The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
President Mnangagwa and Vice-President Chiwenga brought smiles to pupils at four Chimanimani high schools after donating computers and foodstuffs, among other things recently.
The biggest beneficiaries were the girls at the United Methodist Church-run Lydia Chimonyo High School.
President Mnangagwa and Vice-President Chiwenga were in Chimanimani to commission Allied Timbers Zimbabwe’s US$13,3 million Cashel Sawmill and later addressed an oversubscribed rally at Nhedziwa High School ground, with President Mnangagwa making a surprise announcement of what the country’s top leadership had up their sleeves for the four schools.
Addressing thousands of the ruling ZANU PF supporters at Nhedziwa, President Mnangagwa said they were charmed by the girls’ hospitality upon their arrival in Chimanimani.
“First to arrive at Lydia Chimonyo was my deputy, Vice President Chiwenga. He was impressed by the girls’ reception. VP Chiwenga will avail two beasts to feed the school children.
“When I arrived, I was equally impressed by the reception and when I asked them what they wanted, they said they wanted computers.
‘‘Their wish will be granted as I have brought computers for them.
“I will also avail funds through the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Minister Nokuthula Matsikenyere, for the school to buy 2 000 chickens for the pupils,” said President Mnangagwa amid wild cheers from the crowd.
Later on as he was presenting the 120 computers to Lydia Chimonyo, Gudyanga, Mutambara and Nedziwa High Schools; Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the schools will also enjoy free internet connectivity for a whole year.
“This is part of the Presidential Computerisation Programme where computers are being availed to all schools, even those in marginalised areas. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for that gesture and we will continue supporting his vision of not leaving anyone and any community behind in our quest to attain Vision 2030.
“All recipients of the computers will enjoy one year free internet connectivity at their respective schools. We want to bridge the technology gap between rural and urban schools,” said Minister Muswere.
President Mnangagwa also brought sweet news to the people of Chimanimani when he said Government will fund the establishment of a border post in Cashel.
“I was briefed by Minister Matsikenyere that Cashel Valley is a few kilometres from the Mozambican border, but there is no designated port of entry and exit. Last time, there was talk of the upgrading of the Mt Selinda Border Post and funds have been availed for this project and now it is Cashel Border Post. We will deliver on this promise to establish a border post there to facilitate trade and easy passage of goods between Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” he said.
On food deficits caused by erratic rains received during the just-ended summer season, the President said the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare will come up with mechanisms to ensure that grain reaches all deserving people regardless of their location.
“Minister Matsikenyere briefed me that some parts of Manicaland failed to have good harvests because of the prolonged dry spell which was recorded early this year. I want to assure you that no one will die of hunger. I will discuss with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Professor Paul Mavima, to ensure that grain is availed to all deserving people.
“There should be fair distribution of grain. No grain should be sold and you should expose all those who sell grain so that we ruthlessly deal with them,” said the President.
