Story by Owen Mandovha
COMMUNITY Information Centres (CICs) being established under the Second Republic are transforming lives in rural areas, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities with access to free internet.
In Madziwa, Mashonaland Central Province, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has set up a Community Information Centre that is already attracting people from all walks of life.
Facility agent, James Chapata, said the centre has become one of the most frequented spaces in the community.
“The digital centre is the most visited in the area because it provides a key service that was once reserved for the elite. We have seen students, vendors, and teachers coming here to access affordable internet services, which play a crucial role in their daily lives,” he said.
Beneficiaries, including students from nearby vocational colleges, say the centre has transformed how they learn, work, and interact.
“This facility has made my life easier because I am able to research, and my grades have drastically improved since it was established.”
“I come here almost every day to access the internet on current events, helping me to stay informed about the latest business trends.”
“This is a great initiative. We are always here at the facility where we exchange ideas and do progressive things.”
POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift Machengete reiterated the importance of digital inclusion.
“We are determined to ensure that everyone has access to the internet, and we will continue to establish CICs to drive economic growth and development while running with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he noted.
The Second Republic has rolled out several projects to uplift once-marginalised communities as Zimbabwe works towards achieving Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
