Congratulatory Remarks on the Installation of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo as the 5^th Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe on 20^th September, 2019,

by

Professor Idah Sithole-Niang, Senate Representative to UZ Council

On behalf of the Chairman of Council, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Susan Muzite, Members of Council, Senate, Academics, Students and Staff, and indeed on my own behalf, I draw great pleasure in extending our heartiest and warmest congratulations on your installation as the 5^th Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe.

In your short tenure, having been appointed Acting Vice Chancellor in August 2018, and Substantive Vice Chancellor in June 2019 you have achieved great milestones that I wish to enunciate here:

• Development & launch of the UZ Strategic Plan 2019-2025
• Overseeing the construction & launch of the Innovation Hub
• Initiating the establishment of the Industrial Park and various other activities at the UZ Farm
• Leading the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) and its seven projects
• Leading the African Cereal Grains Project and securing funding for it
• Framing an innovative funding mechanism around Research clusters, led by Professors in a interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary fashion together with industry & various stakeholders to provide workable solutions for our socio-economic growth and prosperity.
• Internationalization of the UZ & Modernization of both the living and learning spaces for our students, staff and scholars

We stand ready to work with you in achieving the Vision and Strategic direction you are paving for the future.

May that future be filled with success for you personally, your Executive and Management team, the University and Society at large.

Makorokoto, Amhlope, Felicitation, Congratulations and thank you

Jerejef, Kanimambo, Bayete!