Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
MINISTER of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has stepped up monitoring of outstanding 46th Independence legacy projects across the province, with a particular focus on ensuring that delayed infrastructure works are completed within set timelines.
The Government rolled out dozens of development projects in Matabeleland South ahead of the national Independence Day celebrations held at Maphisa Growth Point in April, with some projects completed before the event while others are expected to be finished by November.
Among the projects are 40 science laboratories being constructed at secondary schools across Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo and Umzingwane districts.
Minister Nguluvhe began the monitoring exercise in Beitbridge, where he assessed progress at several schools and engaged education officials, councillors, traditional leaders and other stakeholders on challenges affecting the implementation of the projects.
“Accompanied by various Government stakeholders on Thursday, we conducted an extensive monitoring tour of secondary schools across Beitbridge District, focusing on the implementation of 46th Independence Legacy Projects, the conduct of O-Level and A-Level holiday lessons, learner performance, School Business Units and other challenges affecting schools,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He was accompanied by Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Councillor Oscar Chiromo, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials, District Schools Inspectors Mr Mbofhololo Muleya and staff, Zanu-PF DCC chairperson Cde Samuel Mulaudzi, ward councillors and other stakeholders.
The delegation visited Malungudzi, Tshidixwa and Nuli High schools, among other institutions, to assess progress on the construction of science laboratories.
At Malungudzi, construction of the laboratory is at an advanced stage but the building is yet to be roofed. Outstanding works include the installation of roofing trusses and sheets, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as furniture and fittings.
The Minister also interacted with Form Four learners attending holiday lessons ahead of the 2026 O-Level examinations.
At Nuli High School, construction of the laboratory is approximately 98 percent complete, with roofing and flooring already done. Tubing, doors, windows and finishing works remain outstanding.
Minister Nguluvhe commended the school for its livestock fee-payment initiative, under which the institution raises and sells livestock to generate funds for development projects.
He also donated 100kg of rice to Nuli High to assist with providing lunch for learners attending holiday lessons and pledged to assist with roofing an ablution block damaged by rains in 2025, once the school submits a Bill of Quantities.
“At Tshidixwa, the project is at an earlier stage, with plastering, roofing, flooring and trusses outstanding. At Malala, outstanding works include roofing sheets, plumbing, electrical tubing and flooring,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
At Malala Secondary School, the Minister also took note of a productive garden producing vegetables, green mealies, tomatoes and peas for sale.
He said such initiatives demonstrated how schools could combine education with entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The Government implemented at least 43 high-impact legacy projects in Matabeleland South ahead of the Independence celebrations, covering various sectors.
While some projects were completed before the celebrations, others remain under construction and are expected to be completed by November.
Minister Nguluvhe said he would continue monitoring the outstanding projects across the province to ensure that they were completed and delivered to communities.
“There is a strong need to accelerate the completion of outstanding works on the 46th Independence Legacy Projects so that learners can fully benefit from modern science education facilities,” he said.
“The provision of infrastructure must ultimately translate into improved access, better learning outcomes and expanded opportunities for young people.”
The monitoring exercise comes as Government seeks to ensure that the legacy of hosting the national Independence celebrations translates into tangible and lasting development benefits for communities in Matabeleland South.
