Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda
MANONDWANE Primary School in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb has received a much-needed facelift, thanks to Ward 24 Councillor Cde Tavengwa Zidya and former classmates affectionately known as the ‘Nketa Legends’.
The group has embarked on a refurbishment project aimed at improving learning conditions for pupils, beginning with the installation of new classroom doors.
For years, several classrooms at the school had been left with broken or open doors, exposing learners to harsh weather conditions. During the rain season water would soak into the rooms, disrupting lessons and damaging teaching materials. In winter, the cold winds made classrooms uncomfortable, affecting concentration and productivity. Recognising these challenges, Councillor Zidya and his peers decided to act.
Yesterday, the group officially handed over the new doors to the school. Councillor Zidya explained that the initiative was made possible through modern communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, which reconnected former learners and allowed them to mobilise resources.
“Using social media, we managed to connect with former schoolmates. Through our discussions, we highlighted the challenges the school was facing and agreed to intervene,” said Councillor Zidya.
The Nketa Legends are no strangers to community service. In previous years, they have supported the less privileged learners by purchasing uniforms and paying school fees.
Cllr Zidya said their latest project was a continuation of their commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive learning environment.
“We asked the headmaster to identify the classrooms most in need, and today we are proud to hand over these doors. As former students, we feel it is our duty to give back to the institution that shaped us,” he added.
School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Mr Justin Vutika, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the absence of doors had made teaching and learning extremely difficult.
“The classes were open with no doors, making lessons unbearable when it rained. Water would enter classrooms, disrupting learning. This donation will make a huge difference,” he said.
Mr Vutika urged the group to continue supporting the school, praising them for living up to the national call that “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/a nation is built by its people”.
The initiative has also inspired hope among parents and teachers, who see it as a reminder that communities can play a vital role in improving education. For many, the gesture demonstrates that development does not always have to come from the government alone. Ordinary citizens can also make meaningful contributions.
Cllr Zidya emphasised that the project was only the beginning as the group plans to explore other ways of supporting the school of which he was not privy to pre-empt.
