Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
MTETENGWE Primary School in Beitbridge has undergone significant transformation under the patronage of Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and it will never be the same again.
The school, which was severely damaged by torrential rains a few months ago, was revamped through partnerships with NetOne Cellular and other stakeholders.
The refurbished school with over 500 pupils from nearly eight villages now boasts of modern facilities that are setting a new standard for rural education.
A state-of-the-art computer laboratory has been established, providing learners with access to digital learning tools and resources.
In addition, solar-powered boreholes have also been installed, ensuring a reliable supply of clean water for pupils and staff.
The rehabilitation of Mtetengwe Primary School is a testament to VP Mohadi’s commitment to improving education infrastructure in his home area.
As a leader, who understands the challenges faced by rural communities, VP Mohadi’s intervention has brought new hope to learners, teachers and parents of Mtetengwe, in Ward 7 under Beitbridge RDC.
The school’s transformation is not just about infrastructure development, it is also about providing opportunities for young people to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
In line with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Curriculum and the digital literacy policy, one of the classrooms was converted into a state-of-the-art computer lab with the latest computers, Starlink for WiFi connectivity, white board screens and projectors.
With its new facilities, Mtetengwe Primary School is poised to become a model for rural education in Zimbabwe.
While commissioning the refurbished school on Saturday, VP Mohadi said, “We gather, not only to celebrate the physical transformation of this school, but also, to recognise the transformative power of education. Education is the bedrock of our nation’s development, and the renovations we inaugurate today are evidence to our shared commitment to providing our children with the best possible learning environment.”
“The classrooms, libraries and facilities that we unveil today are more than just structures; they are sanctuaries of knowledge, creativity, and hope for our future leaders. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to selfless corporates for their generous investment in our community and for their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Your investment in our education system is an investment in the future of Zimbabwe. Through your initiatives, you have demonstrated that corporate entities can play a pivotal role in nation-building. It is my hope that this partnership will inspire other organisations to contribute towards the betterment of our communities.”
VP Mohadi acknowledged the support from many stakeholders, among them Discovery Ambulance Services, which trained about 200 people from surrounding villages on basic first aid skills as well as treated and screened scores of others for various medical conditions.
He urged corporates to continue inspiring and nurturing the young minds that will, one day, lead the nation.
As a product of the Mtetengwe community, VP Mohadi said the area was a seedbed that would sprout future leaders.
He urged learners to seize the opportunities that lie ahead and let the enhanced facilities serve as motivation for them to strive for excellence.
“Education is your passport to a better future. Work hard, dream big and remember that the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning. Khavhabebi vharefhano, ndivhoinwi vhanne vhatundu inovha ndizwifhato zwathano ifareni zwavhudi nivhone uri vhana vhakhoishumisa zwavhudi. (Parents should ensure the infrastructure is well taken care of),” said the VP.
“The emphasis on our education system, the Heritage Based Education 5.0, is on teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation, among other areas of focus.
“The provision of a solarised borehole to the school will be a great source of reliable water, which is meant to support agricultural programmes as well as ensure proper sanitation facilities, which promote dignity, climate smart infrastructure and well-being of learners.”
He challenged learners, members of staff and the community at large to take advantage of these resources, which can change livelihoods in Mtetengwe.
In the nutritional garden, VP Mohadi planted a Mexican Apple tree and named it KCD while Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri planted hers and named it Oppah, with Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Albert Nguluvhe naming his Muthavhatsindi.
The commissioning of the renovation works was preceded by a Run for Life Marathon organised in honour of VP Mohadi’s contribution to national development before and after independence.
The marathon brought together the community in a celebration of health, unity and progress in Zimbabwe.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri commended VP Mohadi for leading from the front in driving infrastructure development in the country from grassroots levels.
She said the refurbishment of Mtetengwe Primary School was a positive step towards achieving the envisaged Vision 2030 as set out by President Mnangagwa.
Cde Nguluvhe said, “The successful implementation of this project is a good example of what partnerships between the Government and the private sector can contribute to improved service delivery across all development sectors, especially in education, which is very critical in shaping the future of our children.”
Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director, Mrs Beatrice Manjere said having better learning facilities is critical in achieving the goals of the National Development Strategy 1.
“We commend the efforts by our Government through the Vice President, who supported the refurbishment of this school. It is important that we promote the creation of child friendly schools nationally, to attract more learners and also help improve pass rates in our schools,” said Chief Tshitaudze from Beitbridge.
NetOne Cellular chief executive officer Mr Raphael Mushanawani, said the organisation’s interventions at Mtetengwe were not symbolic, but substantive and that learners of Mtetengwe were no longer just rural pupils as they are digital pioneers.
“These milestones form part of our broader Connecting Communities and OneHealth initiatives, and they align squarely with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) —which emphasises human capital development, digital innovation and inclusive service delivery,” he said.
“The commissioning we celebrate today is not a one-day act — it is a declaration of intent. It’s a call to action. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from His Excellency’s leadership (President Mnangagwa), it is that Zimbabwe shall not develop by chance — it shall develop by choice and by design.
“The truth is, rural Zimbabwe is no longer watching the world from afar — it is participating in it, shaping it and benefitting from it. Our 5G rollout, supported by NetOne’s expanding infrastructure, is not just for Harare or Bulawayo — it is for Beitbridge, Buhera, Binga and beyond. Smart Zimbabwe is a national project, not a city privilege.”
“And to our Guest of Honour once again, Vice President Mohadi — thank you for championing the cause of development across provinces. Your wisdom, humility and unwavering connection with the people remains a powerful national asset,” he added.
Deputy Chairperson of Beitbridge RDC, Councillor Julita Mutingwende said the community was grateful and motivated by VP Mohadi’s exemplary leadership in the implementation of developmental projects.
By investing in the future of young people, VP Mohadi is helping to build a brighter future for the country as a whole.
The rehabilitation of Mtetengwe Primary School is a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders prioritise the needs of their communities.
As the country looks to transform its education sector, the work done at Mtetengwe Primary School provides a valuable lesson.
With the right support and resources, even the most disadvantaged schools can be turned around, providing learners with the opportunities they need to succeed.
The school’s transformation is a testament to the power of leadership and community engagement.
As the school community looks to the future, they are filled with hope and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.
@tupeyo
