SHE ate Maths, drank Maths, dreamt Maths and slept Maths. She had a soft heart for the education of the underprivileged and orphaned children especially the girl-child. She was a mentor who was passionate about seeing women and girls succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Professor Senelani Dorothy Hove-Musekwa lived mathematics.

Sadly, five days after the world celebrated the 7^th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Prof Hove-Musekwa, took her last breath.

She was 63.

A researcher par excellence in Mathematical Modelling both in Zimbabwe and abroad, modelling diseases like TB and HIV, Prof Hove-Musekwa, was a Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Applied Science.

“The NUST Community is shocked and left bereft. She always put others first and was altruistically committed to serving NUST. She put NUST higher on the global scholarly maps. Her absence will be felt far and wide,” said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mqhele Dlodlo when he heard the sad news.

He added that Prof Hove-Musekwa will be remembered for pioneering the NUST Schools Enrichment Programme (NUSTSEP) in 2010 to assist underprivileged and orphaned pupils in studying mathematics. She later transformed it into NUST Schools Enrichment Centre (NUSTSEC) to cater for those pupils who could afford to pay for the services.

“Through NUSTSEP and NUSTSEC, Prof Hove-Musekwa worked hard to support underprivileged and orphaned secondary school pupils to pass mathematics. She contributed immensely to the improved pass rate in mathematics and increased enrolment of children from the Matabeleland region in the STEM programmes at NUST,” said Prof Dlodlo.

The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science, Prof Philimon Nyamugure, said Prof Hove-Musekwa will be remembered for breaking the glass ceilings in academia.

“She was the first female Professor of Mathematics in Zimbabwe. A hard working researcher and best teacher of mathematics,” said Prof Nyamugure.

Her peer, a Professor in Physics, Prof Dumisani Hlatywayo had no words to describe the loss of Prof Hove-Musekwa.

“What a sad moment, what a sorrowful time before us. A dark cloud hangs yet again over NUST,” mourned Prof Hlatywayo. 

He described Prof Hove-Musekwa as a true NUST cadre who cared for the welfare of students.

“When faced with financially struggling students, Sisi Dorah would rally her colleagues to donate from their salaries to assist the students to pay their fees. 

“Sisi Dorah, as I was accustomed to calling her, was a lecturer, teacher and researcher par excellence. She was both dedicated and committed to whatever she did. Administratively, she stood the test as Acting Dean of Applied Science over a period of two and a half years at NUST – a responsibility she held and executed with dedication and passion,” said Prof Hlatywayo.

He added that Prof Hove-Musekwa’s dream was to see the Department of Applied Mathematics growing into a School of Mathematics.

Prof Hlatywayo said Prof Hove-Musekwa was a pleasure to work with as she never missed a duty, meeting or responsibility without a valid reason.

“Even during the days that she was struggling with her health, she would struggle to avail herself to her duties. NUST has lost a dedicated Cadre,” he said.

The Acting Director for Research and Internationalisation Office, Dr Thembekile Ncube, described Prof Hove-Musekwa as a mentor who was passionate about seeing girls and women succeed in STEM.

“She was a mentor who was passionate about seeing girls and women succeed in STEM. Her departure is a big loss to women in science at NUST and beyond,” said Dr Ncube who in 2013, formed NUST Academic Women Researchers where Prof Hove-Musekwa was a very active member.

“We all looked up to her for inspiration, motivation, direction and guidance in academic and social issues as women academia,” said Dr Ncube.

The Chaplain, Pastor Tomson Dube, who three weeks ago visited Prof Hove-Musekwa on behalf of the NUST Community, said the University had hope that she will recover and return to work.

“We had hope that Prof Hove-Musekwa will recover. Truly, we are reminded by King David in the book of Psalms when he says, ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12). May the Lord help us to understand this sad occurrence! May he give to the family bigger hearts to contain this and wisdom to accept the unchangeable. We the NUST Community is shocked and left bereft,” said Pastor Dube.

