The Sunday News
Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mugabe has been applauded for his efforts in ensuring that communities especially in rural areas are relieved from the grip of poverty by launching Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs).
He has been described as the biblical Moses of Zimbabwe who delivered his people from suffering to abundance through the CSOTs initiative which have transformed the lives of rural people. Moses in the Bible delivered the children of Israel from captivity and poverty in Egypt to Canaan the promised land of milk and honey.
Gwanda Ward 14 councillor, Phineas Maphosa in his speech to delegates during the commissioning of a classroom block at Bhalula Primary School on Wednesday which was built by the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust said President Mugabe was a visionary who had his people at heart.
“He came himself and launched the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust at Collen Bawn to make sure that people of this region enjoy the fruits of their land and get something from their resources. What kind of a leader do you want except one who leads his people to the Promised Land,” said Clr Maphosa.
He said the classroom block which was built by GCSOT at a cost of $38 000 would go a long way in complementing President Mugabe’s vision of e-Learning.
“After having realised that, I also approached the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and they put an electricity line and a transformer here. What’s left is for the building to be tubed and then connected. I am now appealing to President Mugabe for computers so that our children embark on STEM at an early age,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiments, the guest of honour, Chief Khulumani Mathema said the completion of the classroom block was a clear indication that President Mugabe was committed to development of rural areas and concerned about his people.
“The people of Gwanda will forever be grateful to his Excellency, President Mugabe for having such a vision to empower communities. I would also like to thank all Government partners, the school management and the community at large for making the project a success. Without their effort this project could have been a failure,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Gwanda Central legislator, Cde Eddison Gumbo, Cde Fungai Mpofu said it was the prerogative of all people in society to leave a legacy for future generations emulating what the country’s liberation icon, President Mugabe was doing. Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust was launched in 2013 by President Mugabe at Colleen Bawn about 30 kilometres outside Gwanda town.
@richardmuponde
