Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
MATABELELAND South Province has rolled out several flagship projects across agriculture, mining, energy and infrastructure development, aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
Among the major undertakings is the Tuli-Manyange Dam, a critical water infrastructure project expected to provide reliable water for irrigation, domestic use and livestock — positioning the province for an agro-driven economic transformation.
The Antelope Arda–Maphisa Irrigation Scheme in Matobo District is another key intervention, designed to enhance food security and agricultural productivity by expanding irrigation capacity.
In Mangwe District, the Government has launched the Makorokoro Village Business Unit (VBU), the first of its kind in the country which has become a model for rural industrialisation and community-based economic productivity.
Another flagship initiative is the Garanyemba Drought Mitigation Centre in Gwanda District, established as part of livestock drought mitigation strategies under the village business unit programme.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the projects are being implemented through a mixture of Government-led initiatives and public-private partnerships.
“These projects are part of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the broader Vision 2030, focusing on decentralised, inclusive growth and creating extensive supply chain networks within the province. We are glad that as Matabeleland South we have not been left out of Government’s development agenda. These projects have brought the much-needed development in the province, creating jobs in the process,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Garanyemba project has had a significant impact on community livelihoods and is set to be replicated in all rural wards nationwide under the Rural Development 8.0 Programme, aimed at mitigating the effects of the El Niño-induced drought.
“Garanyemba Ward was selected to pilot the programme. Water from Garanyemba Dam has now been harnessed to support various livelihood projects. The dam, which was constructed decades ago, had become heavily silted and used to dry up shortly after the rainy season,” he said.
The drought mitigation centre comprises solar-powered boreholes, a nutrition garden, livestock water troughs, and supplementary feeding facilities.
“This project was established to strengthen community resilience to climate change and economic shocks. It is the first of its kind in the nation and has brought economic empowerment and food security, with communities engaging in irrigation farming for the first time. It places the district and the province at the centre of the rural industrialisation drive,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Minister Nguluvhe also highlighted the Beitbridge Border Post modernisation, which has significantly improved infrastructure, regional connectivity and trade facilitation.
“Matabeleland South has further benefited from the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme, which seeks to drill and equip at least one borehole per village to support community nutrition gardens and improve access to water in rural areas,” he said.
Other notable developments in the province include the Gwanda Lithium Mine, the Palm River Special Economic Zone and the Gwanda Court Complex, which upon completion will house the country’s sixth High Court.
The state-of-the-art Gwanda Magistrates’ Complex is expected to accommodate about 500 Government employees and will house all relevant court departments, including a magistrates’ court, regional court and High Court. This will allow serious cases such as murder and divorce to be handled locally, ensuring faster case completion and improved access to justice.
