Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Village Community Information Centres (VCICs) established by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) are transforming lives in Plumtree, Madziwa and Siyakobvu, giving school children, youths and villagers access to the digital world.
The centres, now known as Digital Centres, set up to bridge the digital divide between urban and marginalised communities, provide internet access, printing, photocopying and other ICT services to rural populations that were once cut off from vital information.
In Plumtree, residents said the centre had brought hope, even though full network connectivity challenges remain.
“Connectivity in the township is fairly good, but in the outlying areas, it is still bad. Some people even resort to using Botswana SIM cards for mobile services,” Mr Clifford Mazhinye said.
“The CIC is important because it gives our children a place to research and learn.”
In Madziwa, villagers hailed their VCIC as a game changer. Rufaro Samuel, a student at a local polytechnic, said the centre had made his studies easier.
“It is benefiting the community at large and empowering the youth. We can now do our research and assignments without travelling far,” he said.
Another Madziwa villager, Hamandishe Ruwisa, said the centre had helped him stay connected with the world.
“I am always in touch with what is happening and can keep up to date with current affairs,” he said, adding that the facility had also kept youths away from drugs and harmful activities.
In Siyakobvu, a remote area in Kariba district, villagers said the centre had opened new opportunities for their children. Local teacher Mrs Memory Mutenheri said pupils now have access to learning resources they could only dream of before.
“Our learners are now exposed to the same information as those in towns. This has boosted their confidence and performance,” she said.
POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete said the project was evolving from community information centres to “digital centres” that provide much more than internet access.
“The Community Information Centres were no longer just community information centres but digital centres,”he said.
Dr Machengete said digital centres would soon host Government and private services under one roof, creating hubs of excellence in rural communities.
“With the coming in of Starlink in terms of improved connectivity, it is hoped that these centres will actually be centres for development,” he said.
“Employment will be created because of the activities that are happening there. There is a lot of training going on, and schools are also benefiting through our e-learning programme.”
Dr Machengete said students are now expected to register for examinations online, making the digital centres crucial for both learners and communities.
He acknowledged that some schools were still lagging due to electricity shortages, but said plans were underway to expand coverage and solarise facilities.
Community leaders agreed that the centres are empowering villagers by providing access to information, education, and economic opportunities.
“These CICs are not just buildings with computers. They are windows to the world for our communities,” said 68-year-old Mathew Busumani in Siyakobvu.
