Bongani Ndlovu
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THE Government has stepped up efforts to close the digital gap between urban and rural communities through the rollout of Starlink internet kits to schools and traditional leaders in remote areas of Beitbridge District in Matabeleland South Province.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Second Republic to modernise education, improve connectivity and ensure that no community is left behind in the march towards Vision 2030.
Speaking during the recent handover of Starlink kits at Jopembe Primary School in Beitbridge West, local legislator Cde Thusani Ndou said the programme is being rolled out in phases to reach more rural institutions.
He said the initiative is in line with President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
“We are here at Jopembe Primary School to distribute these Starlink kits so that children can do their school work without any problem. This is part of the Second Republic’s priorities aimed at improving network connectivity in rural schools to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the implementation of education policies aligned with the national development agenda and Vision 2030,” said Cde Ndou.
For many years, rural schools have struggled with limited or no internet access, leaving learners at a disadvantage in a world where digital learning tools and online resources are increasingly important.
Parents and community leaders in Jopembe have welcomed the development, saying it will open new opportunities for learners and improve the quality of education.
Jopembe Primary School Development Committee chairperson Mr Samson Mabetha described the initiative as a major boost for the school.
“We feel honoured as parents of Jopembe Primary School now that our children can access global libraries and teachers can do their work more easily,” he said.
Mr Mabetha said the introduction of internet access will help rural learners compete with their urban counterparts, noting that digital learning is now essential in education.
Traditional leaders also praised the initiative, saying it reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development in rural areas.
Senior village head Mr Jack Malowa said chiefs and village leaders were encouraged by efforts to invest in communities through technology.
Ward 14 councillor Cde Tamson Lamula echoed similar views, saying the programme demonstrates Government’s determination to make education and technology accessible to all, regardless of location. The rollout follows a similar digital empowerment initiative led by Matabeleland South Youth Quota Member of Parliament Cde Tinashe Mushipe, who recently donated Starlink kits to chiefs in Beitbridge and undertook to cover 12 months of subscription fees.
The initiative is aimed at improving communication between traditional leaders and their communities, while ensuring that chiefs remain informed on national developments.
Cde Mushipe said traditional leaders play a critical role in guiding communities and promoting development.
“We are taking this initiative from our President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. So, I saw it fit that we need our Chiefs to be equipped with Starlink kits. This will enable them to communicate with their communities efficiently and also be up to date with current affairs as our world is going digital.”
Cde Mushipe said the programme will be extended to include headmen across the district.
He also called on other leaders and stakeholders to support traditional leaders, noting their central role in driving rural development initiatives.
In addition to improving connectivity, the legislator announced a youth empowerment programme under which two youths from Beitbridge will be sponsored to attend Guyu Vocational Training Centre.
Improved internet access in rural areas is expected to strengthen communication, expand access to educational resources and enhance the coordination of development programmes across the district.
