Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE construction of 41 science laboratories in Matabeleland South as part of Government driven legacy projects is progressing, with all facilities expected to be operational by the end of the year.
The laboratories have been evenly allocated across the province’s seven districts and are aimed at enabling learners in rural areas to study science and technology subjects. The initiative is expected to increase the number of pupils from rural Matabeleland who qualify for science based university programmes locally and abroad. For years, concerns have been raised over the low enrolment of rural learners in Stem related higher education courses.
According to a report presented during a recent Matabeleland South Provincial Development Committee meeting in Gwanda, all 41 laboratory structures should reach super structure level by the end of the first quarter.
“The target is to have 41 legacy laboratories constructed in the province by end of the year. The project is wholly funded by Government and 10 laboratories are at footing stage while 31 are at excavation stage. All 41 laboratories should be at super structure level by end of the first quarter.
“The intervention will help provide hands on impact to our learners as they will be able to carry out experiments in Stem subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, among others. The laboratories will also enable research to ensure learners are innovative,” reads the report.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the laboratories are among several legacy projects being rolled out in the province and are expected to significantly strengthen the education sector. He noted that most secondary schools in the province were not offering Stem subjects, a situation that limited learners’ prospects.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised the need for pupils to be equipped with science and technology skills in line with the Government’s development agenda.
“It’s a great honour and privilege for us as a province to be hosting this year’s Independence Day Celebrations. Hosting this event comes with significant development for our province, which will have significant impact on the lives of community members. One of the sectors, which record significant development is the education sector.
“With 41 science laboratories being constructed in schools across the province, works are already underway. A major challenge we have in Matabeleland South is that learners are not doing Stem subjects at secondary level. As a result, they can’t secure places in local universities,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the facilities have been evenly distributed across all districts.
Further developments include the renovation of classroom blocks and the construction of eight classroom blocks and eight modern teachers’ cottages at Mahetshe Primary School in Maphisa, which will host the Children’s Party. Two ECD classroom blocks, a computer laboratory and an upgraded sports field will also be established at the school.
Mahetshe Secondary School, also in Maphisa, has been selected as the venue for the music gala. A 700 seater hall and four classroom blocks will be built, alongside an A-level block, computer lab, staff toilets, two science laboratories, an administration block, teachers’ cottages and additional staff ablution facilities.
Other major projects underway include the construction of the Gwanda–Maphisa Road, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic activity. The road links several districts and key economic centres, including Arda Antelope, the Makwe irrigation scheme, two border posts and major tourism sites in Matobo. Once completed, it is expected to cut travel times and enhance access to essential services while unlocking new opportunities in mining, agriculture and tourism.
Local authorities and Government departments also reported progress on other initiatives, including the rehabilitation of 2 600km of road networks across the province and the rehabilitation and completion of Kezi Hospital, which will be fully equipped to improve service delivery.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations and Children’s Party will be held in Maphisa, with Masvingo scheduled to host the 2027 edition. The venues are being selected according to Cabinet approved criteria for hosting the annual national celebrations.
The Second Republic’s Devolution Agenda introduced the rotational hosting model across the country’s 10 provinces, starting in 2021. Since then, the celebrations have been held in Harare (2021), Bulawayo (2022), Mashonaland Central (2023), Manicaland (2024) and Midlands (2025). — @DubeMatutu.
