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Leaders commit to creating pathways for transformative education, skills development for children

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2024

BY SIRAK GEBREHIWOT

Victoria Falls – A historic gathering of seven Southern African leaders, international representatives, over 7000 children and youth took place at Baobab Primary School in the resort town of Victoria Falls to commemorate regional World Children’s Day.

The event, attended by dignitaries from across the southern Africa region, emphasized universal dedication to the rights and welfare of children, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe extending warm welcome to delegates, underlined the unity and shared goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “Today is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect the rights of all children,” he affirmed.

President Mnangagwa’s speech underscored the importance of providing children with quality education and resilience against climate change, all while fostering their sense of identity and pride in their African heritage.

The President expressed gratitude to regional counterparts, particularly President Duma Boko of Botswana, for participating in Zimbabwe’s festivities. In a gesture of regional solidarity, he acknowledged, “Though we hail from different nations, we share a common vision for a vibrant, educated, and united Africa.”

Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, echoed the President’s sentiments. He stressed the significance of this event as a platform to emphasize children’s rights, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The UN2.0 and its quintet of change—embracing innovation, technology, and inclusivity—guides the United Nations renewed mission towards a brighter future for all children,” Mr. Kallon stated.

He underscored the UN’s reinvigorated strategy, UN 2.0, aiming for transformational change with children at its core. Kallon called on all stakeholders to remain accountable to the children’s Call to Action, reinforcing the imperative to incorporate young voices in policymaking processes and national development programmes.

Education: A Pillar for Progress

UNICEF Regional Director, Ms. Etleva Kadilli, focused on the transformative power of education. She recognized strides made in various SADC countries that have prioritized digital learning, inclusive education, and curriculum reform. “These advancements illustrate that when governments and educators listen to children and act, significant progress can be achieved,” Ms. Kadilli underlined.
Kadilli acknowledged the persistent challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, where educational disparities remain stark. She encouraged children present, stating, “Your voices are vital. When you speak, you not only shape your future but ours as well.”

Collective Regional Pledge

His Excellency President Duma Boko of Botswana accepted the honor of hosting the next World Children’s Day commemoration. He pledged his administration’s dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations voiced by the children and youth. “We stand ready to work with you, empowering our children to lead with wisdom and courage,” President Boko assured.

Senior officials from Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa echoed these commitments. They affirmed their governments’ resolve to enhance children’s access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection, reinforcing their rights as a priority.

Empowering Through Culture and Heritage

The celebration also spotlighted the role of arts, culture, and heritage in building inclusive societies. President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of embracing cultural identity and utilizing natural resources to foster development and unity. “Let us, together, promote our unique cultural products and enhance our children’s understanding of their heritage,” President ED Mnangagwa encouraged.

Combating Emerging Threats

Addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and drugs and substance abuse, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating these issues through strategic initiatives like the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and the establishment of Child-Friendly Courts. “Our measures ensure that all children, particularly the vulnerable, have their rights upheld and their futures secured,” he stressed.

A Call to Action and Hope

Ms. Etona Ekole, UNICEF Representative for Zimbabwe said, “This World Children Day, I am incredibly proud to see children from Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe raising their voices for change. Their Call-for-Action is a testament to the power of listening to children and investing in their future.

The event underscored a unified call to invest in children as Southern Africa’s future leaders. With collaborative resolve, the leaders and stakeholders committed to translating discussions into concrete actions, guided by the insights and demands of the children and youth.

Facilitating a call to action from children and youth representatives across seven countries, Ms. Sithabile Mtigo, Speaker of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, highlighted the critical role of young advocates throughout Africa. She declared, “We are the leaders of both the present and the future for Africa.”

The Regional World Children’s Day served as a reminder of the shared journey towards a future where every child’s rights and potential are realized, and every opportunity leveraged.

