Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
WHAT was once a distant dream has finally become a reality for Tennyson Primary School on the outskirts of Bulawayo after years of determination, fundraising and unwavering support from parents and stakeholders.
The school officially unveiled a brand-new 72-seater bus yesterday and, in a surprise announcement that delighted parents and learners, also revealed the acquisition of an additional kombi to enhance learner transport.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement, song and celebration as education officials, parents, teachers and learners gathered to witness a milestone expected to transform travel for educational tours, sporting competitions, cultural events and other school activities.
Guest of honour, who is also Director of Bulawayo Provincial Education Services, Mr Lawrence Mkwala, described the acquisition as a significant investment in the future of learners.
“The issue of transport has now been simplified. It will help learners participate in educational tours, sporting activities, cultural events and competitions without the challenges of looking for transport that may not always be safe,” he said.
Mr Mkwala said the school-owned bus would provide a safer and more reliable alternative to hired transport while also benefiting the wider community during times of need.
He commended the school administration, the School Development Committee (SDC), parents, well-wishers and teachers for working together to make the project a reality.
“I congratulate the entire Tennyson Primary School family on this remarkable achievement. You have proved that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today you have taken another important step towards becoming a centre of excellence,” said Mr Mkwala.
He encouraged the school community not to stop dreaming, expressing hope that more buses and infrastructure projects, including a perimeter wall, would be realised in the future.
Addressing learners, Mr Mkwala urged them to take pride in the new bus and care for it.
“The bus belongs to you. Treat it with pride and keep it clean. Just as this bus will take you to different destinations, your education will take you to places you may only dream of today. Work hard, remain disciplined and never stop believing in your potential,” he said.
Earlier, the school headmistress, Mrs Millicent Dhlula, said the bus represented far more than a means of transport.
“Today we gather not just to unveil a bus, but to celebrate what this bus represents safety, opportunity and the journey we take together as a school community,” she said.
Mrs Dhlula described the 72-seater as a promise that no learner would be disadvantaged because of transport challenges.
“It is a promise that every child who steps aboard will be cared for like family, a promise that distance will not be a barrier to learning and a promise that we will continue investing in what matters most which is our learners’ wellbeing and their future,” she said.
Mrs Dhlula thanked parents for trusting the school and supporting the initiative, saying their calls for safer transport had been heard.
Adding a touch of culture and inspiration to the occasion, young poet Lwandile Ndlovu captivated the audience with a powerful performance celebrating language, identity and education.
Delivering his verses with confidence and emotion, the talented learner earned warm applause from guests, parents and fellow pupils, setting the tone for the celebrations and highlighting the importance of nurturing young artistic talent.
The celebrations did not end with the unveiling of the bus. In a surprise announcement that drew cheers from parents and learners alike, the school revealed that it had also acquired a kombi to complement its growing transport fleet.
The additional vehicle will be used for smaller group travel, administrative duties and other school activities, further strengthening Tennyson Primary School’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and accessible transport for its learners.
The twin acquisitions were widely praised as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration between the school administration, parents, the SDC and the wider community, reinforcing the message that investing in education is an investment in the nation’s future.
