‎Harare, (New Ziana)- Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model continues to bear fruit as local innovators develop practical solutions with the potential to transform multiple sectors of the economy, the government has said.
‎In a post on its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the government said one such innovation comes from young engineer and inventor, Blessing Chibango, who has designed a machine capable of automatically sorting plastics, paper and other waste materials, offering a significant boost to recycling and environmental management efforts.
‎”That is a noteworthy example of Zimbabwean innovation and demonstrates how solutions developed for one sector can create value across multiple industries. ‎Blessing P. Chibango designed a machine capable of sorting plastics, paper, and other waste materials, helping to improve recycling efficiency, reduce landfill waste, and promote cleaner environments.
‎By automating the separation process, the system can increase the recovery of recyclable materials while reducing the manual labor often associated with waste management,” it said.
‎Beyond its environmental benefits, the Government said the invention demonstrates the growing importance of adaptable technologies that can serve multiple industries.
‎According to experts, the same sorting principles used to separate waste materials can be applied in the mining sector, where raw materials and mineral-bearing ores can be classified according to size before undergoing further processing.
‎”What makes the invention particularly promising is its versatility. The same sorting principles can be adapted for the mining sector, where the machine could be used to classify and separate raw materials according to size before further processing,” said the Government.
This versatility, it added, highlights the innovation’s potential to contribute to both environmental sustainability and industrial growth.
‎The machine’s possible applications extend far beyond waste management as in agriculture, it could be used to sort grains, seeds, fruits and other agricultural products, improving quality control and reducing post-harvest losses.
‎In manufacturing, the technology could assist in the separation and inspection of components during production processes, helping companies maintain product standards.
‎The construction industry could also benefit from the innovation through the classification of sand, gravel and aggregate materials, ensuring consistency and efficiency in building projects.
‎Industry observers say the invention reflects an important trend in modern engineering—developing technologies that simultaneously address environmental challenges and create economic opportunities.
‎For Zimbabwe, locally developed solutions such as Chibango’s machine have the potential to contribute to cleaner cities, improved resource recovery and greater industrial self-reliance.
‎The innovation stands as a testament to the success of Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which emphasizes innovation, industrialisation and the development of practical solutions to national challenges. It also demonstrates how a technology designed for one sector can generate value across several industries, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.
‎If successfully commercialized and scaled, the machine could become a shining example of Zimbabwean ingenuity, supporting the country’s transition towards a circular economy while strengthening key productive sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture and construction.
‎As Zimbabwe continues to promote innovation-driven development, inventions such as this provide tangible evidence that local talent can deliver solutions with both national and international relevance.
New Ziana
