Beitbridge just got a STEM upgrade, and it comes with real concrete. The government started rolling out science labs at nine secondary schools in the district, a boost tied to the Presidential Science Laboratories Scheme. Beitbridge Rural District Council is building the labs with the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, aiming to bring practical experiments and modern spaces to rural schools that have operated without equipped facilities.
Engineer Latani Singo, Beitbridge RDC head of engineering and works, said groundwork has started at every chosen site. Communities have already dug foundation trenches, with RIDA leading implementation. Full construction should ramp up once materials arrive.
The schools set to benefit are Siyoka High, Tshitulipasi Secondary, Malungudzi Secondary, Matshiloni Secondary, Malala Secondary, Malikuwa Secondary, Swereki Secondary, Tshamnanga Secondary, and Nuli High. RIDA Beitbridge coordinator Tinashe Ngundu said procurement is well advanced, with bills of quantities submitted, and building supplies expected soon. Builders and skilled labor are expected to come mainly from local communities.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe linked the labs to preparations for Independence Day celebrations that Matabeleland South will host, with 40 labs planned across the province as legacy infrastructure. He said science and computer learning build problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, and he added that road upgrades and better network coverage are also on the prep list.
Many schools across Matabeleland South still struggle with STEM teacher shortages and limited infrastructure. A presidential directive pushed ministries to expand science teaching in Beitbridge, and learners have been urged to lean into science and emerging fields as the economy modernizes.
Engineer Latani Singo, Beitbridge RDC head of engineering and works, said groundwork has started at every chosen site. Communities have already dug foundation trenches, with RIDA leading implementation. Full construction should ramp up once materials arrive.
The schools set to benefit are Siyoka High, Tshitulipasi Secondary, Malungudzi Secondary, Matshiloni Secondary, Malala Secondary, Malikuwa Secondary, Swereki Secondary, Tshamnanga Secondary, and Nuli High. RIDA Beitbridge coordinator Tinashe Ngundu said procurement is well advanced, with bills of quantities submitted, and building supplies expected soon. Builders and skilled labor are expected to come mainly from local communities.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe linked the labs to preparations for Independence Day celebrations that Matabeleland South will host, with 40 labs planned across the province as legacy infrastructure. He said science and computer learning build problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, and he added that road upgrades and better network coverage are also on the prep list.
Many schools across Matabeleland South still struggle with STEM teacher shortages and limited infrastructure. A presidential directive pushed ministries to expand science teaching in Beitbridge, and learners have been urged to lean into science and emerging fields as the economy modernizes.
