C J Matembo, Senior Information Officer, SIRDC

A 50-strong delegation comprising members of the House of Assembly and Senators visited SIRDC in November 2006 to familiarize itself with the operations of the institution.

Addressing the legislators, the SIRDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robson Mafoti, gave the background to SIRDC, which he said was established in 1993 by the Government of Zimbabwe, with a mandate to use science and technology to assist with the development of the country. Dr Mafoti expounded the Centre’s vision to the lawmakers, which in essence is reduction to practice of innovations, converting ideas into products that become commercial successes, citing SirTech Investments as an example. SirTech is a joint venture company of SIRDC and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe that is commercializing four product lines whose research and development was carried out by SIRDC. The products include roofing tiles, science laboratory and teaching equipment, foundry castings and a veterinary drug whose R & D is almost complete. The drug, once available on the market, will be used to control internal and external parasites in livestock, especially cattle. Dr Mafoti concluded his address by appealing to the Parliamentarians to support the work of SIRDC and to be its ambassadors at the various fora they attend.

SIRDC Directors of Institutes gave brief presentations of their institute activities. The synopses were just a window into SIRDC research programmes for the legislators to appreciate the work of the R & D giant.

The legislators also toured some research laboratories and viewed a mini display of some of the products at various stages of development.

In a few remarks, the Deputy Chief whip and Chiredzi North MP, Honourable Margaret Pote said that the legislators now have an insight into SIRDC’s activities and were proud of its efforts in the development of the country’s economy. She added that Zimbabweans by nature are capable people with lots of expertise that can be used to implement government’s development programmes. The lawmakers pledged their support to SIRDC and vowed to assist the Centre in every way possible to put Zimbabwe on the world map.