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Mthabisi Tshuma in Maphisa
FOR the first time, the national Independence Day celebrations have found a home in Matobo District and, with them, a quiet but powerful digital awakening has swept across Matabeleland South.
What arrives first as a celebration of nationhood has unfolded into something deeper — a reshaping of how communities connect, learn and engage with the world in a province long defined by distance rather than bandwidth.
Behind the scenes of the festivities, the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, working hand in hand with the telecommunications regulator Potraz, has been steadily rewriting the digital story of the rainbow province. Their interventions have reached beyond ceremonial infrastructure, stretching into classrooms, community spaces, traditional leadership offices and public institutions, laying the groundwork for a future that is both connected and skilled.
An ICT Ministry report paints a detailed picture of this transformation, offering a summary of the Starlink Kit Roll-Out and Digital Skills Training under Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the programme. The initiative, according to the Ministry, is driven by a clear objective: to enhance digital connectivity across Matabeleland South Province, with a deliberate focus on schools, chiefs, Government institutions and shared community access points.
The roll-out has been carefully organised into two phases, each lasting 14 days, allowing for methodical deployment and training. Spanning all seven districts in the province, the project is anchored in a broader ambition — the creation of a well-connected, knowledge-based society before 2030, where geography no longer determines opportunity.
“A total of 165 Starlink kits have been deployed out of the planned 201. 44 out of 50 kits have been installed of which 42 are active and two are inactive. Total of 160 laptops and four printers have been procured for Mahetshe schools.
“40 newly constructed science laboratories are scheduled to receive ICT equipment. Fibre connectivity installation is approximately 90 percent complete in targeted areas (via TelOne, Liquid & Aura) 19 MDA’s have been successfully connected, including government departments such as ZRP (34), ZPCS (10), Zesa (3) and Chiefs (33),” reads part of the report.
Beyond hardware and infrastructure, the pulse of the project lies in people. The report goes on to note that more than 1 000 residents across the province have already been equipped with digital skills, turning access into capability.
“A total of 1 067 citizens in Gwanda, Bulilima and Mangwe districts have been trained in digital skills. Training is ongoing in Matobo District.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum, emphasising that connectivity alone is not enough without reliability and continued support.
“The successful implementation of this project will support government operations, education, and national events, including the 46th Zimbabwe Independence Celebrations. Timely resolution of current challenges is critical to achieving project targets,” reads the report.
For ICT Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, the changes unfolding in Matobo are nothing short of transformative. He spoke with conviction about the promise of leaving no one behind in the digital age.
“Matobo District will never be the same again. Apart from ICT sector related developments, it seems like Maphisa has been built from scratch to the civilisation of the century. The two state-of-the-art and fully equipped computer laboratories for Mahetshe Primary and Secondary schools will go a long way.
“We give thanks to the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa for decentralising the hosting of national events which has seen developments that come with these events growing from one to another.”
Potraz director general Dr Gift Machengete echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of reaching rural schools with modern digital tools. “Potraz is proud to be equipping Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools in rural Maphisa with computers as part of our ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide.
“This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that learners in underserved communities have equitable access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). By introducing modern digital tools into these schools, we are empowering students with essential skills for the 21st century, enhancing teaching and learning experiences, and opening doors to global knowledge and opportunities,” said Dr Machengete.
He underscored that the value of computers extends far beyond basic literacy, nurturing creativity, innovation and academic confidence. “For educators, it provides new platforms to deliver interactive and engaging lessons, while for learners, it fosters curiosity and prepares them for participation in an increasingly digital economy.
“Potraz remains committed to inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that no community is left behind. The development of rural schools like Mahetshe is critical to building a knowledgeable, skilled, and connected Zimbabwe,” said Dr Machengete.
As flags rise and celebrations unfold in Matobo, a quieter revolution is taking place beneath the surface — one measured not in applause, but in logins, lessons and newly opened windows to the world. For Matabeleland South, Independence this year is being celebrated not only in song and ceremony, but in signal strength and digital promise.
Online Reporter