THE construction of the US$600 000 modern library by South Mining Company in Hwange town has been described as a life-changing project that will go a long way in improving education and literacy standards in the district.
This is the first digitalised library in Hwange and Matabeleland North as a whole whose presence will help transform education prospects, as well as improve pass rates.
Besides being used by schools the library, which is located in Chibondo area of Empumalanga suburb, will also benefit students from tertiary institutions such as Hwange Teachers’ College, Zimbabwe Open University, Don Bosco Technical College, as well as various other private institutions.
Education is one of the key result areas under the Second Republic as it pushes a transformative agenda towards Vision 2030.
Speaking separately following the official commissioning of the project by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa last Friday, traditional and provincial leaders commended the Second Republic for creating a conducive investment environment that has opened gates for corporate social responsibility. Chief Wange said the library will benefit the whole community.
“We had no library in Hwange. This is a magnificent library and the first one of its kind. This donation by South Mining is for the community and for future generations,” he said.
“A lot of our children move around just drinking beer and with nothing to do, which ends up leading them to abusing drugs. At least now they will have a place to acquire knowledge for the future.
“With technology and internet connection and books for the adults, our community will improve on knowledge and learning,” said Chief Wange whose area covers parts of Hwange urban.
Chief Nekatambe, also from Hwange, said a library was long overdue.
“We are so grateful as this library was long overdue. We are happy that the First Lady was with us to open this and we thank South Mining and implore other companies to emulate this,” he said.
Chiefs Dingane-Nelukoba of Mabale and Mvuthu of Victoria Falls, also from the same district attended the commissioning ceremony.
In her remarks, the First Lady said the Hwange community was very fortunate to have South Mining, a company that recognises its responsibility to take the community beyond purely economic parameters, an illustration of the importance of education and uplifting the lives of the community.
A learner at Chilila Secondary School, Amahle Magagula, said the library will help “open our eyes and learners.”
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Richard Moyo, said the coming in of the Second Republic brought more development for the province.
“We also have a teachers’ college that was opened after the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa. These various projects contribute to Vision 2030 for a brighter future in our province and nation,” he said.
President-Mnangagwa
Cde Moyo said the opening of the library marks a new chapter of intellectual growth and collective advancement.
He said the library is a symbol of hope that lights a passion for learning and opening doors for opportunities in the community.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our benefactor, South Mining, for their remarkable contribution to our community. Their unwavering commitment to education and empowerment has paved the way for this transformative project, leaving a permanent mark on the lives of each and every member of our community,” said the minister.
South Mining started operations in Hwange in 2007 and President Mnangagwa commissioned a new plant in 2020 as the coke processor embarked on an expansion project. Hwange Local Board availed 2 500 square metres of land for the construction of the library including onsite accommodation for the librarian.
The company’s managing director Mr Chenji Lii said the construction of the library started in January 2022.
“Whatever achievement we make should contribute to the achievement of the community. It is for this reason that we decided to donate this library as we took heed of the President’s call to engage in development. It’s our hope that this library will be the heart of education,” he said.
Source Zimbabwe Situation
