Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Writer
LEARNERS from 25 Seventh-day Adventist Church-run schools in Matabeleland North province have received a donation of solar-powered lighting kits and lanterns, to support their studies and improve learning outcomes.
The consignment was sourced by philanthropist Mr Muziwandile Dube, a former headmaster whose dedication to empowering the vulnerable — particularly the girl child — earned him the Netherlands Embassy’s Gender Champion Award in 2021.
He partnered with Aluwaine Tanaka Manyonga, founder of Zambezi Ark Technologies (ZARTech), an organisation focused on delivering reliable, renewable lighting to learners through an innovative solution crafted from waste — the Chigubhu Lantern.
The Chigubhu Lantern Initiative also involved the repurposing of 4 000 plastic bottles and tins, alongside practical training for learners in sustainability, circular design, climate impact and lantern repair — ensuring long-term viability and knowledge transfer.
For learners affected by unreliable or non-existent electricity, the impact is transformative. The lanterns, charged daily at the school’s central solar-powered hub, provide high-quality lighting for evening study, directly addressing a major barrier to academic achievement.
Mr Dube later collaborated with Mr Manyonga and ZARTech, pioneers of the Chigubhu Lantern Initiative, which produces durable LED lanterns made from recycled electronic waste, housed in discarded plastic bottles and aluminium cans. The model addresses two challenges simultaneously — providing essential lighting and reducing waste pollution.
“We started small with the Direct Aid Programme funded by the Australian government, but our relationship has grown stronger as the vision of ensuring ‘A Light for Every Student’ has expanded,” said Mr Manyonga.
“The critical need for the Chigubhu Lantern Initiative is underscored by the stark reality of Zimbabwe’s rural electrification challenge. With over 65 percent of the rural population lacking access to electricity, the education sector has been disproportionately affected. Schools in these areas often operate without reliable power, hindering students’ ability to study beyond daylight hours.”
Mr Manyonga noted that the project received a significant boost through support from Australian Aid, which has led to improved academic performance among nearly 2 000 learners from 25 SDA schools in the province, who have benefitted from the Chigubhu Lanterns.
In addition, 25 Chiedza Solar Kits and 25 Chiedza Power Hubs — totalling 11kW of solar capacity — were installed in various schools across Matabeleland.
Beneficiary schools include Samahuru Adventist High School, Samahuru Primary, Tshitatshawa Primary and Secondary, Nemane Primary, Matshudula Primary, Soluswe Primary, Nkanyiso Primary, Mazibisa Primary, Jakalasi Primary, Horton Primary, Tshabanda Adventist Primary and High School, Crosby Primary, Mathabiswana Secondary and Nganda Primary, among others.
The SDA Church’s West Zimbabwe Conference (WZC) Education Director, Dr Christopher Thebe, praised the donation.
“On behalf of the West Zimbabwe Conference, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to Zambezi Ark Technologies and Australian Aid for donating solar equipment to 25 schools under the authority of WZC,” he said.
“Our learners in rural schools lack access to proper lighting, and this simple yet effective technology will significantly support their studies. Special thanks go to Mr Muziwandile Dube, through whom we have received various forms of assistance for our schools.”
Samahuru Adventist High School headmaster, Mr Rejoice Ngwabi, said the donation would greatly enhance the school’s ability to charge devices and use printers and computers effectively.
“Previously, we faced challenges with our electrical systems and had to rely on the clinic for charging. We are immensely grateful for this support, which has transformed our school’s operations and the learning environment for our students,” he said.
A local villager, Mr Servious Lusinga, also highlighted the initiative’s importance for their remote community.
“This donation is vital for us. With Grade 7 learners camping here to prepare for their examinations, having reliable lighting for late-night study eases a lot of pressure. Both teachers and students benefit from this development, and it uplifts the entire community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Dube remains committed to uplifting communities, particularly in Tsholotsho, Bubi, and Matobo districts. Long before gaining international recognition for sourcing sanitary wear and school fees for underprivileged girls, he was quietly making a difference — starting during his teaching days at Nemane Adventist
High in 2008 and continuing as headmaster at Samahuru Adventist High School from 2015.
His work has consistently focused on practical solutions — broiler projects to help girls raise school fees, agricultural empowerment, and creating university pathways through scholarships.
Dube, alongside his twin brother and project co-ordinator Muzimkhulu, understands this mission deeply.
“We believe every child deserves access to safe, sustainable lighting. The Chigubhu Lantern is more than just a light — it’s a tool for education, opportunity, and a greener future,” he said.
“We are immensely grateful for ZARTech’s commitment to teaching children about renewable energy and sustainability. Together, we can light the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
As dusk falls over Matabeleland North, thousands of learners now have the means to push back the darkness — their studies illuminated by lanterns born of ingenuity, recycled materials, and a shared commitment to ensuring no learner is left in the dark.
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