Story by Fungai Jachi
MASVINGO Province has identified school infrastructure development as a key priority for 2026, with authorities set to channel Devolution Funds towards the construction of new schools to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural communities.
The development emerged during a meeting between the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, and the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerayi Moyo, with school heads from across the province in Chiredzi on Thursday.
Provincial leadership said the initiative is aimed at reducing long distances travelled by learners in underserved areas, while ensuring that schools are equipped with modern and conducive learning facilities.
“Infrastructure development remains a top priority for us as a province and this year, we are looking forward to constructing more schools using devolution funds. We want to channel the funds towards that so that all learners have proper learning spaces,” Honourable Chadzamira said.
Addressing school administrators, Minister Moyo underscored the need for strict adherence to existing education laws, particularly on the protection of learners’ rights.
“I took this time to remind the school heads that no learners should be turned away for not paying fees and the schools do not have the right to withhold results. Those who do so should be charged because they would have broken the law. The learner is the most important stakeholder and the children’s rights should be upheld.”
The meeting also recognised academic excellence across the province, with school heads whose institutions recorded outstanding results in the 2025 Advanced Level examinations receiving awards for effective leadership.
Pamushana High School emerged as the top performer, with 59 learners attaining 15 points and above, while Hippo Valley and Ndarama High Schools each recorded 26 learners reaching the same benchmark. The results placed Masvingo among the leading provinces nationally in last year’s Advanced Level examinations.
