By Evans Dakwa
In an exciting development for the border town of Beitbridge, the National University of Science and Technology is set to commence operating in rainbow town of Matabeleland South likely before the end of the year .
The vision , pursued by Beitbridge West legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou supported by the Municipality of Beitbridge which has offered NUST land to establish a campus in Beitbridge.
Whilst building infrastructure is likely going to take time, to quicken the pace , Honourable Ndou pushed for the University to start operating using infrastructure that is already available in the town to start operating using rented premises as they wait to build their own infrastructure.
A high powered delegation led by the NUST Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo ,met with the political and business leadership of Beitbridge. testament their commitment to establishing the proposed campus and also toured proposed facilities including the Beitbridge Hotel.
Also In attendance at the meeting was Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola, youth Qiuota MP for Matabeleland South Honourable Tinashe Mushipe, Beitbridge West MP Thusani Ndlovu, District Administrator Sikhangezile Mafu and the ZANU PF leadership in the town.
Addressing the gathering, Honourable Ndou said Beitbridge is excited at the prospect of NUST commencing operations in the town.
“We want NUST to open an office here and we promise to support the institution as the Beitbridge community, parents in this area have been burdened by finances as tertiary institutions are very afr from Beitbridge,” he said.
“I am glad you are here, I understand you have a working relationship with Thoyandou University,NUST can tap into the Limpopo province across the border due to Beitbridge’s proximity to South Africa,” he added.
On his part NUST VIce Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said his University is already in Beitbridge as they have land offered by the Municipality of Beitbridge but the idea is to enable the institution to start operating before civil works.
“The meeting is to work out modalities to start operating as we wait development on the vacant land,we are inclined to prioritise projects in Beitbridge because it has shown commitment to the NUST brand.
Professor Yogeshkumar Naik, who is the Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs at NUST promised that all things being equal, Beitbridge would be getting courses by year end
“We want to start before the end of the year beginning with short courses that will be borne out of a survey to gauge the most popular courses, “he said.
A steering committee of luminaries from Beitbridge is soon to be set up and assist NUST in the process of setting up shop in the town and the university is also going to appoint a Coordinator who will be working towards the realisation of the dream that Honourable Ndou has always harboured; to have NUST setting up a campus in Beitbridge