Hwange community excited over US$600k library

THE Hwange community has welcomed the US$600 000 library constructed and donated by South Mining saying it is a life-changing project that will help improve education and literacy in the district.

This is the first digitised library in Hwange and Matabeleland North as a whole and it will help transform education as well as improve the province’s pass rates.

Apart from serving pupils from both primary and secondary schools, the library which is located in Chibondo area of Empumalanga suburb, will also be used by tertiary students from institutions such as Hwange Teachers’ College, Zimbabwe Open University and Don Bosco Technical College among others.

Education is one of the key result areas for the Second Republic as it pushes a transformative agenda towards Vision 2030.
In separate interviews, traditional leaders commended the Second Republic for creating a conducive investment environment which has opened doors for corporate social responsibility programmes.

Chief Whange whose area covers part of Hwange urban, said the library will benefit the whole community.
“We had no library in Hwange. This is a magnificent library and the first one of its kind. This donation by South Mining will benefit the entire community including future generations,” he said.

“A lot of our children are seen roaming the streets drinking beer and abusing drugs. We are happy because they will have a place to acquire knowledge for the future. With technology and internet connection and books, our community will improve on knowledge and learning.”
Chief Nekatambe of Hwange district said a library was long overdue.

“We are grateful for this gesture by South Mining as this library will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges we were facing in the district. We are happy that the First Lady (Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa) was with us to open this facility and we implore other companies to emulate South Mining,” he said.

Chief Nekatambe said the library will help preserve culture and heritage.

Chief Dingane-Nelukoba of Mabale and Chief Mvuthu attended the commissioning ceremony which was presided over by Dr Mnangagwa on Thursday last week.

The First Lady said the Hwange community is very fortunate to have South Mining, which recognises its social responsibility obligations.
A learner at Chilila Secondary School, Amahle Magagula, said the library will help them in their studies.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said various projects being implemented by Government contribute to Vision 2030

“We also have a teachers’ college that was opened after the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa. These various projects contribute to the realisation of Vision 2030.

This is why we are celebrating this library today and traditional leaders are happy about this milestone development,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the opening of the library marks a new chapter for the province’s education system.

He said the library was a symbol of hope as it opens many opportunities especially for the school pupils and youths.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our benefactor South Mining for their remarkable contribution to our community.
“Their unwavering commitment to education and empowerment has resulted in this project which is going to transform the people’s lives,” said Minister Moyo.

He said the library will not only nurture the love for reading and knowledge but also encourage dialogue, broaden horizons and inspire people to strive for a brighter future.

South Mining started operations in Hwange in 2007 and President Mnangagwa commissioned a new plant in 2020 as the coke processor embarked on an expansion project.

Hwange Local Board availed 2 500 square metres of land for the construction of the library including on site accommodation for the librarian.
The company’s managing director Mr Chenji Lii said construction of the library started in January last year.

“Whatever achievement we make should also benefit the local community. It is for this reason that we decided to donate this library,” he said. — @ncubeleon.