The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has applauded Africa University (AU) for complimenting Government’s mandate of infrastructural development by constructing state-of-the-art buildings at the institution.
Speaking during the official dedication ceremony of the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence at Africa University Campus last week, Minister Mugadza said through initiatives such as the infrastructure development programme of the Second Republic, the province has witnessed unprecedented progress at both private and public institutions and beyond.
He said there is need to pay tribute to the remarkable growth and transformation that is happening in Manicaland due to infrastructural development spearheaded by Government and its partners.
He said Methodist Church and Africa University have played their part in infrastructural development by constructing buildings like the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence and many others.
“I acknowledge the steadfast commitment of the university and church in complimenting Government’s efforts towards infrastructural development as well as empowering the girl child. Under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, infrastructural development has been one of the core mandates that the country is striving towards.
“AU’s commitment to infrastructure development underscores Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
Minister Mugadza extended gratitude to Bishop Tracy S. Malone and the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church for their invaluable contribution to the noble cause.
The hostel has the capacity to house 92 female students and currently it has 89 students on board.
The construction was funded by United Methodist Church’s East Ohio Annual Conference, to the tune of US$1.5 million.
“Your benevolence will resonate for generations to come, uplifting, not only individuals, but entire communities. We are grateful that your infrastructural development is breaking barriers and paving way for a future where every young woman can realise her full potential.
“The establishment of the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence symbolises a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless young women who aspire to pursue higher education,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said in a world where access to education remains unequal, the hall stands as a testament to the church’s unwavering commitment to the development and empowerment of the girl child.
“By providing safe and conducive accommodation, I am proud to say that AU is breaking barriers and paving the way for a future where every young woman can realise her full potential. This hall stands as a testament to our collective determination to build a brighter future for all,” he said.
The Minister also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Reverend Professor Peter Mageto for his exemplary leadership and dedication to excellence.
Addressing the same gathering, Reverend Professor Mageto thanked East Ohio Conference for their commitment to the worthy cause that will ensure that the girl child has adequate accommodation at the campus for years to come.
“What this means to the university is that we have made a proclamation of our commitment to the development of the girl child. It is one thing to have a university that has students and you do not care where the students are residing, and another to be developing infrastructure for them to be safe and secure.
“So one of the major concerns of my administration as the Vice Chancellor is for us to be able to show how the country is interested in the education of the girl child. We want to remove her from the streets of our cities and find an environment where she can study and conduct research without the hustles of the city. This is what we are doing here with the help of Bishop Malone and East Ohio Conference in the United States of America,” he said.
He thanked Bishop Malone and East Ohio Conference for the donation.
Bishop Malone said through building the hall of residence, the church is investing in students’ lives, Zimbabwe, Africa and the world at large.
“I am privileged to be serving on the board of directors of AU, and one of the major highlights that comes with it is the inspiration I get when I talk to students each time I visit here. Knowing how education at AU is unlocking the students’ lives and their future potential as transformational, innovative leaders everywhere inspires me. When I cast the vision to the Conference, it was this commitment that kept us on purpose, reminding us of who and whose we are.
“Education and leadership formation happens, not only in academia, but in campus activities, and they get involved by having access to community life experiences in campus residence. Most of my most meaningful and memorable experiences took place in the residence halls. It is where I felt most at home and connected, which is what we want for girls at this institution,” she said.
