Zimpapers Logo

The event also came at the time when CUT was celebrating its 10th anniversary
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Vice Chancellor Professor Simbi said: “So many strides are being made to drive technologies in Zimbabwe and we are so grateful for the commitment shown by both the public and private sector.”

Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Kuipa also affirmed the position citing that Zimbabwe recently hosted a separate technology convention with international delegates from various countries where they discussed the future of technologies worldwide and the emergence of nanotechnologies and how best they can benefit these as nations.
Getting down to the business of the day, there were many technology exhibition stands manned by deans of departments, professors and the students themselves. I had a courtesy tour under the hospitable guide of the institution’s public relations officer Jacqueline Tanhara.
Professor Jonathan Enock demystified the nanotechnology concept with much suaveness, confirming the advent of the world of supercharged technological advancements.

In his simplest terms he described nanotechnology as “very small materials which are scientifically 10 to the power minus nine (10-9), while micro is 10 to the power minus six (10-6). When you look at gold particles and how they react at nano level (in their smallest component), lots of technologies can be driven from that.
“You can even develop a non-washable shirt utilising nanotechnology, your clothes will get dirty, or imagine a flexible solar panel on your roof or wearable sensors on your body, even gold nano particles are being used to cure cancer.  This opens up a new world of possibilities!”

He said although nanotechnology is still in its infancy, there is an awareness of what Zimbabwe has in terms of resources and the universities are already involved in the fundamental researches and  there is an anticipation of locally made tangible solutions within  the next 24 months or so.
The Ministry of Science and Technology via Sirdc has instituted a department specifically to oversee and drive nanotechnologies and it is being headed by Dr Maponga of the University of Zimbabwe

The university was literally turned into a technology  hub as various departments took their most priced projects right outside the conventional lecture rooms and ready for the showcase as invited guests and students stampeded to take part in the highly interactive exhibition.
What caught my eye first was the board of balancing pins. Students jostled as they took turns to test the laws of physics with their own bodies — completely lying on their backs on very sharp levelled pins without being hurt at all.

Dr Sumanya explained the science behind the successful balance that “as long as weight is equally spread on the board of pins which are all levelled it is not possible for the body to get hurt by the sharp pins”.
Another crowd puller under the department was the “money burning” experiment, which was showcased by Dr Tavengwa Bhunu.
He soaked some US dollar notes into a liquid and then set them on fire, apparently only the liquid (hydrogen)  burned, prompting the creative team to try and invent a chemical which can actually be used to apply on very important documents  and safeguard them from fire damage.

The Dean of the School of Engineering Science and Technology, Engineer Edson Manyumbu, said: “We need engineers as a developing nation and we will need much more support from the stakeholders to spur the development of technology. Our engineers need much more support since engineering is a much more practical course with more job opportunities.”

Students securing industrial attachments a bit late was another major challenge that Eng Manyumbu highlighted and pointed out that much support from the industrial players will be needed.
“We also have an engineering complex sponsored by the Government which is already being roofed and much more facilities will be under the complex,” highlighted Eng Manyumbu

Another captivating innovation was a cellphone charging  system  for bicycles, this would be much more relevant to locals with the current  erratic power cuts.
Tapiwanashe Sanyanga, a Bachelor of Science Honours degree student  in Information Technology studies, showed other prospective students the roadmap and potential job positions as she also showed off another latest invention of a solar-powered laptop.

The Biological Sciences group had another male student who passionately spoke on the technology behind genes and paternity tests.
He said the increase of such efforts on these technologies will even make paternity tests and sciences available and affordable to the masses
This is the same department that created fruit juices, food powder and fruit sauces using our natural traditional ingredients. Chinhoyi University of Technology is seriously moulding the future players of technology in Zimbabwe, nurturing talent and laying the bedrock of technologies.