Harare, 13 August 2025 – The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Frederick Shava, has commended Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) for its transformative leadership and trailblazing innovations that are contributing to national development.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister, Hon. S. Sibanda, during the University’s 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Ministry’s boardroom in Harare, Minister Shava said MSUAS’s projects reflected the spirit of applied education and innovation envisioned under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model.

The AGM, convened in line with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) and the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences Act (25:31), reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to good corporate governance, accountability and transparency.

“I am pleased to note progress on a number of fronts,” Minister Shava said. “The Game Park Project, now at the animal stocking stage, will transform tourism in the province and stands as a brilliant example of applied learning with real-world impact.

“At the Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park in Headlands, MSUAS has recorded a bumper harvest of tobacco, maize, and beans. I commend this success, which lays a strong foundation for the planned establishment of a stock-feed manufacturing plant. Government has already released funding in support of this promising venture.”

Presenting the 2023 Annual Report, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Albert Chawanda, highlighted several milestones and accolades achieved during the year, describing them as “a testament to MSUAS’s relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Council Chairperson, Dr. Blessing Mudavanhu, credited the University’s achievements to a robust governance framework and strong Government backing.

“These achievements could not have been possible without the immense support the University received from Government during the year,” Dr. Mudavanhu said. “For this, I express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chancellor of MSUAS, Cde Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, for this exceptional support. His unwavering commitment to advancing education and national development has been the bedrock upon which MSUAS continues to grow and contribute towards Vision 2030 through the development of skilled graduates.”

The University Bursar, Mr. V.T. Japu, presented financial statements which earned MSUAS praise from the Accountant General’s Office for their accuracy and transparency, culminating in an unqualified audit opinion.

Registrar, Dr. Kudzayiishe Mudzingwa, reaffirmed the University’s strong compliance culture, noting its strict adherence to all regulatory requirements — a position validated by the Corporate Governance Unit’s representative, who observed that MSUAS had exceeded mandatory governance standards.

External auditors KFN International, represented by Mr. Musara, confirmed the University’s clean, unmodified audit report — a rare achievement in the public sector.

Similarly, Mr. Bredon Dzumbunu from the Auditor General’s Office described the statements as “a true and fair reflection” of the University’s financial position.

With its innovative projects, clean governance record, and growing contribution to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, MSUAS continues to position itself as a model public institution, advancing the country’s human capital and economic aspirations under Vision 2030.