Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in Beitbridge
THE border town of Beitbridge comes alive today as it hosts hundreds of participants for the Run for Life Marathon, which takes place from 5am to around 9am. More than just a sporting event, the marathon promises to be a heartfelt reunion, with Vice-President Kembo Mohadi expected to reconnect with old friends, comrades from the liberation struggle, and members of the Mtetengwe community, where he was born.
The event, which began yesterday with first aid training for community members, is held in honour of VP Mohadi’s legacy — not only in the province but across the country.
The marathon route will wind through the scenic landscapes of Beitbridge, showcasing the community’s commitment to health, wellness, and unity. With categories including 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km, the event is set to attract participants of all ages.
Dr Benson Martins Dube, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, expressed his delight at the inclusive nature of the event.
“We are excited to see everyone here — the local community, war veterans, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, people with disabilities, and the armed forces,” he said.
Dr Dube said that today’s discussions would focus heavily on drug and substance abuse, which is why Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is leading the national campaign against the scourge, was invited to attend. Other ministers, deputy ministers, businesspeople, and Zanu-PF officials are also expected to be present.
“This event will bring people together,” he said.
Dr Dube also noted that the organisers wanted VP Mohadi to meet “his old peers — people he grew up with, studied with, and went to war with — to rekindle old memories.”
Following the marathon, attention will shift to the official handover of renovations at Mtetengwe Primary School, which suffered extensive damage during Cyclone Idai. The storm tore off the roof of one classroom block, shattered windowpanes, and left the floors badly damaged.
In response, the Office of the Vice-President reached out to partners and well-wishers, who came together to refurbish the block. One classroom has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art computer lab, equipped with the latest computers, high-speed internet, whiteboard screens, and projectors.
This development has helped bridge the digital divide, bringing facilities typically found in urban schools to rural learners and promoting e-learning.
“We are very pleased with the work done. The students are excited to be part of this devolution programme under the Second Republic. Through devolution, provinces are being empowered, and rural schools are being upgraded to match those in urban areas,” said Dr Dube.
He said that VP Mohadi began his education at Beitbridge Mission Primary School, and as part of his legacy, he has returned to uplift it. A borehole has been drilled, solarised, and taps installed around the school, providing clean drinking water to both learners and the surrounding community.
“We donated laptops to their computer room, and the school now looks brand new. We even visited the classroom where he once sat and learnt.
“We also went to his secondary school, Manama High School, where we’ve sunk a borehole that is now being solarised. The water at the school was very salty, but we were fortunate to find a fresh source, and we will pipe it to the school. There is a lot we are doing as part of his legacy, and these are just some of the projects,” he said.
