Towards a Common Future: Higher Education in the SADC Re egion Regional Country Profiles The country study presented here was prepared as a part of the study The State of Public Science in the SADC Region published in Towards a Common Future: Higher Education in the SADC Region (SARUA, 2009). It is published heree as an appendix to that report. The methodology used to obtain the data presented here is described in full in the Towards a Common Future document (see pages 213 214). This methodology relied on a web based survey sent to selected participants, interviews combined with country visits, and a bibliometric analysis based on data in Africa Knowledgebase. Although the data obtained via this method does not necessarily match data obtained using different methodologies (some differences are evident between the data presented here and that presented in other SARUA studies), in order to retain integrity of the data gathering process, no attempt has been made to manipulate the data artificially to reflect similar findings. Rather, the data must be read as having arisen from, and being true to, the particular methodology used in this study. The problems of obtaining accurate data from the region are well documented (mentioned in all SARUAA studies, see particularly p. 65 of Towards a Common Future ), and speaks to the urgent need for a process for regular maintenance of such data. We publish these country studies as supplemental information to that presented in the report itself, and hope that they will be of value to other researchers in the region.
ZIMBABWE Governance of science Ministry of Science and Technology The ministry of Science and Technology Development is a public institution established by the Government of Zimbabwe to harness science and technology to promote sustainable development. Its history dates back to 1967 when the prime minister of the then Rhodesia established a Scientific liaison office in the Office of the Prime Minister. The office was tasked with the duty of advising the prime minister on scientific matters. This office retained its advisory role in independent Zimbabwe. The office gave birth to the Research Council in 1986, the SIRDIC in 1994, the Biosafety Board in 1998 and ZARNet in 2000. Following the launch of the national policy on science and technology in 2002, His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe saw it fit to upgrade the Scientific Liaison Office into a full department in His Office. In April 2005, the Department of Science and Technology Development was elevated to a full-fledged ministry. The elevation was not just a mere transformation of the department to a ministry, but was a clear testimony of government s realisation of the critical role that science and technology should play in the struggle towards the achievement of national economicc development objectives particularly the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. The ministry is challenged to contribute towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals as it seeks to contribute to the attainment of the Zimbabwe s Vision 2020 which states: Zimbabwe should emerge a united, strong, democratic, prosperous and godly nationn with high quality of life for all by the year 2020. Ministry functions To provide a focal point in the development, co-ordination, monitoring and implementation of the Science and Technology Development Policy.
To identify and promote special talents in the field of Science and Technology throughout the whole economy. To play a leading role in the advocacy and promotion of public awareness of Science and Technology in schools, research institutes, and the private sector through organised exhibitions, workshops, and special awards for innovative, creative and scientific promotion of technology endeavours. To establish a credible database of science and technology research in all sectors of the economy. To spearhead knowledge driven initiatives and value addition activities in critical sectors of the economy. To champion the ICT literacy in the country in order to enhance our regional and global competitiveness as a nation To enhance the capacity for the utilisation of Science and Technology by SMEs To develop a regulatory framework for science and technology development initiatives. National science and technology policy objectives Science and technology is cross cutting in nature. Therefore, to promote national scientific technological self-reliance across all sectors of the economy, the Ministry of Science and Technology Development endeavours to achieve the overall objectives of the Science and Technology Policy Framework which are as follows: o To promote rapid sustainable industrialisation through research and development for import substitution o To promote the provision of adequate shelter through application of appropriate technologies o To promote the achievement of food security through research and development and application of appropriate technologies o To promote sound health delivery systems through research and development geared towards energy generation and conversation, and To promote environmental preservation and sustainable utilisation biodiversity. Departments in the ministry The Ministry of Science Technology Development is comprised of the following Departments: Policy Development and Management (PDM) The department of Policy Development and Management is responsible for developing and formulating science and technology policies that promote the attainment and sustenance of a science and technology driven economy Programmes and Projects Development (PPD) This department co-ordinates and promotes the development and implementation of the ministry s programmes through specific projects.
