The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
INFORMATION Communication Technology (ICT) is the cornerstone of the country’s economic recovery strategy and no citizen or place should be left behind in a digitalised economy, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said this last week on Friday while handing over 90 computers to Chemarima, Chamakumbu and Nerwande schools in Makoni West.
Addressing hundreds of villagers who included Chiefs Chiduku, Tandi and Makoni, Minister Muswere, said it is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wish to see every citizen participating in the digital economy as the Second Republic moves to close the digital divide between the rural and urban populace.
“The ICT labs that we have commissioned today will enable learners and teachers to have digital skills which are now critical in the fourth industrial revolution. A learner from rural areas must not encounter a computer for the first time at university or workplace.
Digital skills must be obtained from Early Childhood level going upwards.
“It is President Mnangagwa’s aim to bridge the gap between a rural child and someone in Harare or London. The economy is now digital and most transaction are taking place online, and my ministry is making sure there is seamless network connectivity in rural areas. All network providers are being challenged to have adequate network boosters in all corners of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Muswere.
Postal Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) deputy director general, Mr Alfred Marisa, said strides have been made to increase internet connectivity in rural areas.
“For us to achieve economic growth and development, all players must pull in the same direction to digitise. We have made strides in increasing internet penetration in rural areas,” he said.
Minister Muswere, who is the legislator for the area also distributed rice, maize meal, food hampers and a grinding mill to villagers. He donated 300 bags of cement to the three schools to construct classroom blocks.
