by NQOBANI MATHIBELA
GWANDA – THE commissioning of Phakama Primary School in Hlalani Kuhle, Gwanda, this week marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) education and basic learning infrastructure in the town.
The new school, an annex of Jahunda Primary School, is expected to ease severe congestion at neighbouring schools, including Jahunda, Senondo and St Christopher’s, whose enrolments have grown far beyond their intended capacities.
The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, who described the project as clear evidence of government’s commitment to investing in children’s futures through education infrastructure.
He said the new classrooms would create a more conducive environment for learning, growth and excellence, particularly for young learners at ECD level.
Parents welcomed the development, describing it as long overdue.
Speaking to Matabele Today, Senzini Malinga applauded Gwanda Municipality for funding the project, saying: “We sincerely appreciate the Gwanda Municipality for coming to the party with the desperately needed funds to ensure our children attain better education through such educational infrastructural development.”
Another resident, Mthokozisi Moyo, told Matabele Today that similar investments could ease many social pressures.
“Only if our government would partake in such massive infrastructural development, people would be relieved of many pressures, including lack of school fees, inadequate learning materials and poor infrastructure,” Moyo said.
Gwanda Executive Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said the construction of Phakama Primary School was prioritised under the municipality’s five-year strategic plan.
He added that more classroom blocks would be built to accommodate the growing number of learners.
“Having more schools will reduce congestion and shorten the long distances learners currently walk to access education,” alderman Moyo said.
The benefits of ECD education are widely recognised, including improved cognitive development, social skills and school readiness.
Adequate primary education facilities and proper infrastructure further enhance learner concentration, safety and overall academic performance.
Conversely, overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure and limited government financial support negatively affect learning outcomes, contribute to high dropout rates and place unnecessary strain on teachers and learners alike.
Currently, Jahunda Primary School has an enrolment of 1 865 learners, Senondo has 1 708, while St Christopher’s accommodates 1 160.
Minister Nguluvhe said the new school block would significantly ease pressure on these institutions.
“I commend Gwanda Municipality for mobilising resources and complementing devolution funds to bring this vision to life,” he said, adding that such partnerships were vital for sustainable education development.
