Minister of Science and Technology has called on Board Members for five statutory institution under his ministry to make tangible impact and contribute to the growth of science, technology, and innovation.
Speaking during that inauguration ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, Mutati emphasised the boards crucial role in socio-economic transformation and job creation.
Mutati, inaugurated five key boards including the National Institution of Science Industrial Research (NISIR), National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Radiation Protection Authority (RPA), and Zambia Institute of Management (ZAMIM).
Addressing the newly appointed board members, Minister Mutati emphasized the importance of aligning their activities with the Eighth National Development Plan to drive the nation’s progress in skills development, science, research, technology, and innovation.
Mutati expressed satisfaction with the diverse expertise and gender balance among the selected members, emphasizing the shared passion for Zambia’s advancement.
He highlighted the pivotal role these institutions play in shaping the country’s future and called on board members to contribute significantly to fostering growth in science, technology, and innovation.
He mentioned that the selection would lift the burden of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu who was forced into the day to operation.
“The various institutions today must be celebrating because they have been orphans for quite some time. (As a result) the decision making process and delivery was not only cumbersome but sometimes it was unnecessarily delayed because it ended up only in the office the permanent secretary to be able to understand every institution,” Mutati said.
Mutati said Habeenzu will now focus on providing oversight and interpreting government policy.
The minister urged boards to establish performance contracts, evaluating their work against set deliverables.
Each institution was encouraged to strive for “tip-top moments,” with specific goals such as commercialization for Zambia Institute of Management (ZAMIM) and for National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to produce inventors.
Mutati reminded each board members of the immense responsibility bestowed upon them by the people of Zambia.
Clad in their suits, listening quietly to the ministers speech, the board members were put on the spot as Mutati stressed the transformative power of their roles, acknowledging that they indeed looked beautiful and handsome.
He however, told them to translate their beauty and handsomeness into changing the lives of the Zambian people, emphasizing the responsibility to share and make tangible impacts.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba January 13, 2023
