Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau Chief
The empowerment of communities through development projects, modern communication tools and health equipment that enable them to respond swiftly to daily needs and emergencies has excited beneficiaries in the Midlands Province.
This follows the handover yesterday of smartphones to headmen, 41 Starlink kits to Junior Parliamentarians, as well as bicycles, sewing machines and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) equipment to HIV support groups in the province.
Implemented under the Presidential support initiatives, the donations are expected to improve communication, healthcare and economic opportunities in line with Vision 2030 ideals.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, handed over the donations to the beneficiaries during a ceremony held in the City of Kwekwe.
In his remarks, the Minister said the donations were a clear reflection of President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“I feel greatly honoured and privileged to address you today as we gather at this momentous occasion of the handover of 41 Starlink kits donated by President Mnangagwa to Junior Parliamentarians’ schools as part of the consignment of 44 tablets I handed over on 18 November 2025, which resonates with the National Development Strategy (NDS 2) pillar on science, technology, digital innovation and human capital development,” he said.
“In addition, I will also hand over 12 smartphones to Kwekwe District headmen as part of broad and inclusive efforts by the Second Republic designed to leave no one and no place behind in bridging the digital divide and strengthening the critical role played by traditional leaders in the governance architecture of communities in Zimbabwe.”
Guided by the NDS 2 pillar on social development, gender and social protection — which encompasses health and well-being, access to basic services, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and mental health conditions — HIV/AIDS volunteer support groups will receive 104 bicycles worth US$17 000, sewing machines worth US$13 800, and 3 200 metres of clothing material.
The consignment also includes equipment and accessories for health institutions such as BP machines, thermometers, glucometers, batteries, latex gloves, cotton swabs, cotton wool, sharps containers, boxes and gluco-strips worth US$34 000, funded under the Global Fund through the National AIDS Council.
Minister Ncube applauded President Mnangagwa for driving progress towards Vision 2030, underpinned by heritage-based and knowledge-driven innovation, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy.
He said access to the digital highway through reliable and fast Starlink gadgets should strengthen understanding of global dynamics, improve pass rates in schools and enhance regional and global competitiveness.
“I urge the learners to use these gadgets responsibly, as they equally present unique challenges that include cybercrime and anti-social behaviour influenced by foreign cultures and traditions,” said Minister Ncube.
“I therefore implore our learners to be disciplined, exhibit exemplary leadership, remain focused on their studies and abstain from drug and substance abuse.”
