Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mutare City Council, paving the way for the establishment of an Institute of Civil Protection. This strategic partnership aims to enhance service delivery through knowledge exchange and capacity-building in civil protection and related fields.
The MOA outlines a collaborative framework for the development and rollout of academic and professional training programs, beginning with a one-year Certificate in Fire Science and Civil Protection.
In the long term, the institute will offer degree programs in Fire and Safety Engineering, Disaster Management and Response, and other disciplines relevant to civil protection and emergency preparedness.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MSUAS Vice Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda described the agreement as a significant milestone in promoting innovation, knowledge-sharing, and community empowerment.
“This partnership to establish a Civil Protection Training Institute and intensify skills exchange between our esteemed university and the visionary Mutare City Council goes beyond the signing of documents; it is the laying of a foundation for a future where excellence, resilience, and progress intersect. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across communities,” said Professor Chawanda.
He further emphasised that the collaboration will create a hub of excellence, contributing not only to the academic and professional development of individuals, but also enhancing the overall capabilities of local institutions tasked with civil protection.
The MOA also positions MSUAS and Mutare City Council as thought leaders in the national discourse on disaster risk management. The partnership is expected to serve as a model for strengthening the capacity of fire and emergency services personnel across Zimbabwe’s local authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, Director for Economic Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. Munyaradzi Rubaya, commended the two institutions for the bold initiative.
“This partnership marks a critical step in our journey towards attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030. It aligns with the Second Republic’s thrust of strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing rapid response capabilities,” said Mr. Rubaya.
Mutare City Council Town Clerk, Mr. Blessing Chafesuka, echoed similar sentiments, describing the partnership as timely and visionary.
“Civil protection is a key mandate of Mutare City Council. This programme is not only crucial in sharpening the expertise of our firefighters but also in expanding the scope of services we offer. Our goal is to build a team of highly skilled responders equipped to handle various types of disasters, beyond just fire emergencies,” said Mr. Chafesuka.
The signing ceremony was attended by MSUAS senior management, academic staff, directors, as well as councillors and officials from Mutare City Council.
This partnership reflects the spirit of nyika inovakwa nevene vayo — building Zimbabwe brick by brick, stone by stone — through collaborative action that places resilience, innovation and development at the core of national progress.
