Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
MATABELELAND South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has commissioned four classroom blocks, a solar-powered piped water system, Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, and girl child-friendly and disability-friendly ablution facilities at Fula and Chaswingo Primary Schools, respectively.
The facilities were sponsored by World Vision in collaboration with the Beitbridge Rural District Council and the local community in Beitbridge East.
During the event, Nguluvhe pledged 50 bags of cement for the construction of another classroom block at Fula Primary and 10,000 standard bricks for a new classroom block at Chaswingo Primary, as part of his commitment to improving the quality of education services.
World Vision has played a key role in refurbishing, upgrading, and building schools in Beitbridge District. This includes the construction of Malala, Mutshilashokwe and Masera Secondary Schools and now Limpopo Secondary in Beitbridge West.
At Fula Primary, which was established in 1984 and has 260 learners, the development agency, working with Beitbridge RDC and community members, has built a climate-resilient classroom block comprising two classrooms and two offices. Additional developments include three fish ponds, a wash basin educational robot, a solar-powered piped water scheme, a poultry project, and the first flash toilet in rural schools around Beitbridge.
Chaswingo Primary, opened in 1978, had 10 classrooms decommissioned after roof trusses were damaged by termites. It has now benefitted from the construction of three climate-resilient classroom blocks, adding six classrooms to cater for its 688 pupils.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, Nguluvhe emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships among development agencies, Government departments and communities to drive infrastructure development in the province.
“Today is a celebration of progress, partnership, and our collective commitment to investing in the future of our children. As we officially commission Fula Primary School today, we do so with great hope. This reflects the transformative leadership of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa.
“Education is the foundation upon which strong communities and prosperous nations are built. By opening Fula and Chaswingo schools, we are not just unveiling buildings and classrooms; we are opening doors of opportunity. We are giving every child in this community the chance to dream, to learn and to succeed,” he said.
Nguluvhe applauded the Government for prioritising education and commended Beitbridge RDC for its guidance. He also thanked World Vision and other stakeholders for their unwavering support, as well as the community for embracing this vision.
“I encourage you to continue with the spirit of teamwork as you embark on other projects. To World Vision, you developed the school from a simple idea into a fully functional institution,” he said.
The minister noted that upgrading Fula and Chaswingo schools will provide a strong foundation for diverse learning opportunities in line with the Education 5.0 framework. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring development reaches every province and district so that no community or individual is left behind, particularly in the education sector.
In pursuit of Vision 2030, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has developed Minimum Service Delivery Standards, which outline what local authorities must achieve.
“We appreciate the committee set by the Government in providing quality services in the education sector, and we complement that effort in advancing the national vision of equitable access to quality education and basic services for every child,” he said.
Mrs Pretty Dube, World Vision Matibe Cluster area manager, added: “Everyone has a role to play, including the community and the school head. Let’s work together to safeguard these assets and use them responsibly.”
Beitbridge RDC Chief Executive Officer Mrs Kiliboni Mbedzi said the development agency had helped improve their capacity to deliver critical services across the Beitbridge community. She revealed that the local authority plans to build more infant schools to reduce the distance children walk to the nearest learning facilities to at least 5km.
District Development Co-ordinator Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu urged local authorities, development partners, and community members to ensure the devolution agenda becomes a beacon of success as the country moves towards achieving Vision 2030.
