The Matabeleland Development Initiative (MDI) says there is need for concerted efforts to address the myriad of challenges affecting the Matebeleland region.
MDI which was formed last year by two development practitioners Freeman Ncube and Vusani Khumalo, seeks to promote the growth of the region – which has suffered decades of neglect – with a major focus on education, health and economic empowerment.
“The MDI seeks to be the coordinating organ of regional development in all facets of development including business and investment. As an entity we envision an inclusive, equal and prosperous region thriving through concerted and cohesive, innovative and scientific approaches to education, health and economic empowerment,” said Khumalo.
“Development in Matabeleland is lagging behind due to lack of a common vision and proper coordination of an array of development approaches undertaken by humanitarian organisations, the government and the corporate sector”.
To kickstart its projects the organisation has organised an all stakeholders regional education indaba as well as a Matabeleland Business Gala. The events will be both held on May 18, 2018.
The education indaba will be held under the theme: Towards an inclusive and quality education for Matabeleland.
Meanwhile, the gala will be held under the theme: Bringing Matabeleland to the High Table: A Drive towards an Inclusive and Empowering New Economic Dispensation.
“At present the region is confronted by a critical education predicament especially at primary and secondary levels. It continues to intensify every year with 2017 being the worst where over 29 schools in Matabeleland North failed to register a single Grade 7 pass while the entire region continues to anchor the national pass rate ladder at secondary level,” Khumalo noted.
The MDI Organising Team is currently engaging the Ministry of Education, the Bulawayo City Council and the Traditional Leadership in the region as well as members of the civil society as partners to both events.
The organisers will also take advantage of the two events to unpack their vision
