Minister Soda pledges support for innovative Rural Housing Designs By Nomagugu Konke Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Honorable Zhemu Soda, has pledged his commitment to implementing winning designs from the Rural Homestead Design Competition. "I pledge to support and implement these innovative designs, ensuring they become a tangible reality that benefits our people," Minister Soda said. Speaking at the Rural Homestead Designs Awards Ceremony, Minister Soda encouraged continued collaboration between creative minds, experts, and the government to build thriving communities and achieve Zimbabwe's vision of becoming a prosperous, upper-middle-income society by 2030. He also said the competition marks a significant step towards fostering public-private partnerships for sustainable rural housing development. "The success of this competition is one major step towards bringing together meaningful Private, Public, Partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable rural housing development, “Additionally, it provides students with invaluable experience and pre-exposure to the anticipated architectural working environment, shaping the next generation of professionals in the field," he added. Minister Soda praised the winning designs, stating, “Your designs demonstrate creativity, functionality, and [a] deep understanding of rural needs." He emphasized the long-term impact of these innovative designs, stating, "Your work will inspire and transform lives for a long time to come.” He explained the Ministry's collaboration with Studio 5 Architects, calling it “a highly successful procurement mode, the Ministry the best range of design options.” The competition's objectives align with the Ministry's core values, particularly in developing climate-proof and flexible rural housing. The Minister acknowledged the contributions of cultural experts, stating their input “gave impetus to the participants and the basic fundamentals of designing within the context of our local culture." The award ceremony recognized the participants and highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to address rural development issues. Permanent Secretary for National Housing and Social Amenities, Engineer T.K. Chinyanga, celebrated the innovative designs from the Rural Homestead Design Competition. “We celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in architectural design,” he stated, emphasizing alignment with the Zimbabwe National Human Settlement Policy (ZNHSP) of 2020. The competition, in partnership with institutions like NUST and the University of Zimbabwe, challenged students to create sustainable homesteads on 4000 square-meter plots. “These designs serve as catalysts for sustainable rural development and economic empowerment,” he said. Ntombiyehlile Dube, a student from the National University of Science and Technology who also won multiple awards for her design explained her concept. “I aimed to capture the background of Ndebele culture, which is why my design is primarily cultural. I wanted to highlight the traditional aspects that are gradually being lost over time. I successfully incorporated circular forms and patterns, reflecting how they used to position their cattle kraals. “Additionally, I integrated technology by incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels. There is also a biodigester, allowing cow dung and other animal waste to be channelled into it,” she said. Emmanuel Tamaanya, a student at NUST, said, "I submitted two entries: one for the Tonga homestead Matabeleland North and the other one for Mashonaland. I aimed to fuse creativity with technological and sustainable concepts while maintaining the fundamental composition of a homestead. The concept of Tonga from Matabeleland North was derived from the existing ecosystem and the area's suitability for climate change. In Tonga, traditional houses have become extinct due to flooding and the need to protect people from wild animals. I was trying to merge the past and present while looking toward the future by incorporating sustainable concepts and renewable energy solutions."
Real Estate Industry Vital to Zimbabwe's Development By Nomagugu Konke The real estate sector plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe's socioeconomic transformation, contributing significantly to job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth. Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Advocate Nobert Mazungunye, emphasized the sector's importance. "The real estate sector is a major asset class for both individual and institutional investors," "It generates millions of jobs and stimulates urbanization, leading to improved infrastructure and quality of life,” said Advocate Mazungunye. The Minister also highlighted the need for sustainable development practices in the real estate industry. "By promoting green building technologies and protecting our environment, we can ensure a resilient built environment for future generations," he stated. However, the sector faces challenges such as illegal estate agents, land barons, and money laundering. The government, in collaboration with regulatory bodies, is working to address these issues and protect the public. The Minister emphasized the importance of property rights, which are enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. "Protecting property rights is essential for economic stability and attracting foreign investment," he said. As Zimbabwe continues to strive for economic growth and development, the real estate sector will play a vital role. By addressing challenges and promoting sustainable practices, the industry can contribute to a prosperous and inclusive future for all Zimbabweans.
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