Staff Reporter
The Second Republic continues to make impressive strides in national infrastructure development, with its latest success being the completion of a state-of-the-art Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Regional Complex in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.
This newly unveiled complex, the first of its kind for a ZIMSEC regional office, is equipped with advanced digital systems and enhanced security features to streamline the management and delivery of examinations.
The facility marks a critical step forward in the decentralisation and devolution of Government services, in line with the goals of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
In an interview with the media yesterday, ZIMSEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lazarus Nembaware, hailed the milestone as a blueprint for future regional developments.
“We are happy that we have completed this complex. This is the direction we are taking as ZIMSEC. It is the first of its kind for a regional office, and we envision establishing similar complexes in all provinces to provide quality service to the nation,” he said.
The new complex has been welcomed by provincial authorities as a concrete manifestation of devolution efforts that aim to bring public services closer to the people.
Matabeleland South Province Director for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment Management, Daniel Njowa, praised the initiative for its broader socio-economic impact.
“The ZIMSEC provincial offices are a clear example of how devolution is translating into real results on the ground. These offices will not only improve the quality of public services but will also create employment and stimulate local economic activity,” said Njowa.
In the education sector, the Gwanda complex is seen as a direct investment in the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy, which promotes innovation, modernisation, and industrialisation within the learning environment.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Olicah Kaira, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding examination integrity.
“The Ministry will continue to execute its duty as the custodian of our learners’ future. We advocate for a credible, efficient, and secure examination system that reflects the true merit of every Zimbabwean child,” Kaira noted.
Parliamentary oversight has also endorsed the project. During a site tour, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education commended the quality and security of the facility.
Acting Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education,Ophias Murambiwa said,” We are impressed by the structure and what it means to our education system. This also speaks to the implementation of the devolution agenda but above all the complex is fitted with security features that we think are critical for the administration of exams.”
The Gwanda ZIMSEC Regional Complex joins a growing list of infrastructure milestones in Matabeleland South Province delivered under the Second Republic, alongside major projects, such as the Beitbridge Border Post Modernisation and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic Home Economics Complex—highlighting a sustained drive towards inclusive national development.
