Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma recently in Bulilima
THE Government has started rehabilitation efforts for schools in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province that have fallen into a state of disrepair exacerbated by the recent rains that blew off roofs and destroyed buildings.
The strength of most educational facilities failed the test after being exposed to torrential rains prompting the need for a massive rehabilitation programme where in some cases the need for new infrastructure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment has been noted.
The initiative follows a recent tour of education facilities by Bulilima legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, who engaged with stakeholders from various schools in the district, including Bambadzi Primary School in Bambadzi Ward and Muke Primary School in Masendu Ward.
The tour revealed a glaring gap in the adequacy and conduciveness of some classroom blocks where some have become so poor that decommissioning may be necessary.
In an interview, Bulilima District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mr Gobile Gobile detailed the construction plans.
“After our tour, we inspected Bambadzi Primary School’s classroom blocks with personnel from the Public Works Department, who are compiling an inspection report. Sites for a new classroom block and teachers’ cottages have been identified, and I am sourcing construction plans for pegging. Similarly, at Muke Primary School, we identified sites for new facilities. School heads will soon visit my office to collect the necessary plans,” Mr Gobile said.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting at Bambadzi Primary School, Cde Phuti said they visited schools in the constituency and noted a number of challenges related to infrastructure.
He said the Government was aware of the need to improve the educational facilities in schools to meet the curriculum needs.
“The country has faced numerous challenges impacting development and where funds were diverted to save human life. We have had Cyclone Idai, Covid-19 and last year’s El-Nino induced-drought,” he said.
He added, “Reports on social media last year highlighted the poor state of Bambadzi Primary School. We are here today to ensure its revival. Some argue that our remoteness affects development, but let’s make it a community responsibility to develop these institutions and change our lives. Let’s also ensure that children attend school on time.”
Cde Phuti criticised the community for allowing such conditions to persist, noting the low attendance at School Development Committee (SDC) meetings as an indication of a lack of seriousness.
“It’s crucial for our community to understand the psychological impact of education. We must try hard to improve our facilities to prevent our children from seeking education abroad,” he urged.
Headman Mbimba from Bambadzi Ward called for unity among community members.
“Let’s come together as the people of Bambadzi. Everyone here shares the common goal of improving our school’s infrastructure. We previously discussed that each homestead should contribute 100 rand towards development. It’s time we act on this,” he implored.
Bambadzi Ward Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dube lamented the lack of parental involvement in children’s education.
“It’s disheartening that some parents are not providing books, which hinders active participation in school,” he said.
Mr Tjebukani Nleya, a representative from the diaspora executive committee, announced fundraising efforts to assist the school.
“We are mobilising funds where each person is encouraged to contribute 200 rand towards the rehabilitation of Bambadzi Primary School. Many families are struggling to pay school fees, and the BEAM programme is assisting with a significant portion of students reliant on it. We remain committed to raising necessary funds by April,” he said.
A representative from Bambadzi Excellence Women also expressed their commitment to raise funds.
“As women from Bambadzi Ward, we are deeply concerned about the state of our school, which played a pivotal role in our lives. We plan to contribute 50 rand from each homestead and we are organising a tournament as a fund-raising initiative,” she said.
At the Muke Primary School stakeholder engagement meeting, Chief Masendu’s secretary, Mr Freeman Dube, urged the community to take advantage of the renewed momentum for school improvements.
“We should have the same spirit we had when we were building toilets for us to tackle the current school challenges,” he said.
He highlighted the need to address fees payment issues at Muke, Gonde and Kungubo, urging authorities to come up with a solution to the prolonged electricity outages that have left donated computers unused.
