Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
THE massive infrastructure development taking place in Matabeleland South Province ahead of the 46th Independence Day celebration is setting the tone for the diaspora to invest in the province, following the marked improvements and opportunities presented for economic development post-independence.
The celebrations are scheduled for Matobo in Maphisa Town, and the Government has already initiated several projects across the district that are giving the province a facelift and making it a more attractive destination for investment by Zimbabweans living in the diaspora.
In an interview, Member of Parliament for Matobo Constituency, Cde Edgar Moyo, who is also the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, thanked President Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership, which has led to the decentralisation of national events to all provinces in a bid to leave no one and no place behind.
He said this is a catalyst for development and investment by those who left the province and are based in the diaspora.
“There are many people who wish to return to Zimbabwe from the diaspora. Take note that our economy is growing; this year, we are at about 6,6 percent growth. In other places, they are not experiencing such growth. This means that opportunities are increasing in Zimbabwe, even in countries where our locals are based.
The development of electricity infrastructure — electrifying communities that never had power to enable them to venture into entrepreneurship and Village Business Units — is a plus for us. More is now being done in rural communities, which are generating a lot of income for the growth of the economy,” said Cde Moyo.
He mentioned that some Zimbabweans left for the diaspora seeking employment and educational opportunities, but these have now been made available locally following the development of training schools at district level.
“They left because they were seeking jobs and education opportunities, but now we are opening a nurse training school in Maphisa. Those who did not know where to access training locally can now get an opportunity here. Those who had left can now return to Zimbabwe and get trained locally,” he said.
He praised the Second Republic for the excellent work they have done in enticing Zimbabweans living in neighbouring countries like South Africa and Botswana to migrate back and reinvest in the country.
“I see this as a wise move. The development happening in the province will attract Zimbabweans to further invest and develop the area. We urge them to return and rebuild their country. Look at Matobo — some of the homesteads built by locals resemble those found in affluent suburbs like Borrowdale in Harare.
This is what we want. We also have locals who are developing their communities, especially in the mining industry. Matobo is a mining district, they are building impressive houses, growing large herds of cattle and engaging in agriculture. Opportunities are opening up and we encourage our brothers and sisters to return home and build the country together — ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” he emphasised.
Cde Moyo noted that the shift of hosting national events across the country is bearing fruit.
“We saw this first with Independence, which moved from the traditional venue in Harare to Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Midlands and now Matabeleland South. I am proud that my district and constituency are hosting this year’s Independence celebrations. The impact is significant — legacy projects include road rehabilitation, clinics, hospitals, access to water and many more.
“The machinery currently in Matobo is substantial and is delivering results. The people are happy; they are eagerly awaiting the celebrations and see that the President is a man of his word — no place is being left behind,” said Cde Moyo.
He also highlighted that many projects will still be ongoing post-independence.
“We may not complete all legacy projects in time for the celebrations. Roadworks, for example, are not an overnight job, and not all can be finished immediately. However, the Government has assured us that post-Independence Day, they will continue with the rehabilitation efforts until everything is completed,” he said.
He added that communities will benefit from rehabilitated healthcare centres in the district.
“Looking at Matobo District, we now have the Nurse Training School at Maphisa District Hospital, which is 90 per cent complete and is set to open in September for the first intake. It is gratifying that, with the advent of independence, our children now have access to a training institution,” said Cde Moyo.
He also mentioned the Vocational Training Centre in Nyongolo Village, Kezi — the hometown of the late former Vice President Cde Joshua Nkomo — as another milestone worth recognising, owing to the contributions of the late VP.
“The Government is building a large VTC that will accommodate 2 000 students at a time, providing locals with skills to become entrepreneurs and employment opportunities for others,” he added.
Furthermore, he praised the Government for distributing development projects across the entire province ahead of Independence, not limited to Matobo District.
“There are legacy projects underway throughout the province, including in science laboratories, roads, hospitals and more,” he concluded. – @NyembeziMu
