3 new schools for Tsholotsho
Providence Moyo
In a region often defined by educational disparity, Tsholotsho North is defying the odds. Three new schools are under construction, spearheaded by a determined community and marking a turning point in the fight for accessible education.
This community-driven initiative stands as a beacon of hope for residents, particularly marginalized groups like the San people. Mbiriya Secondary School will finally have its own dedicated space, eliminating the current burden of sharing facilities with a primary school. Madziba Primary School, a project envisioned decades ago, is finally opening its doors, complete with a teacher’s cottage and essential facilities. Construction of Mtshayeli Secondary School is well underway, promising to eliminate the grueling 35-kilometer trek to the nearest secondary school for countless students.
“These projects are more than just bricks and mortar,” says Tsholotsho North MP Libion Sibanda. “They represent the empowerment of our community. We take immense pride in ownership, but any support through donations or funding will only accelerate this progress.”
The impact is undeniable. Chief Goledema of Ward 8 speaks of the transformative power of the new secondary school for San descendants. “For too long, distance has been a barrier to education,” he says. “This school opens doors to a brighter future, unlocking potential and dreams that were once out of reach.”
Community members are not just hopeful, they are taking action. Ward 22 Councillor Nkululeko Ndebele highlights the success of Madziba Primary, a testament to the power of collective effort. Built entirely by the community without donor funding, the school opened this term with over 115 students.
Philani Moyo, a parent from Tsholotsho North, echoes the sentiment. “The new secondary school will be a game-changer,” he says. “It will not only ease the financial burden on families but also provide a nurturing environment for learning. This, in turn, has the potential to curb social issues like teenage pregnancy and crime.”
This progress doesn’t go unnoticed. Thembakhuye Maphepha Moyo, spokesperson for the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Association (ARTUZ), emphasizes the crucial role these schools play. “Inadequate schools fuel a cycle of child marriages, labor, and homelessness,” he says. “Education empowers children, breaks this cycle, and secures their rights.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education echoes this sentiment. Permanent Secretary Taungana Ndoro commends Tsholotsho North for taking a stand and complementing government efforts in ensuring access to education.
