adminNomusa Mdukuzi Chronicle Reporter
PEOPLE from Matabeleland should discard the “injiva syndrome” and prioritise education as part of moves to eradicate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education in the country, an official has said.
Speaking at a Livelihoods Symposium and Donor Conference for the western region organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, SNV, at the Large City Hall on Monday, the District Administrator for Tsholotsho, Ms Nosizi Dube challenged people from the region to take education matters seriously.
“People from Matabeleland are full of the injiva syndrome. All they know is going to South Africa instead of going to school.
“We are then calling for education advocacy just like has been done on other priority areas,” said Ms Dube.
She said a lot of people from Matabeleland went to South Africa during the economic challenges that the country was going through in the past few years in search of greener pastures.
Ms Dube said it was unfortunate that a majority of them have not returned even after the situation improved.
She also lamented the prevalence of school drop-outs in the region, which she blamed on emigration to neighbouring countries.
Ms Dube also expressed concern over the poor enrolment at schools.
“We have seen poor enrolment in schools and as it is there are few students from Matabeleland at Lupane State University and Nust. A lot of students at the institutions are from other regions,” she said.
Ms Dube said prioritising education would mean a decrease in poverty and in the long run reduce prevalence of HIV and Aids.
“Poverty drives people into doing all sorts of nasty things thereby increasing the HIV and Aids prevalence rate,” she said.
Ms Dube took the opportunity to announce developmental projects in Lupane District where six schools are being constructed, which she said would increase enrolment.
The on-going conference is being attended by officials from the Bulawayo City Council, civic society and Government departments.
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