Story by Providence Maraneli
GWANDA-THE Second Republic continues to register notable progress in national infrastructure development, with the latest milestone being the completion of a cutting-edge Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Regional Complex in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
Equipped with smart, secure, and technologically advanced systems, the modern facility marks a significant development in the decentralisation and devolution of government services, in line with the National Development Strategy One (NDS1).
Designed as a first-of-its-kind for a ZIMSEC regional office, the complex is aimed at enhancing the security and efficiency of examinations administration across the province.
“We are happy that we have completed this complex. This is the direction we are taking as ZIMSEC. It is the first of its kind for a regional office, and we envision establishing similar complexes in all provinces to provide quality service to the nation,” ZIMSEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lazarus Nembaware said.
The development has been widely praised as a tangible result of the devolution agenda, with local authorities commending the government’s commitment to equitable infrastructure roll-out.
“The ZIMSEC provincial offices are a clear example of how devolution is translating into real results on the ground. These offices will not only improve the quality of public services but will also create employment and stimulate local economic activity,” Matabeleland South Director for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment Management, Mr Daniel Njowa said.
From the education sector’s perspective, the facility is a strong endorsement of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which seeks to modernise and industrialise education through innovation and infrastructure.
“The Ministry will continue to execute its duty as the custodian of our learners’ future. We advocate for a credible, efficient, and secure examination system that reflects the true merit of every Zimbabwean child,” Chief Director in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Olicah Kaira said.
During a tour of the new facility, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education expressed satisfaction with both the standard of the structure and the vision it embodies.
“As the Parliamentary committee we are impressed by the structure and what it means to our education system. This also speaks to the implementation of the devolution agenda but above all the complex is fitted with security features that we think are critical for the administration of exam,” Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Honourable Ophias Murambiwa said.
The Gwanda Regional Complex adds to a growing list of key infrastructure projects completed under the Second Republic in Matabeleland South, including the Beitbridge Border Modernisation and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Complex.
