Story by Tafara Chikumira
MIDLANDS PROVINCE -JUNIOR parliamentarians in the Midlands Province have received a consignment of information communication technology (ICT) gadgets donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aimed at empowering them to execute their duties effectively in today’s digital environment.
A total of 43 junior parliamentarians, including junior Chiefs and Senators were each presented with a tablet device, courtesy of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services.
The donation is part of the Second Republic’s broader thrust to bridge the digital divide and ensure that young leaders are adequately equipped to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
Speaking during the handover, the young leaders expressed gratitude, noting that the devices would support both their parliamentary responsibilities and academic pursuits.
“I would like to thank the President for fulfilling his pledge. This tablet will help me communicate with relevant stakeholders on issues affecting my constituency and to present grievances using visual evidence,” a junior parliamentarian said.
“Apart from assisting me in my duties as a child parliamentarian, the tablet will be invaluable for my school work. The current curriculum requires digital tools, and I will also be sharing this gadget with fellow students,” a child parliamentarian said.
The initiative is part of government’s deliberate efforts to mainstream ICT use across various sectors, particularly in education, as Zimbabwe pursues a digital transformation agenda.
“This event aligns with the New Dispensation’s pursuit of a resource and knowledge-driven economic growth and recovery as we glide towards attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030, leveraging on ICT as a key enabler of the 4th industrial revolution, which encompasses personalised learning, digital literacy and skills, critical thinking and problem solving. Adoption of SMART Solutions in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, construction as well as education, healthcare and governance that anchor our GDP growth, duly strengthened and accelerated innovation, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy through paperless transactions,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
The project also reflects the strategic implementation of the Zimbabwe National ICT Policy, which underscores the nation’s ambition to establish a fully digitised economy by 2030 under the Vision 2030 framework.
