THE Department of Immigration has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of Mphoengs Border Post in Matabeleland South Province, with works that began in November 2025 now transforming the Port of Entry into a modern, efficient facility.

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

MORE than 600 villagers in Gwanda, Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo districts have been trained in digital skills under an ongoing Government programme targeting youths aimed at promoting digital inclusivity and improve access to information and communication technologies in marginalised communities.

Speaking during a training programme in Maphisa ahead on the 46th Independence Day celebrations Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services principal training officer, Ms Plaxedes Mutero, said the digital skills training initiative covers basic Microsoft application programmes, cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“We are conducting a digital skills training in Matabeleland South and at the moment we are in Maphisa. We have been in the province for a month carrying out the training,” she said. We have trained 103 participants in Bulilima, 92 in Somnene and 122 in Nyele. In Mangwe, we have trained 89 participants, Manama in Gwanda about 200 participants. We are now at Maphisa where we have 27 participants.”

Ms Mutero said the training programme seeks to ensure that young people are computer literate to incorporate digital skills in their day to day lives. She also said young entrepreneurs can incorporate digital skills to market and sell their products, create linkages and also to research.

“We also want youths to know the risks of digital communication through informing them of threats that come with digital skills hence the topic on cyber security,” she said.

“Using the Internet comes with a lot of security issues and threats, which young people should know about before they use it. They should also know what to do when faced with threats.”

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe said the digital skills training programme will play a crucial role in improving the lives of young people in Matabeleland South.

He urged the youths who have benefitted from the programme to fully utilise the skills to improve their lives.

“As the people of Matabeleland South, we have benefitted from yet another programme as we are the hosts of this year’s Independence Day celebrations. We thank His Excellency President Mnangagwa for affording us this opportunity, which has ushered in significant development in the province,” said the minister.

“Through skills training programme, the lives of trainees, who are mostly youths will improve. We are living in a digital era where technology drives the world hence digital knowledge is key. The programme has brought digital skills to once marginalised communities.” – @DubeMatutu