Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala and Michelle Musandinyoze, Chronicle Writers
A TOTAL of 54 students from the Southern Cohort of the Presidential Digital Ambassador Programme (PDAP) graduated in Bulawayo, marking another milestone in the Government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and build an inclusive digital economy.
The graduates, drawn from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands provinces, said they felt privileged to be part of the life-changing programme, which equips young people with vital Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
Deon McKenzie from Gokwe said the programme had transformed his digital literacy and would allow him to uplift others in his community.
“I have been equipped with skills that I will also impart to my community in Gokwe,” he said.
Another graduate, Sithabile Gandi Ndlovu, said the training covered key ICT competencies, including cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“This programme has enabled us to be digital ambassadors so that we uplift our respective communities by sharing the same knowledge we acquired here. This has been an exciting opportunity for me,” she said.
Guest of honour, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Beaullah Chirume, represented by Bulawayo provincial director for economic development, Mr Simon Saunyama said the graduation reflected both individual achievement and collective progress in expanding digital literacy.
“The Digital Ambassadors Programme is a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of the digital divide by increasing digital literacy in marginalised and under-served areas. It is intended to complement existing programmes and promote active community participation,” she said.
Dr Chirume added that the graduates had been trained in basic digital skills, AI and cybersecurity, which are essential for fostering an inclusive digital economy.
Director for Applications, Development and Management in the ICT Ministry, Mr Success Mhlanga, said the cohort comprised 19 females and 35 males.
He said the programme is critical in promoting inclusivity under the national devolution agenda.
“As they go back, they are going to be the focal persons teaching others to navigate cyberspace in a very secure manner. Very soon, we will articulate where they will be working from,” he said.
The ultimate goal of PDAP is to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that marginalised and rural communities are not left behind in the digital economy. Graduates of the programme are expected to serve as community digital champions, teaching others how to use technology for education, business and access to services.
So far, several cohorts from across Zimbabwe have graduated, with participants deployed back into their districts to roll out training, workshops and awareness campaigns.
The programme complements other Government efforts such as the establishment of Community Information Centres by Potraz and the rollout of internet infrastructure under the National ICT Policy, which places more focus on issues of infrastructure development and management, research, innovation and industry development, policy streamlining, equal access across gender and other marginalised groups, regulatory framework on ICTs and institutional mechanisms, as well as capacity building and content development.
Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Government has prioritised ICTs as a cross-cutting measure to reduce the urban-rural divide and enable access to ICTs by all citizens.
