Obey Sibanda, Zimpapers Reporter
ZANU PF politician Lungisani “Two Minutes” Ncube has paid school fees for learners in 48 schools across Gwanda North and pledged to support school feeding programmes in all 58 schools in the constituency.
Sabiwa Primary School Headmistress Mrs Isabel Moyo showing the money they received from Lungisani Ncube. Far left is Ncube’s assistant Mr Edward Mathe
Ncube, who contested but lost the Gwanda North parliamentary seat in the last harmonised elections, made the announcement during a function held at Sabiwa Primary School, where he donated R20 000 and groceries towards the school’s feeding scheme.
The initiative has so far covered 48 of the 58 schools in the constituency, with Ncube saying the programme was ongoing and would be extended to more schools.
Ncube’s speech was read on his behalf by his assistant, Edward Mathe.
Ncube said the school fees assistance programme was driven by the need to ensure that no child was denied an opportunity to acquire an education because of financial challenges.
“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for transforming lives, empowering communities and building a prosperous nation,” he said.
He said the initiative was not merely about paying school fees but also investing in the future of learners, restoring hope to struggling families and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Ncube also pledged that all 58 schools in the constituency would receive food hampers to support their feeding programmes, with the donations expected to be made every two weeks.
He said supporting education was critical to achieving the country’s development aspirations, particularly Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritise human capital development, inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
“The children sitting in our classrooms are tomorrow’s professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. Supporting their education is therefore not an expense, but a strategic investment in the future of our constituency and our nation,” he said.
Despite losing the parliamentary race, Ncube has remained active in the constituency through community initiatives, with the education assistance programme reflecting his continued engagement with villagers.
He said the programme would continue to target deserving learners facing financial challenges, adding that his commitment was to make education more accessible and ease the burden on parents and guardians.
Ncube called on community members to work together to ensure that every child in Gwanda North had a fair chance to succeed.
“Our commitment is clear. Investing in education, empowering our people and building a better future for Gwanda North in pursuit of Vision 2030,” he said.
