The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A TECHNOLOGY institute is set to be opened at Ingwizi area in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South which will operate as a satellite institute of the Midlands State University. Home Affairs Deputy Minister and Mangwe National House of Assembly Member Cde Obedingwa Mguni who is also the patron of the project said plans were already underway to establish Mangwe Rural Technology Institute. He said the institute is set to be operational by next year.
‘‘Plans are underway to establish Mangwe Rural Technology Institute in Ingwizi area. So far we have managed to get some partners to come on board and assist in financing this project such as businesspeople, Potraz and Gaming and lotteries department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
‘‘The institute will operate as a satellite of Midlands State University. We have also partnered with the university as it will be providing labour and expertise to ensure smooth running of the institute. This means that lecturers will be deployed from MSU,” he said.
He said the idea to open the institute was initiated by him and a development officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs Mr Tapiwa Muzerengi. Cde Mguni said the institute would go a long way in affording youths from the district and surrounding areas with an opportunity to improve their education.
‘‘We are still looking for more sponsors so that this institute is established before end of next year. Youths from the district and surrounding areas and even Botswana will be able to enrol. Adults will also be enrolled. This initiative is an e-learning programme that will help community members to further their education at low cost without having to travel long distances to universities,” he said.
Cde Mguni also urged people living in the diaspora from Mangwe and surrounding areas to assist as the project will benefit the community. He said the institute would start operating at a small scale but would expand with time and offer a wide range of programmes.
“If by end of next year we are able to offer a few courses and secure proper learning space then we would have made good progress,” he said.
