Southern EyeVILLAGERS of Gampu area in Umzingwane District have decided to build their own school, in frustration that the government has failed to construct one for them since 1976.
Luyanduhlobo Makwati
Own Correspondent
Villagers said a school was registered in 1976 in the area as Goba Primary, but to date no structures had been put up and pupils from the locality are forced to travel long distances to neighbouring villages.
One of the co-ordinators, Solani Moyo, said as a community they will host a cultural fundraising show that will see a South Africa-based group, Zantolo Goba, performing on the day.
The two day fundraising event slated for April 11 and 12, will see community members being treated to a number of activities.
“As a community, we are inviting people from various parts of the region to come and join us in a bid to fundraise for our community school,” he said.
“The district map shows that a school called Goba Primary was allocated land and it was registered in 1976, but nothing has materialised.
“Even relevant authorities who run the district council are aware of the development and we are definitely making strides to build structures, maybe the government will also help in the long run.
“It is our wish to build a school in the community, which will serve our children because they are exposed to lot of dangers, particularly during the rainy season, as we have three rivers in the area.”
Last year four children were trapped between Moza and Sinotsi rivers for four days and were found sitting on trees in the middle of two rivers, after the Moza Dam burst.
The pupils were on their way from school.
Moyo said they had started sending invitations to chiefs from other villages so they could be part of fundraising activities.
The idea of fundraising through a cultural event is meant to restore and rebuild the values that bind the community, as elders expressed concerns that their culture was fast fading.
