with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies. He is set to receive the Alpha Media Holding’s floating trophy for best-graduating news writer.
The event marks a significant milestone for the university and its graduates as they celebrate their academic achievements.
President Mnangagwa arrives in Bulawayo
Online Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has arrived at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where he was welcomed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Lovemore Matuke, Bulawayo Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Paul Nyoni, service chiefs, Zanu PF chairman for Bulawayo Province, Cde Jabulani Sibanda and members of the Politburo.
Among the welcoming party is one of the 3 201 Nust graduates, Cde Archie Chiponda, who is the Zanu PF Bulawayo Province spokesperson.
The President is in the city for the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) 30th graduation ceremony which will be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
He will also commission the Bulawayo Students Accommodation Complex and the late Professor Phineas Makhurane Technovation Centre at the NUST complex.
Students Accommodation City Complex to be unveiled
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Bulawayo Students Accommodation City Complex where he is expected to commission it.
Present at the commissioning ceremony are Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Dr Frederick Shava.
Officials from the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, Public Service Commission, Bulawayo City Council Mayor, Councillor David Coltart and Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube, among other dignitaries, are also in attendance.
Upon arrival, the President toured the complex which has 516 rooms, with two students sharing one room. At full capacity, it will accommodate 1032 students.
The facility started accommodating students from across tertiary institutions in July last year, with those from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in the majority.
Construction costs are estimated at US$18,5 million.
Government, through the PSC’s Public Service Pension Fund, is a co-investor in the project alongside Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, the Old Mutual Local Pension Fund Syndicate, IDBZ, Motor Industry Pension Fund and the Zimnat Nominees.
The concept is expected to be replicated in areas that have universities, with Lupane expected to be the second beneficiary of such a facility.
The Bulawayo Students Accommodation City Complex is expected to generate income for the private sector as it has 33 commercial units, including a food court, a bank, grocery shops, and a pharmacy, among other things.
It is equipped with closed circuit television and biometric entrance to enhance the security of the students occupying the facility.
Professor Ncube commends private sector for partnering Government
Online Writer
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has commended the private sector for partnering Government in constructing the Bulawayo Students Accommodation City complex.
Professor Ncube said quality education goes hand in hand with good accommodation.
He said 60 percent of occupants at the complex are female students, while 40 percent are male.
He noted that 60 percent of students are from the National University of Science and Technology.
“I plead with the private sector to replicate the facility at other tertiary institutions.”
President Mnangagwa hails Government, private-sector partnerships
Nqobile Bhebhe
President Mnangagwa has said the Bulawayo Students Accommodation City complex that matches global standards is an example of collaboration between the Government and private sector.
He was speaking at the official commissioning of the students’ complex today.
“This Bulawayo Students Accommodation City is a symbol of the success of smart partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders,” said President Mnangagwa.
“These remain an essential partway to the growth and modernisation of our nation.”
He noted that the project is a clear demonstration of the country’s dedication to infrastructure development and local stewardship.
“It is a Zimbabwean project for Zimbabwean people, developed and funded by Zimbabwean institutions and entities,” he said.
“This approach fosters national pride as all citizens take ownership and benefit from our ongoing irreversible national development trajectory.”
The complex has 516 rooms, with two students sharing one room. At full capacity, it will accommodate 1 032 students.
The facility started accommodating students from across tertiary institutions in July last year, with those from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in the majority.
Construction costs are estimated at US$18,5 million.
Government, through the PSC’s Public Service Pension Fund, is a co-investor in the project alongside Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, the Old Mutual Local Pension Fund Syndicate, IDBZ, Motor Industry Pension Fund and the Zimnat Nominees.
The concept is expected to be replicated in areas that have universities, with Lupane expected to be the second beneficiary of such a facility.
The Bulawayo Students Accommodation City Complex is expected to generate income for the private sector as it has 33 commercial units, including a food court, a bank, grocery shops, and a pharmacy, among other things.
It is equipped with closed circuit television and biometric entrance to enhance the security of the students occupying the facility.
Professor Phineas Mogorosi Makhurane Technovation Centre commissioned
Nqobile Bhebhe
President Mnangagwa has commissioned the state-of-the-art Professor Phineas Mogorosi Makhurane Technovation Centre at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a ceremony that was attended by members of the Makhurare family, the President expressed satisfaction with the innovations at the institution.
Independent contractors took 15 years to reach 60 percent completion, before abandoning the project
However, with financial support from the Government and guidance from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, NUST adopted a new model that has seen it taking over all construction projects.
