Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
CONSTRUCTION of Plumtree Polytechnic is set to resume after Government released US$500 000 towards the project, with earth-moving equipment expected to be moved to the site to kick-start works.
The project is part of Government’s efforts to expand access to higher and tertiary education and strengthen skills development, in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic annual graduation ceremony on Friday, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and
Technology Development Simelisizwe Sibanda said the project had been delayed by the approval of construction plans, which had since been cleared.
“When we look at Plumtree Polytechnic you will realise that construction is behind but now efforts are underway to ensure that the project is back on course. About US$500 000 has been released towards construction. What has been stalling the project is the issue of approval of plans. It took a lot of time for the Department of Public Construction to approve plans but they have since been approved.
“We are going to move the Ministry’s earth-moving machinery that is being used at the Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. The yellow machines will move to Plumtree so that we can begin construction,” he said.
Deputy Minister Sibanda said the institution would strengthen skills development and equip people with the competencies needed to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
He said some people were seeking employment in neighbouring countries because they lacked the skills to create employment opportunities locally.
“Skills development and training will help reduce the number of people who migrate to neighbouring countries in search for employment. Once people are trained they will be able to create jobs which will be a plus when we are looking at the progress we have made in the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
He said many people from Plumtree and surrounding areas travelled to South Africa and Botswana in search of work, often taking up menial jobs without formal skills.
“We have a lot people from Plumtree and surrounding areas going to South Africa and Botswana to do menial jobs without having the necessary skills. Even though we are not training for other countries it’s a plus for our people to go out having some skills as the foreign currency we can get from someone who goes to work outside with a skill is much better,” he said.
Deputy Minister Sibanda said the country’s ambition to become a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 required a skilled, innovative and technologically proficient population.
“This is the mandate of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which positions my Ministry to drive science, technology, digitalisation, innovation and human capital development. However, we need to be clear about what ‘shaping skilled human capital’ truly means. Skills are not only the ability to repeat what one has been shown. A science, technology and innovation-driven economy is built by people who can question, who can doubt, and who can think for themselves,” he said.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said construction of the polytechnic fulfilled President Mnangagwa’s commitment to ensuring that no area was left behind in the country’s development drive.
He said the institution would increase the province’s skilled workforce and contribute to economic development.
Members of the Plumtree community welcomed the project, saying the institution would bring education opportunities closer to young people.
