Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE construction of Dubane Primary School has commenced in a resettlement area in Gwanda District, raising hopes for improved access to education and relief for learners who walk up to 10km to the nearest school.
The project had remained a pipe dream for over 20 years with villagers struggling to mobilise resources to build the school.
A local company, Earthworks, has stepped in to assist with the construction and aims to complete a classroom block by the end of this year, allowing the school to enrol Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners from 2026.
Speaking during a recent ground-breaking ceremony, one of the company’s directors, Mr Charles Kunjani, said they were driven by the desire to uplift local communities.
“As a company based in this area, we realised there is a huge gap, as learners have to walk 10km to reach Colleen Bawn Primary School,” he said.
“Other learners have to walk to Tshindeni Primary School, passing through a bushy area that poses risks, especially for the girl child.
“We have partnered with the community after seeing the efforts villagers had already made. We will construct a classroom block, which we aim to complete by year-end to facilitate enrolment.”
Mr Kunjani said some of the building materials have already been procured, allowing the project to begin. He urged community members to support the initiative, which aims to empower children through access to education.
He added that the company also plans to establish a football pitch, to keep young people engaged and help combat drug and substance abuse.
Gwanda District Schools Inspector, Mr Sidney Sibanda, said the construction of Dubane Primary School would support the Government’s goal of reducing walking distances for primary learners to five kilometres.
“This has been a long-awaited project. Learners have been walking 10km, which endangers their safety and compromises their learning,” he said.
“Government policy is to reduce the distances children have to walk and this project contributes to achieving that objective.”
Mr Sibanda said the construction would be closely monitored to ensure infrastructure quality. He added that the school is expected to include essential facilities such as teachers’ cottages and access to water.
Gwanda Tshitaudze Member of Parliament, Cde Fisani Moyo, said the Dubane Primary School project is a clear example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships. He praised the company’s corporate social responsibility, noting that Government had created a conducive environment to encourage private sector participation in national development.
“There is so much we can achieve when we work collectively to develop our communities and nation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo, meaning that in our various capacities, we all have a role to play in building our country,” he said.
“The corporate sector, communities, private players, and Government all have roles to play. I’m pleased that the community had already made efforts to build this school, which shows a clear commitment to development. Now that Earthworks is here, let’s not become complacent, let’s continue mobilising resources.”
Cde Moyo also called on the community to remain united and not let political differences derail the project. He said the development of the education sector is vital to achieving Vision 2030.
Headman Dubane welcomed the development, saying it was a relief to see meaningful progress in a previously marginalised area. He noted that some parents were paying up to R500 per month for their children’s transport.
“Having this school will help us protect and safeguard the futures of our children,” he said.
“It has been dangerous for children to walk long distances through bushy areas. Our area is also plagued by illegal mining activities, which increases the risks.
“Such long walks to school have been demotivating, and some learners have dropped out and joined illegal mining. We want to change that and give our children a proper future through education.”
— @DubeMatutu
