8 October 2020- Africa University received a donation of 1 Tonne of maize and 6 buckets of sugar beans from the United Methodist Church Mutasa- Nyanga District. The donation comes as a gift in celebration , appreciation and honor of the long- standing and highly impactful ties that the university has with the UMC.
Representing the Vice Chancellor Professor Munshe Furusa, Registrar Mr. Herbert Njonga said ,” This is a truly exciting occasion for us as the university. Our institution has been birthed by the Church and this donation signifies for us that powerful relationship that exists between us. Our work together has been extensive and has been strengthened through our Institute of Theology and Religious Studies which holds an MOU that cements our partnership . This donation demonstrates and speaks clearly to our philosophy of Ubuntu. We thank you as the Church for opening your arms to us as we grow. You have honored us today and continue to do so by being our ambassadors, raising funds through Africa University Sunday and investing in the future by providing scholarships. You are a sterling example of leadership and we thank you for standing firmly by us as we build this institution for Africa.”
Leading the delegation and representing the office of the Bishop of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, District Superintendent Reverend Tafadzwa Musona expressed the joy that the district felt in being able to give back to Africa University. The university has contributed immensely to the Church through the training and education of clergy, many of whom have gone on to assume leadership positions across the UMC as well as the institutions’ continued engagement and willingness to partner at all levels .
DS Musona said during her remarks , ” This donation is a gift that we have been longing to make for a long time. Bishop Nhiwatiwa upon learning of our intentions to make this donation was ecstatic especially when we consider the current pandemic. This donation is possible through God. We have longed for this occasion as we wanted so much to give back to the university. This university had welcomed us numerous times and played host to us without fail. We asked ourselves , what are we doing as a church for our university? I am happy that the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area through the Mutasa- Nyanga District are the first to make such a gesture. We feel we have a role to play in the development of Africa University. This is the first in so much more that is to come. We embrace Africa University and consider it a blessing that it is housed in our District.”
The donations shall go towards the Bonaventure Ndorimana Dining Hall that feeds the institutions’ student body and staff. Close to 40% of UMC clergy in Zimbabwe have been trained in undergraduate and graduate degrees at Africa University and serve in various levels of leadership in the Church . 7 current serving District Superintendents in Zimbabwe are Africa University alumni . Zimbabwe has a total 14 districts that make up the Zimbabwe East and the Zimbabwe West Annual Conferences under the episcopal leadership of Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa.