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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Mat South Bureau
COMMUNITIES in Matabeleland South Province that are benefitting from legacy projects implemented by the Government as part of the National Independence Day Celebrations, which the province is hosting in Maphisa, have been called to preserve the infrastructure for sustainable use by generations to come.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, during a tour of some of the ongoing projects.
Minister Nguluvhe said the initiatives cut across various sectors and will catalyse development in line with the National Development Strategy 2.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa has said ‘ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’, which means the time for manna is over. The time of waiting on Government and donors to do all the work for us is over.
Manna now comes through hard work.
“A number of projects have been implemented across the province and therefore let’s assume ownership over them and contribute wherever we can. As communities, we can assist by providing labour and after projects have been implemented, let’s guard the jealously instead of vandalising infrastructure,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the projects being implemented will have far-reaching benefits for generations to come. He added that communities must realise and accept that they are part of the Government and therefore have a role to play in the development of their areas.
He said the ongoing projects have helped to debunk myths that Matabeleland South is a marginalised province.
“This development, which we are seeing in the province as well as the opportunity we have been given to host this year’s Independence Day Celebrations, is in line with Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
A number of development projects have been rolled out in the province, which will host this year’s Independence Day Celebrations at Maphisa Open Grounds on April 18.
A total of 41 science laboratories are being constructed across all seven districts, in a development expected to boost the teaching of STEM subjects.
Other developments include the renovation of classroom blocks, construction of eight classroom blocks, two ECD blocks and eight modern teachers’ cottages at Mahetshe Primary School on the outskirts of Maphisa, which has been identified as the venue for the Children’s Party.
At Mahetshe Secondary School, which will host the main music gala, a 700-seater hall and four additional classroom blocks are under construction, along with an A-Level block, computer laboratory, staff toilets, an administration block and teachers’ cottages.
Other works include the rehabilitation and completion of Kezi Hospital, which will also be equipped to improve service delivery.
Maphisa District Hospital primary care nurse training school is also being rehabilitated, with the first intake expected in May. The construction of Filabusi Registry offices, which had stalled for two decades, is also being completed as part of the legacy projects.
Infrastructure development also includes the construction of the Gwanda-Maphisa Road, which is expected to enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region. The road links several districts and key economic centres such as Arda Antelope, Makwe Irrigation Scheme, two border posts and various tourist sites in Matobo.
Additional works being carried out by local authorities and Government ministries include the rehabilitation of a 2 600km road network across the province.
This year’s Independence Day Celebrations and Children’s Party will be held in the Maphisa area in Matabeleland South Province, with Masvingo set to host the events in 2027.
The venues are selected in line with Cabinet-approved criteria for hosting the annual Independence Day and Children’s Party celebrations.
The Second Republic’s devolution agenda has driven a transformative shift by decentralising these events and introducing a rotational system across the country’s ten provinces, which began in 2021.
The rotation has seen Harare host in 2021, Bulawayo in 2022, Mashonaland Central in 2023, Manicaland in 2024 and Midlands in 2025.
The initiative aims to use the celebrations as a catalyst for infrastructure development in targeted areas.
Last year’s Independence Day Celebrations and the 2025 Children’s Party were held in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.
Online Reporter