The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, officially commissioned Tjemahale Secondary School in Bulilima District, marking a significant milestone in Government's efforts to expand access to quality education and promote rural development.
The ceremony was attended by the MP for Bulilima Constituency and Deputy Minister of ICT, Hon. Phuthi; Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs L. L. Dhlamini-Maseko; Acting Provincial Director for Local Government Services, Mr Z. Jusa; Chief Director for Provincial Education Services, Mrs B. Manjere, accompanied by members of PDC; District Development Coordinator for Bulilima, Mr O. Zogara, together with members of the Rural District Development Committee (RDDC); Chairperson of Bulilima Rural District Council, Councillor L. Ndebele, councillors; CEO of Bulilima Rural District Council, Mr B. A. Mulauzi; members of ZANU PF, traditional and community leaders, and members of the Bulilima community.
In his keynote address, Hon. Nguluvhe described the commissioning of the school as the fulfilment of a vision that began in 2010 and a testament to Government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to education in line with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The newly commissioned school consists of two classroom blocks, two F14 teachers' houses, a science laboratory, a solar-powered borehole, ablution facilities and other supporting infrastructure that will provide a conducive learning environment for learners.
Hon. Nguluvhe highlighted that Tjemahale Secondary School is among the beneficiaries of the 40 science laboratories being constructed across Matabeleland South Province under the legacy projects of the 46th National Independence Celebrations held earlier this year in Maphisa, Matobo District. He said the initiative reflects Government's commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model.
The Minister applauded the collaborative efforts of the local community, the diaspora, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), CAMPFIRE and Bulilima Rural District Council, whose combined contributions enabled the completion of the project at a cost of approximately US$156,742. He described the project as a practical demonstration of the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national development.
Since opening in 2023, the school has significantly reduced travelling distances for learners, improved school attendance, enhanced learner safety and contributed to a reduction in school dropouts. The school currently has an enrolment of 102 learners.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuthi, Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, underscored the importance of digital technologies in transforming education. He said Government remains committed to bridging the digital divide by improving ICT infrastructure in rural schools and equipping learners with digital skills required for the modern economy. He encouraged learners to embrace technology responsibly and position themselves to benefit from opportunities created through Zimbabwe's digital transformation agenda.
Hon. Nguluvhe urged parents, guardians and the community to continue supporting the school and safeguarding the infrastructure, noting that quality education requires collective responsibility from Government, educators, parents and communities alike.
The commissioning of Tjemahale Secondary School represents another milestone in Government's drive to improve educational access, strengthen human capital development and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Matabeleland South Province.