Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala. Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) has intensified efforts to improve the welfare of educators through a housing initiative that dovetails with the Government policy thrust aimed at delivering affordable accommodation.
Yesterday, Zimta allocated residential stands to 59 teachers in Vulindlela, Umguza District, bringing to 170 the total number of beneficiaries since the programme started in 2023.
The handover of stands and certificates yesterday marks a significant step in addressing long-standing accommodation challenges while reinforcing the Second Republic’s broader vision of expanding home ownership through innovative financing models and partnerships.
Implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with land developers, the Vulindlela project, which was launched in 2023, reflects a growing alignment between professional associations and the Government in tackling the national housing backlog, which affected civil servants, including teachers deployed in both urban and rural area.
The initiative resonates with the Government’s housing delivery framework anchored on the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises the provision of affordable, serviced stands and promotion of incremental housing development. The Government has, in recent years, accelerated the regularisation of settlements, infrastructure servicing and partnerships with private players to scale up housing delivery.
Speaking during the handover, Zimta public relations manager Ms Daisy Zambuko said the association has broadened its mandate beyond labour representation to include tangible empowerment programmes that enhance members’ long-term security.
“Our responsibility goes beyond advocacy. We are focused on delivering practical, long-term solutions that restore dignity and stability to the teaching profession. Housing is a fundamental pillar of that commitment,” she said.
Ms Zambuko said Zimta’s housing model seeks to complement Government efforts by unlocking access to land, facilitating ownership and ensuring that teachers can gradually transition into fully-fledged homeowners.
The Government has consistently emphasised the importance of leveraging PPPs in housing delivery, with policies encouraging institutions and co-operatives to partner with developers in servicing land and providing affordable stands. This approach has seen increased participation by pension funds, housing co-operatives and professional bodies in bridging the accommodation gap.
Zimta has rolled out similar housing projects in Manicaland, Mashonaland, Harare and Masvingo provinces, enabling hundreds of teachers to access serviced stands, secure title deeds and begin construction of homes.
Ms Zambuko said lessons from previous projects have informed stronger oversight mechanisms to protect members and ensure transparency in partnerships with developers.
“On the whole, these projects have been a resounding success. We remain committed to strengthening our partnerships and complementing Government efforts in delivering sustainable housing solutions for all teaching professionals,” she said.
In interviews, the beneficiaries said the initiative is life-changing.
A teacher at Mtshabezi High School, Mrs Siphathisiwe Moyo, broke down in tears as she received her stand, describing the moment as a turning point in her life.
“I’m very happy. I never imagined myself acquiring a stand in my lifetime. This is empowerment and as a woman, it gives me freedom. It is part of my retirement plan, which is one of my investments,” she said.
Mrs Moyo noted that home ownership had long remained out of reach due to rising living costs, a reality faced by many educators across the country.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ernest Muchiti of Maranatha High School, said the allocation fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
“I’m so excited. I’m very much pleased and filled with boundless joy. As a member of Zimta, being allocated a stand is my dream. For my family, this is a great moment of owning our own estate,” he said.
The initiative comes as the Government continues to prioritise housing delivery for civil servants under broader social protection and empowerment programmes, recognising that access to decent accommodation is critical for productivity, retention and overall well-being.
Zimbabwe’s national housing backlog is estimated at between 1,25 million and two million units, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and limited access to financing. Major urban centres, particularly Harare and Bulawayo, account for about 70 percent of the shortfall.
The Government is actively pursuing private sector partnerships to bridge the deficit, which has fuelled rising property prices, informal settlements and land baronism.
Under President Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, an aggressive drive is underway to provide decent and affordable accommodation for all citizens, with housing identified as a key pillar in achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030.
Nationally, the Government has surpassed its 220 000 housing units target set last year and is intensifying efforts to address the shelter backlog through the recapitalisation of the Housing Guarantee Fund and the National Housing Fund.
Under NDS2, Zimbabwe aims to deliver one million houses and serviced stands over the plan period, ensuring access to affordable, modern housing and essential social amenities.
