Beitbridge East, Matabeleland South — The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, has today commissioned the newly developed infrastructure at Fula and Chaswingo Primary School, marking a major milestone in improving access to quality education in rural communities.
Officiating at the event, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, described the commissioning as a significant achievement in the district’s development agenda and a demonstration of the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive growth under the leadership of His Excellency, President Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of progress, partnership, and our collective commitment to the future of our children. By opening this school, we are opening the doors of opportunity,” said Honourable Nguluvhe.
Council Chairperson Chiromo welcomed guest and the guest of honor. His appeal was for diaspora children to support the village development projects. And he showed gratitude for the hard work the Minister of State for working tirelessly covering the whole province.
Recognised Dignitaries
Chief Matibe • Sabhuku • Councillor Munyai • Council Chair Chiromo • RDC CEO K. Mbedzi • Ministry of Education officials • District Schools Inspector Mr Muleya • SDC Committees • DDC Hungwe • Public Service Commission representative Ms Dube • World Vision representative Mrs Ncube • Social Services • Headmasters ZANU PF officials• Teaching staff
A School Transformed
Fula and Chaswingo Primary School, originally established in 1984, had been operating under strained conditions each school with only one functional classroom block and dilapidated sanitation facilities that had been condemned by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Overcrowding had forced learners into hot-sitting arrangements, compromising the quality of education.
A major transformation began in 2024 when World Vision partnered with the Beitbridge Rural District Council and the local community to upgrade the school. Their support included:
* Construction of a steel-framed classroom block with modern furnishings
* Installation of disability-friendly and girl-friendly ablution facilities
* Establishment of income-generating projects for school sustainability
* Introduction of the first water-closet flush system in Beitbridge rural areas
* A solar-powered mechanized borehole
* Enhanced WASH facilities, including the educational robot sign
Hon. Nguluvhe commended World Vision for its impactful contribution, describing the project as a reflection of “faith in action and true community partnership.”
RDC CEO K. Mbedzi praised the leadership of Fula and the Chaswingo community, noting their strong commitment to development. He also expressed gratitude to the Village Development Committee for its dedication. Council Chair Chiromo welcomed guests and appealed to children in the diaspora to support village development projects. He further commended the Minister for his tireless efforts across the province.
District Schools Inspector Mr Muleya applauded World Vision for consistently “leaving footprints,” citing previous successes in Malala and Chabili and the ongoing support to Limpopo Primary School. He further thanked the Government, RDC and DDC for their shared commitment to ensuring the right to education for every child.
Supporting Education 5.0 and Vision 2030
The Minister emphasized that the upgraded school will support Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which promotes innovation, skills development, and community empowerment. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equitable development across all provinces and districts.
He also highlighted the role of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards, launched by President Mnangagwa in June 2025, in guiding local authorities to improve services in education, health, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Government Calls for Collective Action Against Drug and Substance Abuse
Hon. Nguluvhe also addressed rising concerns about drug and substance abuse in Matabeleland South, urging communities to work with Government structures in combating the challenge. He noted ongoing Government interventions, including:
* Establishment of a Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre in Gwanda
* Community awareness campaigns
* Provision of rehabilitation services
* Strengthened border control systems to curb illegal substances
“These efforts will only succeed if communities take collective responsibility,” he stressed.
Commitment to Sustained Development
The Minister urged community members to safeguard the school’s new infrastructure and to support ongoing development initiatives. He thanked the Beitbridge Rural District Council for organizing the commissioning and expressed confidence that the improved environment would enhance learners’ performance.