Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
MANUNURE Secondary School in Kwekwe, Midlands Province, has become the latest beneficiary of the Presidential Computerisation Programme after receiving 11 laptops and accessories to enhance its information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort spearheaded by President Mnangagwa where 350 laptops were distributed to urban and rural schools across the Midlands Province last year to enhance the digital footprint.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, who is also a former pupil at Manunure expressed gratitude to the school for shaping his personal and educational growth.
“After my primary education at Chiedza Primary, I enrolled here for high school and am proud to say Manunure Secondary produced notable figures such as Kennedy Nagoli, who played for Manunure and Zimbabwe’s Under-23 team, Dr Tinashe Manzungu, a prominent businessman based in Gweru, and the current Warriors’ first-choice goalkeeper, Washington Arubi,” he said.
“I, too, am a product of this institution, with a 42-year political career under the guidance of President Mnangagwa.”
Minister Ncube commended the school’s mentorship programmes, which helped him strive for excellence in social, academic and entrepreneurial pursuits. He said the values instilled in him, which include hard work, honesty, loyalty and patriotism have remained critical in shaping his success.
“I feel obliged to give back to the school and community, complementing the Second Republic’s vision to transform the education sector through the heritage-based curriculum and Education 5.0, a key driver of Vision 2030. This model prioritises teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation,” he said.
Minister Ncube acknowledged the school’s growing significance in the Kwekwe community, with an enrolment of 2 214 pupils and 98 staff members.
He however, urged school authorities to work towards improving the O-Level pass rate, ensuring it aligns with the A-Level pass rate, which increased from 89 percent in 2023 to 91 percent in 2024.
“I encourage parents to honour their obligation to pay school fees to support infrastructure maintenance and expansion. At the same time, school authorities should be flexible in allowing payment plans for parents facing financial difficulties,” he said.
Minister Ncube also called on teachers to fully commit to their responsibilities and ensure students perform well, saying learners should use internet connectivity responsibly and avoid negative influences such as drug and substance abuse, which are contributing to teenage pregnancies, bullying and school dropouts.
He reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to aligning the education sector with national and global aspirations including United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which promotes quality, inclusive and equitable education for all, regardless of gender, disability or background.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for the schools’ computerisation programme saying it was transforming education not only in the province but the country as a whole.
“In 2024, the Midlands Province received 350 laptops for both urban and rural schools under the Presidential Computerisation Programme. I urge everyone to support His Excellency the President’s transformative leadership as we work towards a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 under his stewardship,” he said.
