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Tafadzwa Ndlovu Herald Reporter
The Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Conference and Exhibition opened yesterday in Harare amid high expectations that it will raise awareness and the profile of the country’s scientific research achievements.An official in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Mr Justin Manyawu, told The Herald that the conference sought to promote a science culture that could enhance national development.

“Science and technology is the bedrock of every nation’s development.  We need to constantly engage in such exhibitions to showcase our research activities in the country,” he said.

“Science and technology holds the key to the revival of the local industry. We have to produce our own products and reduce our reliance on imports.”

He said Zimbabweans needed to appreciate the importance of science and technology in finding some of the solutions to the country’s pressing problems.

“We need to show people the importance of science and technology as well as research.  It is only through exhibitions such as this one that people can see for themselves what technology can do to improve their quality of  life.”

The two-day conference and exhibition is being held under the theme: “Science Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development”.

The University of Zimbabwe showcased indigenous healthy products made from the amaranth commonly known as mowa or bonyongwe in the Shona culture.

Other indigenous plant products on display included the zumbani herbal tea, Makoni herbal tea and “Mawuyu vitamin yoghurt” made from baobab powder and milk.

A total of 37 higher and tertiary institutions including others from South Africa showcased their research outputs at the exhibition.