Her departure has been felt far and wide.

Ba Isago University in Botswana, an affiliate of NUST, said the world has lost an anchor and towering academic.

“Noting from her academic profile, not only her family, but also NUST, her country and the region, have lost an anchor and towering academic giant who contributed so immensely to the realms of Science and Mathematics,” said the Managing Director of Ba Isago University, Odirile Gabasiene in a condolence letter to NUST Vice-Chancellor.

Prof Hove-Musekwa started her dance with mathematics as a teacher at Townsend High School in Bulawayo from 1982 to 1988.

In 1989 she joined Hillside Teacher’s College as a Mathematics lecturer. After lecturing for six years, Prof Hove-Musekwa, was recruited by the University of Zimbabwe as a Staff Development Fellow and then served as a mathematics lecturer from 2001 to 2002 at UZ.

She joined NUST on the 2^nd of January in 2003 as a lecturer and was later promoted to Senior Lecturer.

In January 2012 she was promoted to Associate Professor and attained her full Professorship in April 2018.

She held various positions of responsibility within the University including Acting Director Institutional Research and Quality Assurance from April to June 2020; Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science from March 2017 to May 2018; and Chairperson of Applied Mathematics Department from July 2007 to October 2008.

She was a member of various committees and boards until the time of her death including the Higher Degrees Committee (from Aug 2005); Journal Editorial Board (from 2011); and MSc Mathematical Modelling Coordinator (from Jan 2005).

She also sat in the Publications Committee (Jan 2005 to 2009); Senate (Jul 2007 to Oct 2008; 2012 to time of her death).

Prof Hove-Musekwa was the secretary of African Women Mathematics Association (AWMA) since 2013 and an active member and Board Chairperson of the ZIMSTAT Board.

She was Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association Treasurer from 2002 to 2006.

Prof Hove-Musekwa was a well published professor with more than 40 Journal Publications, several Book Chapters and presented papers at more than 48 International Conferences and Workshops.

During her career, she received several honours and awards including the African Mathematics Millennium Science Initiative Research Fellowship in 2006; Visiting research fellowship by African Institute for Mathematical Sciences from 2009 to 2010 at the Stellenbosch University.

In 2013, the Research Council of Zimbabwe awarded her a prize for Outstanding Research in Promoting and Maintaining Good Health through her research project on “Hospitalisation and Community home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS”; and in 2013 she was recognised by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology for outstanding research by a female researcher.

Prof Hove-Musekwa was a holder of a doctorate in Mathematical Epidemiology (UZ, 2005), an MSc in Mathematical Modelling (UZ, 1997), Bachelor of Arts Special Honours in Mathematics (UZ, 1993), Graduate Certificate in Education (UZ, 1982) and Bachelor of Arts General majoring in Mathematics (UZ, 1981).

CERTIFICATES READY FOR COLLECTION

The University wishes to advise all 2021 Graduates that Certificates are now ready for collection at Admissions and Student Records Offices. For those graduates that reside outside Bulawayo, you may pay any courier of your choice to collect on your behalf. Those that will be sending a courier must notify the Admissions Office prior, by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that the certificate is pre-packaged before the courier comes to pick it up. 

Please note that Certificates will only be issued upon clearance of all fees including the Graduation fees. 

L J Hadebe (Mr)

Deputy Registrar Academic

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has bagged a global chartered accounting award for top performances among its students in case study examinations.

The University won the African Regional Champion, Chartered Institute of Management Accounts (CIMA) following the CIMA prize-Winner Excellency Awards, which were held virtually last Friday.

NUST came first among partners with top performing CIMA students in case study exams, reads the citation of the award.

The award was sponsored by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the global accounting organisation representing CIMA and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

The aim of the awards is to recognise institutions and individuals across the world who go above and beyond to shape the next generation of chartered global management accountants and lead the accounting profession into the future.

