From 10-12 July 2024, the University of Venda (UNIVEN)’s Community Engagement Entrepreneur-ship Inclusive Innovation and Commercialization Department participated in the Bulawayo Poly-technic Research and Innovation Week that took place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Bulawayo Polytechnic Research and Innovation Week is a significant event that was held under the theme: Collaborate, Innovate, Industrialise: Practical Solutions for Sustainable Development. This theme, which underscores the crucial role of collaboration and innovation in industrialisation for sustainable development, was a key point of discussion throughout the research and inno-vation week. It also attracted local universities and learners from local primary and secondary schools. South Africa’s Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of Zululand, and Namibia’s Ongenga Technical College also participated in the Research and Innovation Week. The UNIVEN delegation’s visit helped to enhance the operationalisation of the MoU that the University of Venda signed with the Bulawayo Polytechnic in September 2023. The Bulawayo Polytechnic Research and Innovation started with the breakfast briefing hosted by the college and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development.
The Research and Innovation Week was officially opened by Mr Paul Nyoni, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Minister Judith Ncube. Mr Paul Nyoni, said there was a need for collaboration across all sectors of the economy for Zimbabwe to achieve the desired sustainable development. “In today’s interconnected world, the challenges we face, environmental, social, and economic, require bold and innovative solutions. At the heart of these lies the imperative to collaborate. Mr Nyoni concluded that collaboration is crucial among governments or businesses and all stakeholders, including academia, NGOs, SMMEs, communities, and individuals. Through collaborative efforts, we can harness collective wisdom and resources to tackle complex issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni and the University of Venda, Professor Netshandama said that UNIVEN had to be part of the Research and Innovation Week because the theme resonates with the strategy of positioning UNIVEN for relevance and impact. She emphasised the importance of involving the communities our universities serve in measuring and defining the impact. Prof Netshandama appreciated recognising the Indigenous Knowledge System through the Heritage Based Education 5.0 adopted by the Zimbabwean Institutions of Higher Learning. Professor Netshandama urged Institutions to push for inclusive industrialisation that benefits society so that Industries do not oppress the people. She added that the University of Venda had two deliberate niche areas, Indigenous Knowledge System and Heritage and Biodiversity One Health, aimed to redress and show the connection between man and the biosphere.
Left picture: Prof Vhonani Netshandama giving remarks from UNIVEN Professor Netshandama also had the opportunity to speak to Yolanda from the Zimbabwean Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) on the second day of the Bulawayo Polytechnic Research and Innovation Week. In an interview with ZBC, Prof Netshandama said that we need an integrated approach between disciplines and faculties, communities, and industry for innovation to thrive and ensure that it is sustainable to develop the country and region.
She expressed her excitement about being part of the event, highlighting the challenges experienced by Zimbabwe and South Africa and all institutions present at the Research Innovation Week. There is a need for regional collaboration in innovation and bringing Indigenous knowledge heritage and ways to the creative enabling environment and innovative spaces in colleges and universities, Prof said.
Mr. Rudzani Mamphweli, Community Engagement Officer in the Directorate of Community Engagement Entrepreneurship Inclusive Innovation, was part of the UNIVEN delegation to Bulawayo Polytechnic Research and Innovation Week. He presented various academic programmes offered by the University of Venda to high school learners who were part of the Research and Innovation Week. He urged students to consider UNIVEN, the international university of choice, a student-centered university that produces locally relevant and globally competitive graduates.
Prof Vhonani Netshandama in conversation with Yolanda from ZBC news
Mr Rudzani Mamphweli speaking to high school learners
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
