Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Hwange
THE Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has broken ground on the construction of a US$6 million boarding school in Hwange District in a major development set to transform the educational landscape of Matabeleland North Province.
The landmark Anna Sakina High School project was officially launched during a ground-breaking ceremony led by the church’s leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, symbolising a new chapter of learning and opportunity for the Hwange community.
The ambitious development will be rolled out in phases, with an initial US$1,2 million earmarked for the construction of six classrooms and supporting infrastructure, including staff housing. The school’s first intake of students is expected in January 2026. Bishop Mutendi said the project aligns with ZCC’s long-standing commitment to complement the Government’s efforts in expanding access to quality education through strategic investments across the region.
“The ZCC is on a drive to complement Government efforts with several investments in schools. One of the schools is set to open in Beitbridge after its construction is completed, and we are also building schools in Zambia,” he said.
The bishop added that the Hwange project was inspired by strong local demand for educational facilities.
“Particularly in Chidobe, I was invited by Zanu-PF Politburo member, Dr Obert Mpofu, who admired the work we have done with ZCC schools in Masvingo,” said Bishop Mutendi.
He urged congregants and the local community to remain committed to the successful completion of the project.
Project manager Mr Hubert Mutendi outlined the development roadmap, revealing that the school will eventually cater for Forms 1 to Upper Sixth, but enrolment will start with Form 1 learners.
“We are constructing a secondary school that will accommodate learners up to A-level, but we are doing it in phases. Our plan is to open doors for the first intake, about 80 to 100 students, in January 2026,” he said. Mr Mutendi added that the total investment is estimated between US$6 million and US$8 million, with the first phase accounting for US$1,2 million.
He also revealed an expanded vision for the site, which includes establishing a vocational training institute.
“We have secured another piece of land where we plan to build a vocational and technical college. This will help equip young people with practical skills for the future,” said Mr Mutendi.
The initiative has been warmly welcomed by traditional leaders and community members, who view it as a turning point for local education and economic empowerment.
Chidobe Headman, Skinner Ndlovu, expressed his gratitude to the church.
“We are excited to have this school coming to our area. It will change our lives and the education of our children. Being close to Victoria Falls, we are part of the tourism sector, so it is important for our learners to be educated and to understand different languages and cultures,” he said.
“It means our students will have more opportunities in the future, and we are truly grateful to the Zion Christian Church.”
Village heads Sikhangele Moyo, Ustina Dube and Francis Mathe also commended the initiative and pledged their communities’ full support towards ensuring the timely completion of the school.
The establishment of Anna Sakina High School is expected to significantly reduce the burden of long travel distances and high costs faced by families sending children to schools outside the district.
Located in a prime tourism corridor near Victoria Falls, the school is also poised to provide learners with essential academic and vocational skills tailored to the needs of the local hospitality and tourism industries, fostering both economic mobility and community development.