Winners from this year’s awards were drawn from more than 400 nominations from educational institutions and individuals who were submitted for consideration in four categories.

These include CIMA Teaching Excellence Award, CIMA Research Excellency Award, CIMA Campus Culture Excellency Award and CIMA Employability Excellency Award.

In addition, a central award committee selected winners for the CIMA Award Prize-Winner Excellence Award, CIMA Global Excellence Award, and CGMA Campus of the Year Award based on CIMA exam performance in 2020 and 2021.

NUST Communications and Marketing Director, Mr Thabani Mpofu, said the award was an endorsement of NUST capabilities in delivering quality education in line with national vision.

“The Regional Champion (Africa) CIMA-Prize Winner Award for Top Student in Strategic Case Study exam August 2020 is a powerful endorsement of the world-class programmes on offer at NUST and a clear demonstration of the high quality graduates churned out by our University” said Mr Mpofu.

“Through the Heritage-based Education 5.0, our students are trained to make an impact in society with the creative and innovative skills imparted during their education experience that is consistently rated among the best locally and beyond.

“We are committed to producing innovative and entrepreneurial graduates whose qualifications are locally and internationally recognised, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship.”

Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at The Chartered Institute of Management Accounting, said the awards are meant to celebrate those who are promoting the chartered accounting profession.

“It is an honour to recognise and celebrate those who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to their students and the accounting profession in the past year,” said Mr Andrew Harding.

“All our winners and nominees are doing incredible work to help future generations realise their potential and give their career a head start.

“We are proud to call you our partners and truly appreciate your support.” – Chronicle online.

The Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership (PCP), has pledged to continue assisting local universities in training researchers with the focus of changing livelihoods in communities.
The PCP is a concept that contributes to self-sustaining and functional social-ecological systems for the betterment of life of people and animals within southern African protected areas and their periphery.

Speaking during a meeting to review the memorandum of understanding (MoU) PCP Chairman, Professor Eddie Mwenje, said the MoU was important as its purpose is to build capacity in Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans, training researchers and also lecturers as well as improve the lives of people in Zimbabwe and working people who are close to national parks in Hwange and also Gonarezhou

“Students benefit a lot from this platform. We provide funds for students to conduct their research and living allowances whilst they perform their research activities.
“In this programme they are also given opportunities to further their studies achieving Masters degrees and PhDs and that they join workplaces, we have students in important positions in new universities like Gwanda University, Great Zimbabwe University and Lupane,” he said.

French Ambassador Laurent Chevallier said it was important to strengthen scientific exchanges between African and European universities, especially in France in order to develop co-research between African, French and other universities.

Since its inception 14 years ago, APCP has managed to train more than 150 MSc and PhD students,mostly Zimbabwean and SADC students (including currently 50 on-going students), published more than 160 research articles and book chapters and attract multiple funding (from EU, AFD and others).

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday implored players in the film industry to use their creative productions to change adverse perception and project positive national image, which promotes the
country’s rich cultural heritage and vast investment opportunities.

In line with the country’s renewed development trajectory, President Mnangagwa said film and movies should be deployed to motivate citizens to do more through increased production and productivity.

“I, thus, challenge stakeholders in the sector to use their various fortes to promote our rich culture,heritage and vision for the future by telling our own story, through our own perspectives, with our own voices and images,” he said.

“The film industry must further help to convey the true story of our great mother country by projecting a positive image,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said players in the film sector should desist from allowing their stories to be captured by those with ulterior motives.

“Integrity must remain the sacred responsibility of your field. To this end, avoid the easy way out and do not give up your chosen genres and narratives or betray acting in the national interest to satisfy project or film financiers,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Remain emboldened by the fact that you are competent and well able to help shape and influence the future of our great mother country.”
The President noted that some players in the film and broadcasting space were using their talents and skills to denigrate their own country, its leadership and the African value systems, often at the behest and for payment by foreign detractors.

