Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
In a village where learners previously walked up to 20 kilometres to attend school, Zvitokwe Primary School now stands as a testament to President Mnangagwa’s mantra that a community is developed by its people.
The journey began with 150 000 handmade bricks, reflecting the determination of villagers who sought a better future for their children.
The dream has now blossomed into a gleaming, digital-ready smart school in Zvitokwe Village, Shamva South.
The school now stands as a symbol of hope, unity and corporate social responsibility done right.
At first, it was just an idea, a bold one.
With meagre resources but iron determination, the people of Zvitokwe came together.
It was the start of something powerful. But like many rural dreams, their efforts stalled. The will was there, but the money wasn’t.
Today, those humble bricks have been transformed into seven modern classroom blocks with 21 classrooms, ready to welcome up to 840 pupils using the standard pupil-to-class ratio.
Canterbury Mining’s investment in Zvitokwe is a powerful counter-narrative to the extractive industry’s often negative reputation in rural communities.
While mining firms have previously been accused of exploiting resources without meaningful community reinvestment, Zvitokwe tells a different story.
On May 3, 2024, a new chapter in the story of the Shamva community was written as Bindura-Shamva Senator Monica Mavhunga presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at Zvitokwe Primary School.
It started with a problem, children were walking 7 kilometres to Nherera or 20 kilometres to Wadzanayi in Shamva town just to attend school.
Many gave up. Others fell into early marriages, drug use, or dropped out entirely.
MP for Shamva South Joseph Mapiki said instead of complaining, the community acted.
“We rounded up 200 young people who were out of school and started a makeshift secondary school,” he said. “Meanwhile, community members started moulding bricks, 150 000 of them, to build a primary school.”
MP Mapiki said the long-term goal is to turn it into a boarding school.
Shamva is basking in the glory of corporate social responsibility projects with PPC constructing another school and Shamva Gold Mine replacing sewer pipes in Wadzanayi Suburb and renovating Shamva Hospital.
MP Mapiki urged all companies in Zimbabwe to learn from the developments in Shamva.
Village development committee member Mr Innocent Mudapakati, who was part of the community members moulding bricks, was over the moon.
He said children in the ward travelled long distances to school and soon this will be a thing of the past.
“We had many children in the community who were not going to school years after completing primary education,” he said.
“We managed to put up cabins in Nherera village to accommodate Form 1 and 2.”
Canterbury company secretary Mr Samuel Rusike said they responded to the community’s call, stepped in and committed to completing what the people had started.
“We didn’t initiate this project, the people of Shamva did. They gave us their resource, and it’s only right that we give back,” he said.
Phase One of the project is now 95 percent complete and has consumed over US$836 000.
“Zvitokwe is no ordinary rural school. The President says no one and no place should be left behind. We took that to heart,” said Mr Rusike.
The school boasts of modern facilities including flush toilets with 17 cubicles in the girls’ section alone, as well as showers for menstrual hygiene, a rare feature even in urban public schools.
Plans are also in place to fully solarise the school and install Starlink internet.
Classrooms will be equipped with digital boards, positioning Zvitokwe Primary School as a smart school, a vision aligning with Zimbabwe’s national push for digital inclusion.
Phase two is now 60 percent complete and includes staff accommodation capable of housing 18 teachers, and an on-site clinic to serve both learners and the surrounding community.
Upon completion, the project is expected to cost US$1,136 million, with a total budget of US$1,1 million already committed to ensure full delivery.
Mr Rusike said a secondary school will be established adjacent to Zvitokwe Primary School.
“The idea is to take children from ECD right up to A-Level, and ultimately, university. The President says Zimbabwe is open for business. But people must see the value of an investor,” said Mr Rusike.
This rare synergy between the private sector, the local leadership, and the people of Shamva is already attracting attention. And deservedly so, it is a living example of development that is inclusive, innovative, and intentional.
