Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga in Rushinga
HUNDREDS of rural learners in Rushinga District are set to gain improved access to secondary education after the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Mutapa Gold Resources and the local community doubled Mubvundudzi Secondary School’s enrolment capacity through a landmark partnership.
Mutapa Gold Resources is the country’s largest gold producer and is owned by Mutapa Investment Fund, which is Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund.
The newly completed two-classroom block, which brings the number of blocks at the school to three, was officially handed over on Tuesday at a ceremony that coincided with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Community Assistance Week, increasing the school’s capacity from 220 to more than 400 learners, ending years of classroom shortages that forced many pupils around the Chimhanda community to walk about 10 kilometres to the nearest secondary school.
The project, launched in September 2024, was constructed by artisans from the Artillery Brigade in Domboshava, with Mutapa Gold Resources providing funding and building materials, while the local community contributed labour.
It forms part of a series of community development projects being implemented nationwide ahead of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day commemorations next week.
Beyond the new classrooms, Mutapa Gold Resources donated 10 computers and reading materials following the school’s recent electrification, laying the foundation for digital learning, improved lesson delivery and future science and technical education.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Emmanuel Matatu said the project reflected the country’s commitment to expanding access to quality education while strengthening cooperation between Government institutions, the private sector and communities.
“The construction of the classroom block was prompted by the critical shortage of learning space at the school, resulting in limited access to education.”
General Matatu said the additional learning space would create a conducive learning environment and support the Second Republic’s drive to achieve Education for All and Vision 2030.
He commended Mutapa Gold Resources for financing the project, the Artillery Brigade artisans for sacrificing weekends and holidays to complete the work, and the local community for contributing labour and taking ownership of the school.
General Matatu also challenged the corporate sector to mainstream corporate social responsibility programmes to help address infrastructure gaps in schools and other communities across the country.
Mutapa Gold Resources chief executive officer Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya described education as one of the country’s most important investments, saying the project reflected the company’s commitment to sustainable community development.
“Education is one of the strongest drivers of economic transformation and social progress.
“Every classroom built here represents opportunity for the future leaders,” he said.
Beyond constructing the classroom block, Mutapa Gold Resources also donated 10 computers and reading materials to the school following the recent electrification of the institution, paving the way for digital learning and future science and technical education.
Mr Maseva-Shayawabaya said the company believed responsible mining meant creating lasting value in communities where it operates through investments in education, community infrastructure and economic empowerment.
Commander Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Lloyd Mutsvangwa said the successful completion of the classroom block highlighted the value of partnerships between Government institutions, business and communities in advancing national development.
“This exemplary partnership between the corporate sector, the military, and the community made it possible to complete the structure.”
He said the project reflected the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ enduring commitment to improving access to education and strengthening civil-military relations through practical community development initiatives.
The school, which previously struggled with inadequate classroom space, is expected to record increased enrolment and improved learning conditions, while the new facilities are also expected to reduce long travelling distances for learners from surrounding villages.
Speaking at the same occasion,
Mubvundudzi Secondary School headmaster Mr Charles Matsvaka said the school and the Chimhanda community were gratified by the partnership between ZDF and Mutapa Gold Resources.
“We are grateful for this partnership between ZDF and Mutapa Gold Resources. The new classroom block is transformative to education not only in Chimhanda, but across Rushinga District at large,” he said.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership. The drilling of a borehole about 200 metres from the school campus under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme has transformed our community.
“Before this, our teachers used to walk two kilometres to access water. “Today, water is now accessible and that has improved both teaching and learning.”
The school, which previously struggled with inadequate classroom space, is expected to record increased enrolment and improved learning conditions, while the new facilities are also expected to reduce long travelling distances for learners from surrounding villages.