“I, thus, call upon the sector and our young people in particular, to refuse to use their skills and talent to promote national decadence and self-hate. You only have one mother country, which is Zimbabwe. Love it, promote and protect it,” he said.
The film, arts and creative industries play a critical socio-economic role with the sector having a potential to create more than 20 million jobs in Africa and contributing US$20 billion to the continent

He explained how the Government under the Second Republic, will continue to resource the Arts and Culture Development Fund to support the emerging young talented film makers and other artists cross the creative cultural industries. In recognition of the various imperatives of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the quest to develop a knowledge economy, President Mnangagwa said his administration has taken a deliberate decision to include film, animation, cinematography, content production, drone technology, graphic design, sound engineering and creative arts in general as critical skills for the future.

“I, thus, commend the partnership between the Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Ministry, universities and the film and TV Resources Company for prioritising training of players in the creative cultural industry,” he said.

“The Varsity Film Expo and teacher upskilling programmes along with the ongoing capacity building initiatives being implemented at universities and colleges, must give impetus to the creation and consumption of our local arts, cultural, sport and recreation products and services.”

President Mnangagwa said the Film and TV Resources Company’s decision to set up and operationalise film and television hubs at universities buttresses Government policy thrust of establishing innovation hubs and industrial parks within universities.

“The programme will ensure the sustainable growth of the industry right from the grassroots in line with tenets of devolution and decentralisation as well as our quest to achieve development, which leaves no one and no place behind,” said President Mnangagwa.

The launch of the inaugural annual Varsity Film Expo dovetails with the broadcasting digitisation programme underway along with other developmental initiatives set by the Second Republic such as the devolution agenda, heritage-based education 5.0, and a digital-driven economy.

President Mnangagwa said film industry players must be guided by values of peace, harmony and love.

“Furthermore, the film industry sub sector and creative cultural industries in general is encouraged to occasionally reflect, introspect and self-criticise each other with the view of sharpening content that is more positive and developing the desired progressive national psyche,” he said.

The President said film and artistic expressions must lead to the perpetuation of the country’s rich cultural traditions and promotion of positive contemporary culture.

“In the same vein, locally produced content should promote family virtues, the values of upright living, moral integrity, hard and honest work, self-restraint, discipline and healthy living.”
President Mnangagwa said the film sector must also discourage society from corruption, violation of law and moral decadence.He also lauded the India-Africa Trade Council for its expression to set up the Indo-Zimbabwe Film Commission to facilitate skills and cultural exchange for the growth of the country’s film and movie industry.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, among other stakeholders, have also been challenged to play their part towards unlocking the opportunities the Indo-Zimbabwe Film Commission has to offer.
President Mnangagwa also urged the private sector to invest and support “Proudly Zimbabwean” film and audio-visual, music, theatre and the visual arts industries.
“Similarly, the newly licensed players in the broadcasting space are urged to promote locally produced content.
“This is more important as our young people remain the biggest drivers of digital content and users of information and communication technologies,” he said.
The Government has expressed readiness to support ideas, innovations, talents and skills by young people in their chosen fields or interest regardless of where they live. In the wake of Covid-19, President Mnangagwa urged the media to continue to sensitise the nation on the importance of vaccination and the need to adhere to public health protocols.
The Varsity Film Expo, which was spearheaded by young talented and enterprising youths, was held under the theme “Vivid: Amplifying Sustainable Development Goals using Film and Digital Media.”

The expo ended yesterday(8-Dec-21) — @mashnets

CONTENT creators should take advantage of the massive opportunities that are emerging in the broadcasting sector following the Government’s decision to liberalise the airwaves.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said this during the launch of the inaugural 2021 Varsity Film Expo at the National University of Science and Technology(Nust) yesterday.

The University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Lupane State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, Solusi University and Nust are participating at the expo, which ends tomorrow.

President Mnangagwa officially launched the expo and promised that all talented Zimbabweans will be rewarded for innovations under his administration.

