Online Reporter
Africa Moyo and Thupeyo Muleya in Beitbridge
COMPANIES play a critical role in nation-building through partnerships with the Government to bring life-transforming investments, especially in the social services sector, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi has said.
Speaking at the handover and commissioning of renovation works done by NetOne Cellular at Mtetengwe Primary School here yesterday, the VP restated that education is the bedrock of national development, which demands the involvement of everyone.
“We gather here, not only to celebrate the physical transformation of this school, but also, to recognise the transformative power of education,” he said.
“Education is the bedrock of our nation’s development, and the renovations we inaugurate today are evidence to our shared commitment to providing our children with the best possible learning environment.
“The classrooms, libraries and facilities that we unveiled today (yesterday) are more than just structures; they are sanctuaries of knowledge, creativity and hope for our future leaders. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to selfless corporations for their generous investment in our community and for their commitment to corporate social responsibility.”
VP Mohadi added that the investment in Zimbabwe’s education system is an investment in the country’s future.
“Through your initiatives, you have demonstrated that corporate entities can play a pivotal role in nation building. It is my hope that this partnership will inspire other organisations to contribute towards the betterment of our communities.
“May you also do the same for other communities throughout the country, with the mantra, ‘leaving no one and no place behind’,” said VP Mohadi.
Mtetengwe Primary School with over 500 pupils and catering for over seven villages, was damaged by Cyclone Idai and has been in bad shape for some time, prompting VP Mohadi’s Office to contact partners to help in the renovation of the school.
Some partners renovated the classrooms, some donated renovation materials while others took part in the actual work done on site.
One of the partners sponsored a solarised borehole and a nutritional garden on one hectare where horticulture projects have started.
In line with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 curriculum and the digital literacy policy, one of the classrooms was converted to become a top-of-the-range computer lab with latest computers, Starlink for Wi-Fi connectivity, white board screens and projectors.
VP Mohadi toured the computer lab where young learners demonstrated their capacity to use laptops.
In the nutritional garden, VP Mohadi planted a Mexican Apple tree and named it KCD, while Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri planted hers and named it Oppah.
The commissioning of the renovation works was preceded by a Run for Life Marathon organised in honour of VP Mohadi’s contribution to national development before and after independence.
The marathon brought together the community in a celebration of health, unity and progress in Zimbabwe.
VP Mohadi said the gathering was not just to witness the fruits of hard work, but also to reaffirm “our commitment to championing a drug-free society by 2030”.
“This gathering bears testimony to what can be achieved when Government and the private sector come together for a common goal — to build their country, living true to the instructive philosophy of President Mnangagwa who is also SADC Chairperson that Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/ Shango lifhatiwa ngavhane vhalo, (a country is built by its owners),” he said.
The VP, who was born in the Mtetengwe area, challenged the community, especially learners, to work hard so that other leaders could be produced in future.
He later handed medals to winners of the marathon, who included people with disabilities, and handed over empowerment funds to Cross-borders 4ED US$20 000, Pastors4ED US$10 000, Hairdressers 4ED US$10 000 and Children of War Veterans US$50 000. The funds are revolving.
On Friday, some people also received first aid training while Discovery Ambulances were offering free medical services to the community, through nurses and doctors.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri commended Vice-President Mohadi for leading at the front in driving infrastructure development in the country from the grassroots level.
She said the refurbishment of Mtetengwe Primary school was a right step towards achieving the envisaged Vision 2030 as set out by President Mnangagwa.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri commended Vice-President Mohadi for mobilising resources to improve the learning environment at the school in support of the President’s vision.
Matabeleland South Minister of State of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe said, “The successful implementation of this project is a good example of what partnerships between the Government and the private sector may contribute to improved service delivery across all development sectors, especially on education which is very critical in shaping the future of our children.”
Provincial Education Director, Mrs Beatrice Manjere said having better learning facilities was critical in achieving the goals of the National Development Strategy 1.
“We commend the efforts by our Government through the Vice-President who supported the refurbishment of this school. It is important that we promote the creation of child friendly schools nationally to attract more learners and also help improve pass rates in our schools,” said Chief Tshitaudze from Beitbridge.
The event was attended by stakeholders from across economic development sectors and senior civil servants among them the Permanent Secretary in Vice-President Mohadi’s office, Dr Benson Martins Dube and senior staff from his office.
Bongani Ndlovu