Sinokubonga Nkala
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
GOVERNMENT has lauded Hwange Rural District Council (RDC) for its progressive policies that have attracted significant development partners, leading to remarkable advancements in the education and health sectors.
The key milestones include the completion of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom blocks at Matetsi Primary School and Breakfast Primary School, supported by the Jafuta Foundation and the Buy-a-Brick Foundation.
Additionally, a low-cost boarding facility at Matetsi Secondary School, now 60 percent complete, is set to be commissioned soon.
Speaking at the recent commissioning of the Matetsi Primary School classroom blocks, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo urged other councils to emulate Hwange RDC by fostering policies that attract development and investment.
“Allow me to commend the excellent work that has been done by Hwange RDC together with our development partners. I would like to applaud Hwange RDC for creating a conducive working environment that involves development,” he said.
The minister said some councils are struggling to attract major partners that bring meaningful development.
Minister Moyo said the completed projects would significantly enhance access to quality education in often-neglected areas.
“I’m reliably informed that these two projects were supported by the council’s two development partners, Jafuta Foundation and Buy a Brick for a Foundation which contributed funds towards the completion of a classroom block at Breakfast Primary School while Jafuta supported the construction of an ECD block at Matetsi Primary School,” he said.
“The same development partner fully furnished the two blocks. As Government, we would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful work that our partners are doing to help improve the lives of our younger generation and community at large.”
The minister commended the work being undertaken by development partners in the areas of education, health, WASH and community livelihoods in Hwange District.
Minister Moyo acknowledged the growing interest in developing resettlement areas, previously overlooked by development partners.
He urged local authorities to support partners complementing Government efforts through the provisions of social services.
“Besides supporting the three schools, the two organisations are also supporting the completion of a teacher’s cottage at Matetsi primary school which is expected to bring much relief to the educators who are currently teachers living in dilapidated farm cottages left by former farm owners,” said Minister Moyo.
He urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to expedite the registration of schools meeting required standards to facilitate seamless operations and enhance service delivery.
Jafuta Foundation outreach director, Mr Sipho Moyo said: “At Jafuta, we strongly believe that the most sustainable way to build our nation is by empowering communities to drive their own development. When communities are given the tools, resources and I believe they can chart their own course, and the results are extraordinary.”
Matetsi Primary School head, Mr Potrait Sangweni applauded the donations, saying the infrastructure will come in handy in terms of the implementation of the heritage-based curriculum.
“This classroom block will serve as a hub of knowledge where our pupils will engage with new ideas, collaborate on projects and develop critical skills that will prepare them for the future as spelt out in our Heritage-Based Curriculum that seeks to mould a self-reliant individual,” he said.
“Each classroom is designed to foster an atmosphere of inquiry and exploration, equipped with the latest boards and resources to enhance the learning experience.”
Mr Sangweni also appealed to stakeholders for assistance in building more classroom blocks, electrification of infrastructure, purchase of computers, development of sporting fields as well as teaching and learning materials.
