National Engineering Students Awards for Research and Innovation (NESARI) - 2024

NUST took FIRST PLACE in the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority Enterprises (ZENT) category, tackling one of the biggest national infrastructure challenges with its groundbreaking research: "Investigating the Lateral Behaviour of 7 Span 11kV and 33kV Distribution Line Network 12.2m ZENT Concrete Poles Under Varying Weather Conditions – A Simulation-Based Approach". The NUST Team, comprising students from the Department of Civil and Water Engineering, built an accurate digital twin of Zimbabwe’s electrical distribution network and uncovered reasons for premature failure of ZENT concrete poles, a danger that poses a risk to the public. The Team pitched a high-stakes presentation to a panel of practising engineers, having the privilege of presenting their recommendations directly to ZESA Enterprises' top management... Strengthen critical infrastructure across the country. The team also walked away with the award for “Most Outstanding Poster”, a testament to the clarity, depth, and impact of their research. What an honour it was. With the competition fierce and intense, the NUST Team secured 4th place overall out of nine universities, proving the sheer level of talent in the room. Hosted at ZIE Conquenar House, Harare, and sponsored by the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers (ZIE), this prestigious event brought together engineering faculties from: National University of Science and Technology (NUST), University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), Midlands State University (MSU), Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe (CUT), Zimbabwe Defence University (ZDU), Lupane State University (LSU), Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS). The competition wasn’t just about Civil & Water Engineering; top-tier talent from Electronics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Network and Software Engineering all competed at the highest level. What an incredible honour to stand among the best of young engineers. The team comprised Thandeka Moyo, Denzel Kuvateedza, Desire Chirichoga, Pardon Gwizangwe, Epmarco Mugazambi, and Michael Kumirai. The team was supervised by Pr. Eng. Mudhindi (MZwIE) and Dr Mushunje. Engineering is about vision, collaboration, and shaping the future. This was just the beginning. The journey to innovation and impact continues.