By Nyasha Dube, Private companies in Zvishavane have been urged to actively contribute towards education development, so that the learning sector is equally responsive to national development.
Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister was speaking during a hand over ceremony of learning material by Mimosa Mining Company at Lundi Primary School and Dambudzo Secondary School in Zvishavane District yesterday.
The two schools were affected by heavy thunderstorms and strong winds during last year’s rainy season.
The violent storms destroyed teachers’ houses, classroom blocks and blew away textbooks and other learning materials.
Speaking at the hand over ceremony, Minister Mavhima commended Mimosa’s intervention in this disaster, as the platinum giant is also constructing a new classroom block at Lundi Primary.
“Mimosa Mining Company’s partnership with the education sector is highly commendable and I challenge other private mining companies operating in the district to follow suit and uplift the education sector,” Minister Mavhima said.
Mimosa General Manager Stephen Ndiyamba said the gesture is part of the mining company’s corporate social responsibility and pledged to continue helping communities in Zvishavane.
“We saw it fit to assist these two schools which were affected by last year’s storms. Our hope is that the learning material we are handing over will go a long way in improving the schools’ learning environment,” Ndiyamba said.
The company handed over 6 000 exercise books, and is currently constructing a learning block at Lundi Primary School.
Ndiyamba also said they are constructing learning blocks at Shonhai Secondary School which are set to be used as examination blocks.
The school is currently not and examination centre and pupils have to travel to other distant schools for their exams.
Zvishavane District Schools inspector Trynos Mahlokozera who was represented by another education official hailed the participation of the private sector in developing education.
“Private companies like Mimosa are unlocking the potential of the education sector. We need a trajectory transformation so that the education sector can be in alignment with national development and vision 2030,” he said.
District Development Coordinator Darlington Chokera representing Zvishavane-Ngezi Member of Parliament Dumezweni Mahwite thanked government, public works and community members for swiftly responding to the disaster that struck the two schools.
“Everyone played their part in reconstructing the destroyed learning blocks and as government we appreciate private companies like Mimosa for chipping in and assisting communities,” Chokera said.
The event was also graced by Chief Mapanzure who expressed his gratitude for the part being played by Mimosa in his area.