By Rex Mphisa
THE Tjemahale community in Bulilima District has been celebrated for their presence of mind towards the education of their children following their building of a school costing $160 000.
Matabeleland South Minister of State For Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said their gesture is an investment for their children’s future.
He described the project as a practical demonstration of the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national development.
“The school was built through collaborative efforts of the local community, the diaspora, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), CAMPFIRE and Bulilima Rural District Council, whose combined contributions enabled the completion of the project at a cost of approximately US$156,742,” Nguluvhe said.
“Since opening in 2023, the school has significantly reduced travelling distances for students, improved school attendance, enhanced learner safety and contributed to a reduction in school dropouts.”
He visited tye school last week and met with parents, students and officials from different stakeholders duing thee commissioning of the institution with a current enrolment of 102 pupils but is set to increase immensely.
Nguluvhe said Tjemahale Secondary School marked a significant milestone in Government’s efforts to expand access to quality education and promote rural development.
During his address Nguluvhe also described the commissioning of the school as the fulfilment of a vision that began in 2010 and a testament to Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education in line with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 is the country’s comprehensive national development blueprint aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous, empowered, and upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030.
The newly commissioned school consists of two classroom blocks, two F14 teachers’ houses, a science laboratory, a solar-powered borehole, ablution facilities and other supporting infrastructure providing a conducive learning environment.
Nguluvhe said Tjemahale Secondary School is among the beneficiaries of the 40 science laboratories under construction across Matabeleland South Province under the legacy projects of the 46th National Independence Celebrations held earlier this year in Maphisa, Matobo District.
The initiative, he said, reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model.
“Parents, guardians and the community should continue supporting the school and safeguarding the infrastructure, noting that quality education requires collective responsibility from Government, educators, parents and communities alike,” he said.
The commissioning of Tjemahale Secondary School represents another milestone in Government’s drive to improve educational access, strengthen human capital development and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Matabeleland South Province, he said.
Also addressing the same gathering, Dingumuzi Phuthi, Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, said the development showed importance of digital technologies in transforming education.
“Government remains committed to bridging the digital divide by improving ICT infrastructure in rural schools and equipping learners with digital skills required for the modern economy. He encouraged learners to embrace technology responsibly and position themselves to benefit from opportunities created through Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda,” said Phuthi who is also the Member Of Parliament for Bulilima Constituency.
The ceremony was attended by several Matabeleland South senior government officials traditional and community leaders, and members of the Bulilima community.