Vusumuzi Dube
Nothando Zondo, Sunday News Reporter
THE construction of Mbembeswane One Secondary School in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province is set to finally start, 48 years after it was mooted.
The school, set to be constructed on a 24-hectare piece of land, was initially proposed in 1978 and plans were approved in 2017.
Speaking at the school’s ground-breaking ceremony, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda, who is also Bubi legislator expressed his vision to see the school’s completion, urging the community to take pride in the project.
“Today, we gather here not just to lay the foundation of a building but to ignite a dream that has been in our hearts and minds for a long time. This ground-breaking ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the journey of our community, one that symbolises hope, resilience and the unwavering belief in the power of education.
“It is a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to empowering our youths. This development is in line with the President’s philosophy ilizwe lakhiwa, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” said Deputy Minister Sibanda.
Bubi District schools inspector, Mr Kelvin Mathe, expressed his delight at the development, noting that once the school is complete it will significantly reduce the distance being travelled by pupils to the nearest secondary schools.
“Pupils have to walk close to 14 kilometres through a dense forest to attend the nearest schools, namely Majiji Secondary and Siganda High School, which is a torturous experience. Many students have dropped out due to these hardships and girls were also forced into undesirable means to support themselves, leading to early pregnancies,” said Mr Mathe.
Various companies donated materials to support the project. Bubi Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Thembani Khumalo donated 20 bags of cement, Alticom Company donated 78 sheets of zinc, Fence Africa pledged fencing for the school, McDonalds Bricks donated 5 000 face bricks while Ling Chang Company donated 26 000 bricks.
In an interview, Bubi RDC chief executive officer Dr Patson Mlilo revealed that the council aims to open the school by January 2025, enabling Form One enrolment.
“The groundbreaking at Mbembeswa Secondary School marked a significant milestone. The Member of Parliament for Bubi Constituency has secured sufficient building materials to complete a classroom block, allowing Form Ones to start in January.
“We will ensure the project’s success, filling gaps to complete the classroom block, teacher’s cottage, and toilets by January 2025. This project aligns with our infrastructural development goals and enhances education, a core aspect of our business,” said Dr Mlilo.
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