Published by the government of Zimbabwe
George Maponga
16 November 2009
Masvingo — Government will give the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe a new charter to establish a university following the take-over of the name Great Zimbabwe University by the State, President Mugabe has said.
Addressing hundreds of people at Copota Mission which is run by the church here last Thursday, President Mugabe indicated that Government was more than willing to give the church another chance to establish a university.
"Yes, we took over the name and created a State-owned university under that name since the name has national importance.
"But the church can still proceed to set up another university of their own through a new charter just like other churches in Zimbabwe.
"I have not heard anything from the church concerning the acquisition of a new charter as the leadership has been silent about the issue.
"But we, as Government, are prepared to give them a new charter if they come forward to request for the charter and I hope they will do it though they are quiet at the moment," President Mugabe said.
The President said several other churches had established their own universities and there was nothing wrong with the RCZ also contributing to development of education in Zimbabwe.
In response, RCZ moderator in Zimbabwe Reverend Enos Chomutiri reaffirmed his church's commitment to establishing a university.
He said presentations to that effect would soon be made to the relevant authorities.
Rev Chomutiri said the proposed university would enhance the church's position among top religious bodies committed to developing Zimbabwe's education system.
This will make it the fifth private university in the country.
The other four are: Solusi University run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Africa University (United Methodist Church), the Catholic University and the Women's University in Africa.
Government amended the Great Zimbabwe University charter a few years ago to facilitate the takeover of the name from the RCZ.
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