Joshua Nkomo vocational training centre takes shape in Matobo

CONSTRUCTION of the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Vocational Training Centre in Nyongola Village, Matobo District, is gathering momentum, with completion targeted for September as the Government accelerates efforts to expand youth skills development infrastructure.

The vocational training centre, located adjacent to the homestead of late nationalist icon and former Vice President Joshua Nkomo, is expected to transform the rural community into a new centre of economic and educational activity once enrolment begins.

The Government has also constructed a modern house at the site as part of the broader development project.

The centre will offer practical training in building, carpentry, welding and other technical disciplines, targeting youths from across Matabeleland South Province as part of empowerment and employment creation programmes.

It will also host National Youth Service training.
Project overseer, Engineer Gift Masuku said work is progressing under tight timelines, with contractors extending working hours to meet targets.

“The VCT will comprise 47 buildings, including the administration block, classroom blocks, workshops, hostels, staff accommodation, dining hall, common hall, sports pavilion and a place reserved for the Nkomo family inside the VCT, among others,” he said.

Eng Masuku said key targets include erecting a perimeter fence and boundary wall, constructing internal roads and completing classroom and administration blocks by April 18.

Mr Masuku said excavation and compaction of subgrade had been completed, with road works now progressing inside the boundary wall.

A classroom block with eight rooms has reached beam level, while foundation works for the administration block are underway.

“We have also set up the excavation of the footing for the administration block and once inspected, we will start pouring concrete for the receiving the columns. We have cleared the area for the sports pavilion. We have also done the garden, which will be part of the VCT,” he said.

To recover time lost during heavy rains and delays in material delivery, the project team has introduced extended shifts, including night work under floodlights.

“The target is to have the project completed in eight months, which will be September. We had struggles getting material due to the rains, but now things are moving smoothly,” he said.

Local community members welcomed the project, saying it is a long-awaited tribute to one of Zimbabwe’s founding leaders.

Mrs Thandiwe Nkomo, a villager, said the centre represents a meaningful investment in preserving Father Zimbabwe’s legacy through development.

“We are happy with the VCT construction because for years we had been asking if ever there was anything that would be done here to keep the legacy of the late former Vice President. The VCT will provide skills to our youths so that they can create employment,” she said.

A local youth, Paul Moyo, said the project is already adding value to the village and opening economic opportunities.

“This VCT is adding value to our village because of the economic activities that will come with it once it is functional. Our youths who were flocking to South Africa will now get skills here and work for themselves. We support Vision 2030 because of such development,” he said.–@themkhust