mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE newly constructed Mathendele Primary School in Plumtree, built using devolution funds, is set to ease congestion in existing schools and significantly improve access to education in the border town.
The school, which now accommodates learners from Early Childhood Development (ECD) A to Grade 2, was established to alleviate overcrowding at Dingumuzi Primary School. Construction began in 2021 and was completed in 2024, with a total investment of US$198 000 sourced from devolution funds, the beer levy, and council allocations.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony recently, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said the Government is committed to enhancing educational infrastructure across the country.
“The Government has embarked on a deliberate strategy to enhance education infrastructure countrywide, including here in Matabeleland South Province. This initiative addresses the infrastructure gap, improves literacy and numeracy levels, and reduces the distances learners have to travel to school,” she said.
The minister stated that Mathendele Primary School will serve newly developed suburbs such as Mathendele and ZBS, while also helping to decongest older schools like Matiwaza, Allan Redfern, and Dingumuzi Primary Schools, which collectively accommodate 3 460 learners.
“This event marks not just the opening of a building but the beginning of endless possibilities for the children of this community. Education is the foundation of any thriving society. It shapes young minds, empowers individuals, and lays the groundwork for progress and development,” she said.
Dr Ndlovu also noted that long distances to schools have contributed to low attendance rates, particularly among children with special needs. She stressed that infrastructure shortages have led to the introduction of hot-sitting, which negatively impacts learning outcomes due to limited instructional time.
Dr Ndlovu called for collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the infrastructure gap in education.
Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director, Mrs Beatrice Manjere, reaffirmed the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s commitment to developing the sector and ensuring that learners realise their full potential.
“By investing in schools, the Government is investing in future leaders who will drive Zimbabwe towards a prosperous economy,” she said.
Plumtree Town Secretary, Mr Thembalami Nyoni, acknowledged that devolution funds have played a crucial role in addressing developmental gaps within the town. He urged investors to partner with the council to support further development across various sectors.
“We noted the town’s population growth and decided to construct this school to provide quality education for our children. This aligns with the Government’s vision for education for all by 2030. Our goal is to establish more schools in Plumtree by then so that no child is left without access to education,” he said.
According to the 2022 census, Plumtree town has experienced rapid population growth, with an estimated 20 000 residents. Each household, on average, consists of four people, with two being school-aged children.
However, the number of schools has not kept pace with this growth, with Dingimuzi Primary School alone accommodating almost 2 000 pupils.
With social amenities and infrastructure development being key pillars of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), local authorities have utilised devolution funds to complement community and stakeholder efforts, ensuring timely project completion.
Devolution funds continue to assist local authorities across the country in fulfilling their obligations, leading to the development of essential infrastructure such as clinics, classroom blocks, roads, and bridges.
Other schools constructed in Matabeleland South using devolution funds include Poli-Magama Primary in Matobo, Jonsley Primary in Gwanda, and Pezulu Primary School teachers’ quarters in Insiza.–@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter