Plumtree Town witnessed a milestone in its education sector on January 31, 2025, as Mathendele Primary School was officially commissioned. The event was attended by Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs. Manjere, Plumtree Town Council Secretary Mr T.Nyoni and guest of honour at the event Matebeleland South Minister of State for Provincial affairs and Devolution Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, alongside various government departments from Mangwe District. Parents and schoolchildren also graced the colourful ceremony, which featured entertaining displays by Dingumuzi Primary School.

The construction of Mathendele Primary School began in 2022, with initial funding from Devolution Funds. However, when Devolution Funds were not received in 2023 , Plumtree Town Council sought alternative sources to sustain the project. Speaking at the event, Town Secretary Mr. Nyoni highlighted that the construction was completed using proceeds from the beer levy and bills paid by residents. He emphasized that the school’s establishment was a necessary development in response to the town’s growing population and aligned with Plumtree’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-class border town.

In her address, Mrs. Manjere expressed satisfaction with the school’s registration after tireless efforts. She outlined key next steps, including the construction of playgrounds, improved water and sanitation facilities, and the provision of age – and disability-appropriate furniture. She also reiterated the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s school feeding policy, stating that all schools must provide at least one hot meal per day for learners.

She emphasized that schools must have a nutritional garden to aid in providing relish for meals. The Ministry encourages every school to establish gardens as a sustainable way to support feeding programs while also toning down on school absenteesim due to hunger. These gardens, she added, should be well-maintained and contribute to food security within the school environment.

Delivering her keynote address, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Evelyn Ndlovu described the establishment of Mathendele Primary School as a direct response to the town’s expanding population.

“This project aligns with the government’s policy of establishing a school for every 500 households in newly developed residential areas,” she said.

She further highlighted the enrollment pressure on existing schools in Plumtree, providing the following statistics:

Alan Redfern Primary School – 801 pupils

Dingumuzi Primary School – 1,986 pupils

Matiwaza Primary School – 676 pupils

Beacon Hill Primary School – 139 pupils

Phakamani High School – 850 pupils

Plumtree High School – 660 pupils

Hon. Ndlovu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education.

As part of the celebrations, Mr. Sikhumbuzo Mlalazi, a passionate, diaspora-based philanthropist donated a sports kit to Mathendele Primary School, which will be used in the school’s sporting activities. The gesture was applauded as a contribution towards the holistic development of learners, promoting both academic and extracurricular excellence.

Mathendele Primary School has 136 pupils enrolled up to Grade 2, with a staff complement of four teachers. Plans are underway to appoint a substantive headmaster as the school expands.

The commissioning of the school marks a significant step in enhancing educational access and infrastructure development in Plumtree, ensuring that children from growing residential areas receive quality education close to their homes.

Godwin Gumbo