Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Writer
THE Crossborders4ED Association has donated a solar-powered borehole and Starlink equipment to Helemu Primary School, in the Njube suburb of Bulawayo.
The association has also pledged to cover the cost of drilling the borehole.
The donation was announced by the association’s Bulawayo chairperson, Mr Pride Mapurisa, during the Presidential Revolving Fund disbursement programme held at a local hotel on Saturday.
The event was also attended by the association’s national chairperson Mr Deft Masomere and the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson, Cde Jabulani Sibanda.
“It is always our desire to assist communities where our members come from, so when we received a request from the School Development Committee (SDC) vice-chairperson Mrs Shelly Nkomo, who is also one of our members, we did not hesitate to help,” said Mr Mapurisa.
“The borehole is one of ten allocated to our association from the 100 that were handed over under the Presidential Borehole Scheme,” added Mr Mapurisa.
He confirmed that the association would meet the drilling costs, acknowledging that the school may not have the financial capacity to do so.
“Fortunately, the drilling rig from the Presidential Advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara, is currently in Bulawayo, which makes the logistics easier,” said Mr Mapurisa.
Mrs Nkomo expressed the school’s gratitude for the generous gesture.
“On behalf of the parents, I want to thank the association for responding to our request. This has lifted a huge burden from our shoulders. We have many needs as a school, and this donation has gone a long way in addressing some of them,” she said.
“We will organise a grand ceremony where all the parents can come and witness the drilling,” added Mrs Nkomo.
Mr Masomere said the school’s headmistress, Ms Rachel Rashamira, had also expressed a need for Starlink connectivity at the school, to support teaching.
“The headmistress told me they would love to have Starlink installed to enhance their teaching capacity, so we need to raise US$300 for that, here and now,” said Mr Masomere.
Four national executive members promptly made contributions ranging from US$50 to US$100, and the money was handed over to an elated Ms Rashamira.
During the same function, US$20 000 was disbursed to the association’s Bulawayo members, drawn from the US$200 000 allocated to the association under the Presidential Revolving Fund, which is being distributed equally across the country’s 10 provinces.
Bulawayo beneficiaries received varying amounts of interest-free funds, which are to be repaid.
The Presidential Revolving Funds aim to drive economic development, empower young people, and recognise the contributions of war veterans.
President Mnangagwa launched the revolving fund in March, with an initial injection of US$2 million intended to empower young people through education, skills development and entrepreneurship. The fund provides financial support for youth-led initiatives in sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism and enterprise development.
Its objective is to equip young people with the tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Other funds under the revolving initiative include the Presidential War Veterans Fund, which provides direct financial support to Zimbabwe’s former liberation war fighters. Its aim is to improve their welfare and honour their contributions.
Additionally, the Industrial Retooling Fund, valued at US$22,5 million, supports industrial development by enhancing value chains, promoting local content and increasing competitiveness.
The Presidential Revolving Funds underscore the Government’s commitment to empowering diverse segments of society and driving national economic growth.
