PUBLIC-PRIVATE SYNERGIES IN ZIMBABWE’S STATE UNIVERSITIES: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been advocated as a dynamic alternative for public sector infrastructure development, yet their progress in Zimbabwe's state universities remains underexplored. This study investigates the evolution and validation of PPPs as a funding option for educational infrastructure in Zimbabwean state universities, comparing it with traditional funding methods. Employing a descriptive qualitative research methodology rooted in constructivist philosophy and supported by a multiple case study design, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with nineteen key informants selected via criteria and critical purposive sampling. Secondary data were also sourced from relevant literature. The findings reveal a low uptake and implementation inertia of educational infrastructure PPPs in Zimbabwean state universities since their adoption and standardization in 2010, despite the concept being introduced in 1998 and initial frameworks developed in 2004. Justifications for adopting PPPs include their potential to offer sustainable funding solutions compared to traditional sources such as the national budget, institutional funds, and loan financing. PPPs were identified as a viable alternative to bridge infrastructure gaps. The study recommends that state universities adopt a business-oriented approach and operate as social enterprises to attract quality private investors in PPP arrangements
Keywords:
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Educational Infrastructure, State Universities, Zimbabwe Funding AlternativesDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2024 Tatenda Michael Chitiyo, Rutendo Precious Moyo , Blessing Tawanda Nyathi
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