Mtjemahale secondary school commissioned to improve access to education in Bulilima

Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau

Government has commissioned Mtjemahale Secondary School in Bulilima district in a move aimed at closing gaps in education access that have long affected learners in Matabeleland South province.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Albert Nguluvhe, officially opened the school on Saturday.

He said for many years the shortage of primary and secondary schools in parts of the province forced children to walk long distances or drop out altogether, and this discouraged the transition from primary to secondary education.

He described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a vision that began in 2010 and said it reflects Government’s commitment to equitable access to education in line with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and Sustainable Development Goal 4.

The new school has two classroom blocks, two F14 teachers’ houses, a science laboratory, a solar-powered borehole, ablution facilities and other supporting infrastructure. It is among 40 science laboratories being constructed across Matabeleland South under legacy projects of the 46th National Independence Celebrations held in Maphisa earlier this year.

“The project strengthens Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model,” said the Minister.

He also applauded the community, diaspora, Constituency Development Fund, CAMPFIRE and Bulilima Rural District Council for completing the project at a cost of approximately US$156,742.

“This is a demonstration of the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” said the Minister.

He said since opening in 2023, the school has cut travelling distances, improved attendance, enhanced learner safety and helped reduce dropouts. It currently has an enrolment of 102 learners.

The Minister also urged parents and communities to protect the infrastructure and support the school, adding that more schools are needed across Matabeleland South to ensure no child is left behind.

Speaking during the same event the Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuthi who is also the area’s Legislator said the Government is also bridging the digital divide by improving ICT infrastructure in rural schools.