Story by Aifheli Mudau
GOVERNMENT investment in education infrastructure is beginning to ease long-standing challenges in Beitbridge, following the construction of two new classroom blocks at Makhado Primary School.
The development forms part of the Second Republic’s broader programme to expand learning facilities under the principle of leaving no one and no place behind, particularly in previously underserved communities.
For years, overcrowding and long walking distances have constrained access to education in parts of Beitbridge, with learners forced to travel several kilometres to attend already congested schools. Community members say the new facility will significantly improve learning conditions and reduce pressure on existing institutions.
“Our children will now have a place to learn. Schools in Beitbridge were overcrowded, but this new facility will help our children access quality education,” said one resident.
Another community member highlighted that learners had previously been forced to travel long distances to attend school.
“Our children were travelling long distances to Dulivhadzimu Primary School, which is very far. This school is a big relief for parents and learners,” the resident said.
Local leadership has also expressed appreciation for the project, noting that it will significantly reduce pressure on existing schools.
Beitbridge Municipality Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the new school will help address overcrowding at Beitbridge Mission and Dulivhadzimu Primary Schools.
“This school will reduce the long distances travelled by children. The available schools are overcrowded, and the opening of this one will help ease the pressure,” he said.
Beitbridge District Schools Inspector, Mr Mbofhololo Muleya, said the registration of newly constructed schools in the district will play a critical role in decongesting learning institutions.
“The registration of this school, together with another constructed by the Roman Catholic Church, will greatly assist in decongesting existing schools,” he said.
Beitbridge West Legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, said the project is nearing completion, with only minor finishing touches outstanding.
“As you can see, most of the work is complete and the two classroom blocks are ready for use. We are confident that by the second term, the school will be operational. A borehole has already been drilled, and what remains is the installation of solar power,” he said.
The construction of Makhado Primary School comes at a time when government, under the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), is prioritising the transformation of the education sector to support a knowledge-driven economy and achieve Upper Middle-Income Society status by 2030.
