Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, pchitumba1@gmail
THE empowerment of communities through development projects, modern communication and health tools that enable locals to respond swiftly to daily needs and emergencies has excited beneficiaries in the Midlands province.
This follows the handover yesterday of smart phones to headmen, 41 Starlink kits to Junior Parliamentarians, as well as bicycles, sewing machines and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) equipment to HIV support groups in the province.
Implemented under the Presidential support initiatives, the donations are expected to improve communication, healthcare, and economic opportunities in line with Vision 2030 ideals.
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, handed over the donation to the beneficiaries on behalf of President Mnangagwa during a ceremony held in Kwekwe.
In his remarks, Minister Ncube said the donations were a clear reflection of President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“I feel greatly honoured and privileged to address you today as we gather at this momentous occasion of the handover of 41 Star-Link Kits donated by President Mnangagwa to Junior Parliamentarians’ schools as part of the consignment of 44 tablets I handed over on 18 November 2025, which resonates with the National Development Strategy (NDS 2) pillar on science, technology, digital, innovation, and human capital development, “ he said.
“In addition, I will also hand over 12 smart phones to Kwekwe District headmen as part of broad and inclusive efforts by the New Dispensation, designed to leave no one and no place behind in bridging the digital divide and strengthening the critical role played by traditional leaders in the governance architecture of communities in Zimbabwe.”
Guided by the NDS2 pillar on social development, gender and social protection, which encompasses health and well-being, Minister Ncube said those involved in the provision of basic services, fighting communicable and non-communicable diseases,mental health conditions and HIV/Aids volunteer support groups will receive 104 bicycles worth US$17 000, sewing machines worth US$13 800 and 3 200m of clothing material.
The consignment also include equipment and accessories for health institutions that include BP machines, thermometers, glucometers, batteries, latex gloves, cotton swabs, cotton wool, sharps containers and boxes, and gluco-strips worth US$34 000 funded under the Global Fund through the National Aids Council (NAC).
Minister Ncube applauded President Mnangagwa for guiding the nation towards the attainment of Vision 2030 underpinned by heritage-based and knowledge-driven innovation, modernisation, and industrialisation of the economy.
He said access to the digital highway through the fast and reliable gadgets such as Starlink kits should strengthen understanding of global dynamics, improve pass rates in schools and enhance studdents’ regional and global competitiveness.
“I urge the learners to use these gadgets responsibly as they equally present unique challenges that include cyber-crime and anti-social behaviour influenced by foreign cultures and traditions,” said Minister Ncube.
He implored learners to be disciplined, exhibit exemplary leadership, remain focused on their studies and abstain from drug and substance abuse.
Minister Ncube commended NAC for its efforts in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in communities under the UN-AIDS 90-90-90 targets on diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression.
Meanwhile, Minister Ncube said the Midlands Province fully supports Constitutional Amendment Bill number 3 to operationalise attainment of Vision 2030 under the wise and pragmatic stewardship of President Mnangagwa, among a series of legal reforms.
He said the legal reforms are designed to bolster constitutional governance, fortify democratic institutions, clearly define institutional mandates, align Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework with established practices in other forward-looking jurisdictions, promote political stability, and enhance the efficiency of the State architecture as approved by Cabinet and duly gazzetted on February 16.
“I urge the entire progressive and patriotic Midlands community and cadres, among them the church fraternity, youths, women, students, and affiliates, to shame uncouth detractors by turning out in their numbers to support the Bill during public consultations due to commence soon,” Minister Ncube said.
