shloboe boe
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
GWANDA North Zanu-PF shadow MP, Cde Lungisani “Two Minutes” Ncube, has donated 100 bags of cement to help with the repair of Sibona Secondary School.
The project is part of Cde Ncube’s wider initiative to restore the school, which had been damaged by heavy rains.
Additionally, he has paid the school fees of approximately 350 learners from three local schools, including Sibona Secondary.
At the donation ceremony, he explained that his actions were in response to a call from President Mnangagwa for mining companies to give back to local communities. He urged fellow miners to do the same.
“My decision to assist is rooted in President Mnangagwa’s directive for us as miners to invest back into the community. We cannot continue to benefit from the resources of these communities without giving something back. I encourage my fellow miners to identify areas of need and address them,” he said.
The community had approached Cde Ncube for help in refurbishing Sibona Secondary, which suffered extensive damage from rain, in addition to ongoing deterioration of the infrastructure.
He stepped in to pay fees for 16 children who were not attending school due to financial difficulties.
“I am here today with 100 bags of cement for this school. Just yesterday, I paid school fees for 195 learners at Tshoboyi Primary and 137 students at Connemara Primary,” said Cde Ncube.
He expressed deep concern for the welfare of children, noting that it was his goal to ensure that financial hardships do not impede their education.
“I understand the pain of being unable to continue with education because of financial challenges. I personally experienced this, and it’s my wish that no child should face such a barrier.
“The education sector is one of my primary concerns. I have witnessed first-hand how financial difficulties can stop children from pursuing their education,” said Cde Ncube.
Gwanda district development co-ordinator, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, praised Cde Ncube’s contribution, saying it would help address infrastructure challenges.
Meanwhile, Ms Melissa Vanessa Dube, secretary of the Sibona Village Development Committee, stressed the urgency of the repairs.
The school, which was built in 1982, suffered damage due to the roofing of two classroom blocks.
“The situation has worsened, and the children are now forced to share limited classroom space, which disrupts their learning,” Ms Dube explained.
“The floors are also badly damaged. We are grateful to Cde Ncube for responding to our needs on time.
Work on the rehabilitation has already begun.”— @DubeMatutu