Human Resources Management (HRM) The HRM department is involved in the recruitment, selection and placement of competent personnel in the ministry. Finance and Administration (F&A) This department is involved in the provision and management of financial and administration issues. Audit (AUD) The department is a control system which functions by examining and evaluating the effectiveness of other controls put in place to achieve ministerial goals. The functions of each of the departments are intertwined and complement each other to achieve the vision, mission and objectives of the ministry. Science and technology landscape In discharging its mandate, the ministry collaborates with a number of institutions both within and outside. Its executing agencies played a fundamental role in ensuring the effective discharge of services at a time when the ministry had very low staff compliment. The executing agencies include: The Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) The RCZ of Zimbabwe is a statutory body established in terms of the Research Act of 1986. It is mandated to promote, direct, supervise and co-ordinate research in Zimbabwe. One of its major functions is to advise government on issues of research for sustainable development. It also provides an exceptional forum for interaction and discussion for the mutual benefit of government, academia and industry. Although a state-funded statutory body, the Council operates essentially independently of the government. The members of the Council determine its agenda based on current and future needs. They also direct its projects and programmes. The council published its findings and recommendations at its own discretion. Where appropriate, other public and private sector institutions may contribute to the cost of co-operative projects included co-sponsorship of workshops (Annual report: 2005:30) The Scientific and Industrial Research Development Centre (SIRDIC) SIRDIC was established by the government of Zimbabwe in 1993 under the provisions of the Research Act 1986. Its mandate is to carry out scientific research and technology development and, to assist with the Industrialisation of Zimbabwe. The setting up of SIRDIC is in itself a national achievement that is highly recommendable. The research and development activities of SIRDIC focus on import substitution, indigenisation of the economy, wealth creation and employment creation. The centre through its ten research institutes
(e.g. SIRTECH, SIRTILES, SIRDAMECIN, SIRMET and SLATE) has implemented projects and participated in national development programmes in line with its mandate as a research and technology institute. (Annual Report: 2005: 33-36). The Zimbabwe Academic Research Network (ZARNeT) ZARNet was established under the provisions of the Research Act in 1997. It was established when the Research Council realised that access to information and electronic communications facilities is essential for the proper functioning of research and development, and further development of scientific, social and research capabilities. Several academic, tertiary institutions, schools and other clients who cannot afford the current rates charged by commercial ISPs are the beneficiaries of the service provided by ZARNeT. ZARNet is a non-profit making Internet Service Provider (ISP), who main goal is to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and to facilitate Internet and email connectivity to the academic and research institutions, schools, NGOs and disadvantaged communities throughout Zimbabwe. ZARNeT has now expanded to provide its services to government ministries and institutions. The Biosafety Board of Zimbabwe. The Biosafety Board of Zimbabwe is a statutory body established through the amendment of the Research Act (Research Amendment Act, 1998) to provide for the regulation of potentially harmful technologies and undertakings. Operational since the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 20 of 2000, the Board s mandate is to advise the government on all aspects concerning the import, export, research, development and application of the science of genetic engineering and the products thereof; and to ensure that such activities are done in accordance with the law. The Board thus manages the import of food, feed and seed; maintains a national surveillance system for the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs); registers and monitors biotechnology research and development institutions; and promotes public awareness and dialogue on the utility and challenges of modern biotechnology and its products. The ministry also works closely with the University of Zimbabwe, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), and the other research and development institutions such as the Association of Inventors, Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, Zimbabwe Association of Electronics, private sector, research institutes, government ministries and international strategic partners. Research and development performing units The following are research and development performing units in Zimbabwe. They are also listed on ZARNeT website, which a government commissioned organ that networks these institutions. Universities University of Zimbabwe
National University of Science and Technology Midlands State University Bindura University of Science Education Africa University Solusi University Chinhoyi University Masvingo State University Zimbabwe Open University Catholic University Women s University in Africa Agricultural & veterinary research Veterinary Laboratory Services Agricultural Research Council Tobacco Research Board Medical research Medical Research Council Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) Other research Institutions Research Council of Zimbabwe Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) Blair Research Institute (Now National Health Research Institute) Biosafety Board Zimbabwe Scientific Association The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC)