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Nqobile Tshili Bulawayo Bureau
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has started hunting for a replacement for one of its pro-vice chancellors, Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, who was recently appointed deputy director-general in the President’s Department.
Dr Mazithulela was earlier this month appointed to the President Department together with Brigadier-General (Rtd) Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to replace Mr Aaron Nhepera, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage as a permanent secretary.

Dr Mazithulela was the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor — Innovation and Business Development before the latest appointment.

In a statement, the university said it was looking for a versatile and competent individual to take up the demanding post.
“The university is seeking an individual of personal and professional integrity, with a distinguished record of accomplishment in higher education or related professional field,” it said.

It said the individual should be a holder of an earned research doctorate and must demonstrate analytical and business problem solving skills. “A business-related qualification would be an added advantage. The incumbent will be responsible for initiating, recommending, implementing and monitoring policies, systems and procedures dealing with university business development and any other functions delegated by the vice chancellor,” it said.

“The position therefore calls for a versatile, a respected individual with a proven record of business achievement and an individual who can provide critical leadership that will help empower the university to diversify its revenue base so as to strengthen its academic and research funding.”

The Nust Council said interested candidates should have 10 years’ experience working in university business development, at least five years in senior management and should be highly innovative.

Earlier this month, Higher Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Nust leadership should stir the university towards fulfilling its national science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) mandate.

This comes as Government had expressed concerns that Nust was now enrolling more students in commercial courses, diverting from its core mandate.