Minister unveils National Biotechnology board

HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira yesterday unveiled the new National Biotechnology Authority Board in Harare.

While assigning the new appointees their duties, Prof Murwira challenged the board to put national development at the top of their agenda.

“There is need for you to be selfless in discharging your new duties. Whenever someone gets a chance to serve their country, they should do so with humility and pride.

Ten names were submitted to President, but only seven got the nod.

“Some of the people whose names were submitted to the President for approval did not make it, but yours were selected. This means that the country trusts your competence, we expect the NBA to answer national questions. Knowledge that cannot be translated to product is not helpful” said Prof Murwira.

In line with constitutional requirement, 10 names were submitted to President Mnangagwa recently from which he appointed the seven academics and professionals from various sectors who will serve as board members of the NBA.

The board members are Ms Rungano Karimanzira, Dr Jonathan Mufandaedza (the current NBA chief executive), Dr Fungayi Chatiza, Professor Mhosisi Masocha, Mr Zephania Dhlamini, Mr Elisha Moyo and University of Zimbabwe Professor Florence Mutambanengwe.

Prof Mutambanengwe will chair the board during its three-year tenure, deputised by corporate lawyer Mr Moyo.

Accepting their new role, Prof Mutambanengwe promised to deliver on expected results.

“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa and the Minister for bestowing confidence and trust in us, for which we are honoured and humbled to accept,” Prof Mutambanengwe said.

“I have to say that along with everyone here present, I was pleasantly surprised by your consideration to be on this board.”

The NBA is an independent research institution established through the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe NBA Act of 2006 Section 14:31.

Its role is to regulate and lead the development of biotechnology for the benefit of Zimbabweans, as well as the creation of knowledge.

Biotechnology is the application of biological organisms, systems or processes by various industries to learning about the science of life and the improvement of the value of materials and organisms such as pharmaceuticals, crops, and livestock.