By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge Government Primary School, which now has over 1 600 learners and had resorted to hot-sitting due to severe overcrowding, has received a major boost following the commissioning of a new double-storey, 14-classroom block by Vice President Dr. Kembo Mohadi on Saturday.
The new facility is expected to ease congestion and serve as a beacon of hope for learners and the community.
The official opening was held under the theme “From Policy to Progress: Legal Frameworks and Infrastructure Impact – Beitbridge.”
Speaking at the ceremony, VP Mohadi said the commissioning represents the transformation of policy commitments into tangible progress.
“The theme captures the spirit of what we celebrate. Beitbridge Government Primary has long been a beacon of learning in this border town, but rapid population growth created overcrowding and hot-sitting, compromising the quality of education. This new block ends that challenge and signals a transformation,” he said.
He said the development aligns with Vision 2030 and Education 5.0, which promotes innovation, digital competence, and heritage-based learning.
“The project also advances key global development priorities, including, Quality Education through modern, well-ventilated and inclusive classrooms, Gender Equality by providing safe spaces that support girls, especially in STEM, Health and Well-being through improved infrastructure that boosts attendance and performance, Sustainable Development via a double-storey design that uses land efficiently and supports environmental stewardship,” he said.
VP Mohadi emphasised that Section 4 of the Zimbabwe Education Act and the Constitution guarantee every child’s right to education.
The new block, he said, fulfils both legal and moral obligations.
Looking ahead, government plans to equip every classroom with interactive digital tools, expand ECD facilities, upgrade sanitation, strengthen teacher development and replicate the Beitbridge model across Matabeleland South and beyond.
He thanked the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Local Government, the SDC, parents, local authorities and development partners for their dedication. Parents and SDC members have been contributing to the project since 2021.
“Together, we are building not just classrooms, but the future of Zimbabwe,” he said.
As part of the ceremony, VP Mohadi donated 15 laptops, one printer, a Starlink internet kit, and a whiteboard for the computer laboratory. In appreciation, the school gifted him a road-runner chicken and eggs from its livelihood projects.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, applauded the milestone.
“This achievement marks a significant moment in our quest to provide a conducive learning environment. It empowers our children to reach their full potential and shapes the future of our nation. VP, your presence underscores government’s commitment to strengthening education infrastructure.”
Closing the event, Chief Sitaudze hailed the Vice President’s gesture as “a powerful investment into the future of the learners.”
The commissioning marks a new chapter for Beitbridge Government Primary School, restoring dignity in learning and strengthening the community’s hope for quality education.