Matabeleland South province will now have three higher education institutions following the approval of a proposal to establish the University of Matopo.
The institution is an expansion of the Brethren in Christ Church’s (BICC) investment in the education sector. BICC already operates Matopo High School, Mtshabezi High School, and Wanezi High School, among others.
The proposal was approved by the Higher Education Quality Assurance Committee (HEQAC) of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).
The province currently has two universities—Solusi University and Gwanda State University.
In an acceptance letter to the chairperson of the University of Matopo Trust (UMT), Professor Henry Sibanda, ZIMCHE Chief Executive Officer Professor Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo stated that the provisional registration granted to the institution will be valid from January 2025 to January 2026.
He explained that the provisional registration will allow the university to, among other things, establish a governing body and submit academic programmes for approval.
“We are pleased to inform you that the application by the proposed University of Matopo for registration was approved by HEQAC of ZIMCHE. The proposed University of Matopo is hereby granted provisional registration, which shall be valid for 12 months from January 10, 2025, to January 11, 2026,” Prof. Dzvimbo said.
“The provisional registration authorises the institution to commence or continue the development of physical facilities, assemble academic resources, and submit academic programmes for consideration and approval by ZIMCHE.”
He further stated that the university may only recruit students after receiving specific approval from ZIMCHE. Additionally, before the provisional registration expires, the University of Matopo must apply for final registration by submitting the required forms and paying the prescribed fees.