Zimbabwean Engineers have the capacity to advance and implement diverse engineering solutions

for a radical transformation of the engineering curriculum and instructional pedagogies,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary added that there is a need for deliberate, systematic and sustainable partnerships between government, local authorities, industry thought leaders and research institutions to advance engineering solutions that will improve the quality of life.

Mr Muguti noted that “investing in infrastructure development programmes to improve transportation networks, communication technologies and access to reliable and affordable energy and water sources is a key fundamental issue”.

Additionally, to increase access to clean water, development of new water supply systems and technologies that can purify large volumes of water to meet the needs of communities is required.

Engineering solutions such as weather monitoring technologies, crop and animal husbandry disease management techniques and the development of new food production techniques can help to alleviate food insecurity.

Engineers have solutions to improve healthcare access and outcomes such as the use of telemedicine technologies, medical equipment and modern health data management systems.

Mr Muguti commended the recent commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8.

“However, our electrical engineers should champion increased development of the usage of renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power,” he added.

Collaboration with external experts will buttress our local capacity, “without allowing an avalanche or influx of novice engineering professionals who masquerade as experts.” It is a statutory requirement that each foreign engineer, technologist or technician should have a local understudy. This ensures that there is a systematic knowledge transfer from the said experts to locals.

The Government is commended for continually promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects in schools, the establishment of innovation hubs, and industrial parks in higher and tertiary education in line with the nation’s Education 5.0 trajectory, read together with the provisions of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030.

The ZIE immediate past president, Engineer Tamsanga Mpala concurred with Mr. Muguti by noting that Engineers have a key role in national development across all sectors.

“There is no doubting that Engineering has taken centre stage in the country and is the fulcrum of achieving the goals in the National

Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030. There is no better time than now to take full advantage of this motion as Engineers and stamp our blueprint by participating and delivering world class infrastructure,” he agreed.

During the ceremony a new board was inducted, and a number of engineers and engineering companies were presented with various awards for their outstanding contribution in the engineering fraternity. Of special note was the historic moment when Engineer Farai Mavhiya-Bhiza was announced as the President-elect of the Institution. She is the first black woman to be at the helm of the Institution since it was formed in 1944.

ZIE is a private professional body made up of its members. Its operations and membership are regulated by a Private Act of Parliament which in turn is regulated by the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ), mandated by the Engineering Council Act 27:22, read together with SI 153 of 2012. ZIE is a multi-disciplinary Institution covering all engineering disciplines. ZIE can be visited physically at Conquenar House, 256 Samora Machel Avenue Eastlea, Harare or virtually at www.zie.org.zw. They can be contacted on +263 242 746 821 and hello@zie.org.zw.

Find below concise narration of the awards conferred to the various engineering professionals at the ZIE 2023 Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony:

Honorary Fellow - Any person who the Institution desires to honour for his/her distinguished work as a professional engineer or for his/her exceptional and important services in connection with engineering or to the Institution may be elected and registered as an Honorary Fellow of the Institution by a two thirds majority vote of The Board.

Awardee: Professor Dr. Amon Murwira

Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology

Engineering Achievement Award - Public recognition of noteworthy

Engineering Achievement

PROJECT: Oxygen Plant

AWARDEE: Verify Engineering

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) AwardPaper, talk or construction project concerning energy development, maximisation, and sustainability.

PROJECT: Hwange Unit 7 and 8

AWARDEE: Zimbabwe Power Company

K.G. Stevens Award - Presentation of a paper of high standard by a Corporate Member(s)

AWARDEE: Eng. Joy Pedzisayi Makumbe

PRESENTATION: A Review of the Role Played by Sustainable Infrastructure in Zimbabwean Cities: A Focus on the Contributions to the Economic Growth of the Country

Institutional Award-Recognition of a ZIE member for service rendered to the Institution through participation in various ZIE committees or facilitation of well received CPD course.

AWARDEES:

1. Eng. Zvikomborero Hoko – Editorial Committee and Engineering Training as an Academic

2. Eng. Donald Museka – Valuable participation in Membership Interviews

3. Eng. Andrew Richard Sahondo - Valuable participation in Membership Interviews

4. Eng. Peter Smith -Retired Chairman Membership Committee

5. Eng. Ivan Johnson - Retired Membership Committee Member

P.H. Havilland Award

Significant contribution to water conservation, irrigation, pollution prevention and allied fields by any person resident in Zimbabwe.

AWARDEES: Eng. Kwanele G. Sibanda, Eng. Sibusisiwe Sibanda and Eng. Robson Manatsa

PRESENTATION: Creating awareness of the need for intentional water loss management in public water supply

President’s Commendation - Paper of outstanding merit in a much-specialised field.

AWARDEE: Michelle Maphosa

PAPER: Sibo the Civil Engineer (Preparatory education narrative on civil engineering)

Presidential Merit Award - Paper of outstanding merit by any person and of a most high standard, in the mould of Stevens’ Award.

AWARDEE: Eng. Martin Manuhwa

PAPER: Digital Transformation through Engineering Capacity Building and Quality Education for New National Development Models: A Disruptive New World Order in Zimbabwe and Africa’s Favour.

R. M. Bill Wild Award - Outstanding Design and Supervision of construction of a Major Dam or Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant or Transmission Mains (Canal or Pipeline).

AWARDEE: ZINWA

PROJECT: ZINWA Small Holder Irrigation Rehabilitation Project

P.H. Havilland Award - Significant contribution to water conservation, irrigation, pollution prevention and allied fields by any person resident in Zimbabwe.

AWARDEE: Professor Innocent Nhapi

Technician or Graduate Paper Award - Best paper presented by a technician or graduate member or published in the Zimbabwe Engineer.

AWARDEE: Nancy Gwangwadze (GZweIE)

PAPER: Engineering Education Capacity Building: The case of Zimbabwe.