Story by Wellington Makonese
TERTIARY Institutions continue to be at the forefront of the national industrialisation agenda, with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) strategically combining agricultural production and food processing plant.
NUST is demonstrably intensifying its commitment to the national industrialisation drive by enhancing its agro-industrial park and establishing a food processing plant to create a seamless and efficient production value chain, from primary production to finished goods.
Complementing this development is a dynamic metal fabrication workshop, an invaluable asset, not only for the institution’s internal needs but also for the wider community through the production of essential complementary goods and services.
“Currently, we have approximately 2 800 chickens after the successful sale of our latest hatch. We have ambitious expansion plans in place to further increase our poultry production and diversify our agricultural output,” NUST, farm supervisor, Andile Ndlovu said.
“This metal fabrication workshop is actively producing essential infrastructure, including containers specifically designed to accommodate the diverse food crops originating from the agricultural side of our operations. Our vision extends to achieving increased production volumes to serve the wider community, while simultaneously providing our students with invaluable practical insights and hands-on experience in metalworking and fabrication,” NUST, Faculty of Industrial Technology Lecturer, Engineer Albert Mkandla said.
The institution is strategically expanding the scope and development of its diverse business projects.
“We are currently at a crucial experimental stage, meticulously working towards having the entire value chain fully and efficiently operational. Our intentions are to grow,” NUST Enterprises, Acting Business Manager, Mr Milton Webb Ndlovu said.
The government is keen to support productive enterprises within tertiary institutions, recognizing their pivotal role in national development.
“From the impressive work they have showcased, one of the key challenges identified has been the critical aspect of consistent water supply. They have demonstrated significant progress in their current ventures but have expressed a desire to expand into cattle ranching. We are actively exploring the possibilities in this regard. Furthermore, their initiatives in blueberry and tomato processing are particularly encouraging and are clearly on a trajectory towards full commercialisation.
“Our overarching objective, aligned with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, is to ensure that graduates emerge equipped to contribute meaningfully to community service without undue difficulty. The immediate plan is to secure adequate land and a reliable water source for NUST’s expanding projects, and I want to assure you that the government is fully committed to providing the necessary support,” the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava said.
Guided by the transformative Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, the National University of Science and Technology is actively fostering practical, industry-focused learning, supported through strategic infrastructure development.
