State-of-the-art lab now a white elephant

GUNGWE High School’s state-of-the-art ALevel science laboratory has become a white elephant due to failure to secure science teachers since its completion three years ago.

The $150 000 science laboratory built by the Gwanda Community Share Owneraship Trust (GCSOT) is equipped with state-ofthe-art equipment including modern day water geysers.

However, what worries the community is that despite having such a facility, none of the school’s pupils did science at A-Level since its completion.

This was revealed by the school’s head, Mr Jabulani Nyathi, during the commisssioning of the science laboratory by the GCSOT at a ceremony held at the school which was combined with the Prize Giving Day last Friday.

“The challenge we have is a shortage of science teachers and those of practical subjects. The lab is being commissioned today but we don’t have science teachers. This year we had a wish to have science students but that didn’t happen because we don’t have science teachers. It’s our prayer that with the new curriculum being rolled out we get enough teachers,” said Mr Nyathi.

He also said plans were underway to establish a temporary boarding facility for pupils who come from far away villages.

“We want it so that pupils learn sciences while living at the school. We are chasing the issue and I am sure very soon we will succeed,” Mr Nyathi said.

Addressing villagers and delegates, the guest of honour, GCSOT Board of Trustees and Zinara Board member, Chief Khulumani Mathema, said President Mugabe did not like to see communities not benefiting from their natural resources but acted for the benefit of local people.

“It’s against this background that today we have an example of that major achievement we’re witnessing here at Gungwe High. This is one of the five A-Level science laboratory projects undertaken by GCSOT together with partners in the mining sector,” said Chief Mathema.

The chief also expressed disappointment with other mining companies refusing to comply with indigenous laws.

“We are however still witnessing some mining companies that still don’t want to comply with the indigenisation policy. One that comes to mind is Vumbachikwe Mine.

“The Government is working on putting measures to ensure that these companies are compelled to comply,” he said.

Gungwe High School’s plight was exacerbated by the lack of electricity for the past two years after grid poles were felled by a storm and the Zimbabwe Rural Eletricification Agency (REA) is taking its time to rectify the problem.

Even the homestead of Chief Mathe has not been spared.

The event was also graced by Chief Masuku, Government officials, NGOs and the local people.

Chief Mathe, who is the traditional leader of the area, did not attend due to illness. Gungwe High Schoool has an enrolment of 442 pupils. — @richardmuponde