Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE construction of Bekezela Primary School in Filabusi, Insiza District, has eased congestion and improved learning conditions for hundreds of children following years of overcrowding at Filabusi Government Primary School.
The idea to establish the new school was first mooted in 2018 after community members raised concerns over rising enrolments that the existing schools could no longer accommodate. Progress was initially slow due to limited resources.
In 2020, following the disbursement of devolution funds, Insiza Rural District Council prioritised the project, leading to the construction of Bekezela Primary, which now has an enrolment of 500 learners.
According to the 2022 Census, Filabusi’s population exceeds 12,000, including more than 5,000 school-going children. With only two primary schools serving the town, pressure on existing facilities had become critical. During the Covid-19 peak, Filabusi Government Primary School, equipped with just nine classrooms, had to accommodate more than 20 classes, forcing children to learn in open spaces and makeshift structures.
Bekezela Primary School Development Committee chairperson, Mr Pilate Siziba, said the school has brought much-needed relief to families. The project was valued at over US$50,000.
“This town is growing and it has become difficult for our children to learn properly. There was massive hot-sitting and sometimes learners were attending lessons at the country club,” he said.
Mr Siziba said they felt relieved as their children now walk shorter distances to a proper school.
“Their learning conditions have improved. We wanted to construct this school long ago, but we lacked the funds. The devolution programme made it possible. We thank the Government for supporting development across communities,” he said.
Insiza RDC chairperson, Councillor Luke Dube, said devolution funds have transformed service delivery in the district, enabling authorities to make progress in four key areas, which include education, machinery and equipment, infrastructure and health.
Through the funds, stalled projects have been revived and completed, enhancing access to essential services.
Speaking during the commissioning of the school, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said Bekezela Primary is a clear example of community-driven development supported by the Government.
“This milestone reflects the transformative leadership of the Second Republic under His Excellency President Mnangagwa. The council has fully embraced the devolution agenda and used the allocated funds responsibly to address pressing community needs. Strengthening social infrastructure and safety nets is a key pillar of NDS1,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said Bekezela Primary is the 89th completed project in the province out of 139 ongoing projects. Under the education cluster, 60 projects have been initiated, with the school being the 20th to be completed.
Insiza District has nine devolution-funded projects, four of which are complete, while five remain in progress.
“In 2023, Insiza RDC also utilised devolution funds to rehabilitate school infrastructure damaged by storms across the district. This new school will provide a strong foundation for learning in line with the Education 5.0 framework,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He urged community leaders to prioritise transparency and accountability and encouraged private sector and development partners to continue supporting inclusive local development.
Bekezela Primary joins several new schools built in Matabeleland South through devolution and the Constituency Development Fund, including Zompata, Ndiweni, Mathendele and Poli Magama Primary Schools.
Devolution continues to assist local authorities in increasing access to social amenities such as clinics, roads, classroom blocks and bridges — key pillars of NDS1
—@DubeMatutu