In a break from the past, the Government last year licensed six television stations including the Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN). The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) also licensed community and campus radio stations.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the licensing of television and radio stations should be a challenge for producers to provide content that reflects the Zimbabwean culture.
“I am deeply delighted that our universities have demonstrated an incredible productive capacity for the film industry,” she said.

“As you all know, for 40 years Zimbabwe had known only one television station but through your astute leadership Your Excellency, we licensed six free-to-air TV licenses.
“We licensed 14 community radio stations and we did not leave out universities because of the importance of our students,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“All these licensed television and radio stations are waiting for content and as Zimbabweans, we have the talent. We have the expertise and as such we do not want to feed our youths with foreign content.
“The nation is hungry for local content, it is thirsty for diversity. It has a high appetite for local film productions that it can relate to and identify with.
“The time to feed the nation with films that tell our own story is now.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said the 2021 Varsity Film Expo is also in sync with National Development Strategy 1 and a step towards attaining Vision 2030.
“The successful launch of the inaugural annual Varsity Film Expo that we have just witnessed dovetails with the broadcasting digitisation programme underway, along with other developmental initiatives set by the Second Republic such as the devolution agenda, heritage-based education 5.0 and a digital-driven economy,” she said.

“It is critical that we move from analogue to digital, we don’t want to lose our young generation. The young generation are attracted to their gadgets and as such we should be able to utilise information to educate the youth about the history of our country so that the children know where we came from, where we are and where we are going,” she said.
“There is no future without knowing your past and present.”

“Through film, produced and directed by our own citizens, we will boost tourism, advance our economic interests, and market our diverse culture to the rest of the world and also defend our state against hostile narratives in the global arena,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“I don’t doubt that we can favourably compete and be counted among the top emerging cinema markets in Africa.
“The creative artistic genius that was on display today must be harnessed to achieve those ends.
“Our film industry is capable of creating jobs and contributing towards the goals of the National Development Strategy-1 and the overarching Vision 2030.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said it was important to bring filmmakers, academics, students, policymakers and the business community together in developing national discourse.
She said the participation of President Mnangagwa in the inaugural Varsity Film Expo was in line with his vision of leaving no one behind as far as development matters are concerned.
Speaking during the same event, Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, said the expo was addressing the needs of Zimbabweans.
“The Variety Film Expo 2021 is part of the journey of a free people, a journey in our implementation of Heritage Based Education 5.0 that You, Your Excellency, designed and directed,” he said.
“Through Heritage based Education 5.0 we are developing national capabilities, one by one, in line with Your Excellency’s stone upon stone philosophy-in line with your guiding development doctrine — nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (a nation is built by its citizens),” said Prof Murwira.

He said his ministry was in the process of addressing gaps that were identified by the national critical skills audit, which unearthed that applied arts and humanities clusters were dominated by analogue technology and cannot compete at a global market.

“The Film Expo responds to the recommendations for focused prioritised training of creative arts and world class exhibitions and development of skills as well as innovative capacity for enhanced entrepreneurial and commercial skills for artists and other service providers in the applied arts and humanities cluster,” he said.

“This shall enable the artists/creators and other service providers in the cluster to add value to their products,” said Minister Murwira.

He said through film and television Zimbabwe can liberate herself and follow the path of modernisation and industrialisation. — @nqotshili

Suspension of face-to-face lectures

The University wishes to advise all students that face to face lectures that were due to resume on Thursday 9 December 2021 have been suspended until further notice, meanwhile;

• lectures will continue being conducted online up to Friday 17 December 2021
• and will resume on Monday 3 January 2022
• Online library services will be available 24 hours to support online teaching and learning.

Protection against Covid-19

• Students who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 are encouraged to do so.
• Students are also reminded to strictly observe Covid-19 Protection Regulations prescribed by the World Health Organisation.

L J Hadebe (Mr)

Deputy Registrar – Academic