In a milestone achievement for the Second Republic’s education agenda, Mutapa Gold Resources and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) on Tuesday officially handed over a state-of-the-art classroom block at Mubvundudzi Secondary School in Rushinga, marking a major step towards improving access to quality education in the district, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The handover, which coincided with the commencement of the ZDF Community Assistance Week, saw the completion of a modern two-classroom block that will double the school’s enrolment capacity from 220 to more than 400 learners, ending years of hardship for students who had to walk nearly 10 kilometres to attend alternative schools.
Officiating at the event, ZDF Commander General Emmanuel Matatu hailed the project as a testament to the power of partnership and the Second Republic’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the march towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“These and other projects that we are undertaking complement the attainment of the vision of His Excellency the President and our Commander-in-Chief for the country to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” said General Matatu.
The classroom block was constructed by the Artillery Brigade artisans, with Mutapa Gold Resources providing building materials and the local community contributing general labour. The project was launched earlier this year and has since transformed the learning environment at the school.
General Matatu commended Mutapa Gold Resources for its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“Mutapa Gold Resources has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by availing the much-needed resources required to build the classroom block. I therefore say kudos to the management for this unparalleled contribution to the community,” he said.
The ZDF Commander also challenged the corporate world to emulate Mutapa Gold Resources by prioritising corporate social responsibility as a budget item.
The school head, Mr Charles Machaka, expressed profound gratitude to the army and Mutapa Gold Resources, noting that the intervention had addressed critical challenges that had long hampered learning at the institution.
“Children were not learning; they were learning only to walk long distances. We used to travel 2km to fetch water, but now we have a borehole, making access to water easier. Every pupil has been given a chair and desk, and every teacher has been given an office chair and desk by Mutapa Gold Resources,” said Mr Machaka.
He added:
“You have challenged us as teachers. We now have the most beautiful school in Rushinga District, built with modern materials.”
In his address, Mutapa Gold Resources Chief Executive Officer Mr Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya emphasised the company’s commitment to responsible mining that creates lasting value for communities.
“The completion of Mubvundudzi Secondary School is, therefore, an investment in human capital and a clear example of what can be achieved when institutions unite around a common vision,” said Mr Maseva-Shayawabaya.
He announced that the company had donated 10 computers and reading materials to the school, adding that connecting the institution to electricity would extend study hours and enable digital learning.
“Every classroom built here represents an opportunity for the future leaders, innovators, and professionals of this country,” he said.
The project is part of Mutapa Gold Resources’ broader corporate social responsibility strategy, anchored on three pillars: education and human capital development, community well-being and social infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment.
The company owns and operates two gold mines in Mashonaland Central Province, Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and Shamva Gold Mine, making the province critical to its operations.
The Mubvundudzi project is among several notable initiatives being handed over countrywide during the ZDF Community Assistance Week, ahead of the Defence Forces Day commemorations set for 11 August.
Local leadership, including the Member of Parliament for the area, traditional leaders, and the School Development Committee, attended the event, with SDC Chairman Mr Zoke Rangarirai thanking President Mnangagwa for the transformative projects taking root across the country.
“The Mubvundudzi Community Assistance Project stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the private sector, local leadership, and communities unite behind a common purpose,” General Matatu said.
The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the community by improving access to education, creating a safer learning environment, and laying a foundation for future socio-economic development.
General Matatu challenged the learners to take full advantage of the new facilities.
“What we expect from you is to repay us by giving us good and better results. We want to see future commanders of the Defence Forces. We want to see future chief executive officers of our corporations. We want to see future leaders, Members of Parliament, and senior Government officials coming from among you,” he said.
The school authorities have appealed for further assistance, including teachers’ accommodation, additional computers for the ICT laboratory, a low-cost boarding facility, and the introduction of A-Level classes.
