The University of Matopo is set to enroll its first cohort of students in August, utilizing three campuses located at Brethren in Christ Church (BICC)-operated boarding school facilities in Matabeleland South.
Specializing in dryland studies, the university aims to tackle climate change and ecological issues affecting the region, while also offering mining-related programs due to its strategic position in the gold-rich Insiza District. The campuses will be located in Matopo (Matobo District), Mtshabezi (Gwanda District), and Wanezi (Insiza District) Missions, repurposing existing boarding school infrastructure for university use.
Last month, the Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (ZIMCHE) provisionally approved the establishment of the University of Matopo, granting it 12 months to fulfill licensing requirements before receiving full operational status. Although the university project was conceptualized in 2000, financial challenges delayed its launch for 24 years. However, the board is now optimistic that the current economic climate is favorable for a successful rollout.
Professor Henry Sibanda, chairman of the University of Matopo Trust, stated that despite the provisional period, the institution is keen to begin operations in August, focusing on developing teaching and learning facilities. “We have been permitted to start while we continue enhancing our physical infrastructure. We will utilize existing facilities, including our Bible Institute at Mtshabezi Mission, which is currently being renovated,” he said.
The campuses will serve different academic faculties: Mtshabezi will host the Faculty of Education, Matopo will be the center for the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Law, and graduate studies, while Wanezi will accommodate the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Mining.
Professor Sibanda emphasized that although the university will have specialized programs, its qualifications will adhere to national higher education standards. “ZIMCHE has established a minimum body of knowledge to ensure consistency across institutions. Therefore, a degree in computer science from the University of Matopo will be regarded equally to one from the University of Zimbabwe or Midlands State University,” he noted.
professor Henry Sibanda
ZIMCHE oversees 80 percent of all degree programs nationwide to ensure academic quality, enabling graduates to compete effectively in the job market.
BICC has been instrumental in the university’s establishment, with church members actively contributing financially. An endowment fund has been created to support the university’s growth, alongside leveraging commercial ventures based on existing resources.
Professor Sibanda mentioned that a strategic financial plan has been submitted to ZIMCHE, detailing both short-term and long-term sustainability strategies. The long-term plan involves building endowments, with surplus funds reinvested into the endowment fund.
In addition to agricultural activities at Matopo and Mtshabezi, the university has applied for a mining claim in Insiza District to take advantage of the region’s mineral resources. “Mining is already occurring on our land, and we recognized that instead of others benefiting, we should secure claims for the university. We have officially paid for one mining claim, allowing us to generate revenue to support the university’s financial needs,” said Professor Sibanda.
He also highlighted the importance of the ongoing development of Old Gwanda Road, which runs through the university’s Matopo and Mtshabezi campuses, stating it would significantly enhance connectivity and attract more traffic to the area, benefiting both students and staff. The university aims to model its structure after Chinhoyi State University.
The launch of the University of Matopo represents a significant advancement in expanding higher education opportunities in Matabeleland South, particularly in fields aligned with the region’s economic and environmental challenges.
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