A community development organisation in Matabeleland North has donated learning materials and equipment worth R10 000 to Imbizo Primary School, in a move aimed at strengthening education and keeping young people away from drugs.
The Mgiqwa Development Organisation handed over 10 shovels, a tent, exercise books and a range of prizes for the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony held on Tuesday in Mgiqwa, under Ntabazinduna. Parents, teachers and community leaders attended the event.
Secretary General Shelton Sithole said the contribution was part of the organisation’s wider efforts to uplift local schools and promote youth development.
“As an organisation we have donated shovels, a tent and 26,000 rand to support the school and the community. We also added 5,000 rand for prize-giving presents and shields for learners,” he said.
Sithole announced two new floating shields for the top Grade Six learners, now named the Shelton Mtunzi Sithole Awards, along with prizes for the best-performing Grade Six and Seven pupils.
He said the organisation is also using sport to steer young people away from drugs and alcohol.
“We hosted a football tournament worth R4000 to reduce drug and substance abuse among the youth. When children are involved in sport, they stay away from bad behaviour,” he said.
Founded in 2021, the Mgiqwa Development Organisation says its long-term goal is to support all schools in the area and expand access to basic services.
“In future we want to establish a clinic so that residents don’t have to travel long distances for medical care,” Sithole said.
Several community members also contributed to the school on Tuesday. Edward Moyo donated US$180, while Anthony Mbaiywa, Sthabisiwe Ncube R1000 and Lwazi Lubambo provided 18 satchels for learners.
Sithole outlined further plans for Imbizo Primary School, including constructing a perimeter fence, completing an unfinished classroom block, and installing Starlink internet by next year. He said the organisation has already provided a tent and 200 chairs, which are being used for school and community events.
“We want to make Imbizo a school of choice in the long run,” he said.
The group also plans to support neighbouring schools, with a prize-giving ceremony scheduled for Ingwenya Primary in the first term of 2026.
Sithole encouraged more children to join the organisation, which currently has 200 members. “Children must come to school because they are the future of their community’s development,” he said.
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