C J Matembo, Senior Information Officer, SIRDC

The Minister of Science and Technology Development, Dr Olivia Muchena introduced members of the new SIRDC board to SIRDC Management on 23 February 2006.

The 13-member Board is chaired by Physicist, Professor Pheneas Makhurane. Professor Makhurane is the former Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). He is now Technical Advisor to the National Council for Higher Education. Professor Sarah Feresu, a Biologist, is the Vice Chairperson of the Board. She is currently with the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Zimbabwe.

Two members were retained from the previous board. These are the former Chairman of the Board, Dr Gibson Mandishona (also a Physicist) and Professor Christopher Chetsanga, a biochemist and the inaugural Director General of SIRDC. Dr Mandishona is presently with the Centre for Renewable Energy and Environmental Technology while Professor Chetsanga is the President of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences. The other members of the new Board are Mr John Mberi (a software engineer and Managing Director of Afrosoft), Mr William Gwata (a technologist with interest in small to medium scale enterprises), Professor Ronald Lindela Ndhlovu (an expert in animal science and the current Vice Channcellor of NUST), Dr Unesu Ushewokunze-Obatolu (a veterinary scientist), Mr Sam Gumbo (an educationist with interest in information technology applications to education), Dr L Nkiwane (a textile technologist at NUST), Mr George Nyathi (a banker and information technology specialist), Mrs Judith Kateera (of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development), Brigadier General Justin Mujaji and Dr Robson Mafoti an ex-officio.

Speaking soon after introducing the new Board, Minister Muchena urged the Board to implement the objectives and functions of the Centre as stated in the SIRDC Constitution, saying that the objectives are more relevant now than ever before to address some of the challenges facing the country. This was in reference to the SIRDC objectives that relate to the promotion of research and development (R & D) for overall national development as well as unpackaging and adapting foreign technologies to suit local needs. She encouraged the Board to have a shared vision, adding that Zimbabwe has an incredible endowment of creative capacity. Her vision is to see Zimbabwe being on the world map with regards to innovation and creative capacity. She said that she wanted Zimbabwe to take leadership in S & T innovation and she called on the Board to market the SIRDC’s achievements.

Dr Muchena emphasized the need to jealously guard the work being done at SIRDC and urged all staff to take seriously issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Dr Robson Mafoti, SIRDC’s Chief Executive Officer, said that he was looking forward to working well with the new Board as they have the same vision to develop Zimbabwe.

Professor Makhurane said that he felt flattered and humbled to be appointed Chairman of the SIRDC Board. He also was looking forward to working with his Board members, SIRDC staff and the Ministry of Science and Technology Development.

The Minister wished the new Board a successful term, adding that she had confidence in the Board and the SIRDC management team taking the Centre to another higher level.

The new Board has a three-year term spanning the period 2006 to 2008. Click here to see the new board.