The commitment made in Victoria Falls to “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity” is not only a theme but a driving mission as the African continent marches towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

SOURCE: Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe

National

30 killed in Easter road crashes as pedestrians bear the brunt

Published

21 hours ago

April 9, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reported a worrying rise in road fatalities during the 2026 Easter holiday, despite a decline in the total number of accidents.

According to the police, 30 people were killed in road traffic accidents during the holiday period, up from 24 deaths recorded in 2025. However, the total number of accidents dropped from 384 in 2025 to 337 in 2026, while injuries also decreased significantly from 178 to 104.

Police said 22 of the recorded accidents were fatal, compared to 21 during the same period last year.

Pedestrians most affected

Pedestrians accounted for the majority of fatalities, making up 63% of the deaths (19 people). Passengers were the second most affected group with seven deaths (23%), followed by drivers with three (10%), while one rider (3%) was killed.

Speeding, overtaking blamed

Authorities identified speeding as the leading cause of accidents during the period, with many drivers losing control of their vehicles. Unsafe overtaking was also cited as a major contributor to head-on collisions.

Deadly incidents recorded

One of the most tragic incidents occurred on 2 April 2026, when six family members died after a head-on collision between a Toyota Corolla and a truck along the Harare–Masvingo Road.

In another traffic accident , seven people were killed and four injured on 3 April 2026 at the 51km peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road. A truck rammed into three vehicles — a Nissan March, Toyota Probox and Toyota Hiace — before striking pedestrians who had gathered at the scene.

Police warning

The police have urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic laws and avoid speeding, especially during peak travel periods. Drivers involved in accidents are also being reminded to stop, render assistance and report incidents.

National

Econet InfraCo targets ultra-luxury market with Vic Falls resort

Published

21 hours ago

April 9, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Econet InfraCo has unveiled plans for a multimillion-dollar luxury resort in Victoria Falls, marking a strategic push by the billion-dollar infrastructure platform into high-end tourism.

The development, branded Vic Falls Lifestyle, will feature 40 luxury residential villas supported by premium amenities, including restaurants, wellness centres and sports facilities.

Chief executive Fayaz King described the project as a landmark for Zimbabwe’s luxury tourism segment.
“These will be among the most exclusive residential properties ever developed in Zimbabwe, designed to meet top-tier international hospitality standards comparable to presidential suites in leading global hotels,” he said.

The project aims to reposition Victoria Falls as a destination for affluent global travellers seeking privacy, exclusivity and fully integrated services.
Recently listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange with a valuation of about US$1 billion, Econet InfraCo said the resort will include a 24-hour, 10-bed private hospital offering emergency and dental services—an amenity tailored to high-net-worth clientele.
Security and privacy will be central to the offering, with the gated development providing round-the-clock protection for residents and guests.

Under the investment model, buyers will own individual villas but will be required to place them in a rental pool for up to 11 months a year, balancing personal use with income generation.

“Victoria Falls needs developments of this calibre to attract visitors who not only spend, but invest,” King said.

Econet founder and group chairman Strive Masiyiwa played an advisory role in shaping the concept and is expected to be among the property owners.
The company said the project has already drawn interest from local and diaspora investors, as well as international buyers.

Land has been secured, planning is at an advanced stage, and construction is scheduled to begin before year-end.

The Victoria Falls resort is Econet InfraCo’s second major project. Its flagship, Econet Tech City, is a planned industrial and technology hub near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, expected to host around 300 businesses across more than 800 hectares.

In the community

Mat North athletes use stones, sticks as equipment shortages stall progress

Published

22 hours ago

April 9, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

For many young athletes from Matabeleland North, the road to national competitions begins with makeshift tools—stones in place of shot puts and sticks standing in for hurdles.

Despite a commendable showing at the just-ended National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) athletics championships in Kadoma, the province’s progress continues to be hampered by a critical shortage of proper equipment.

Speaking after the event, Matabeleland North NAPH vice secretary Edward Mudimba of Binga said the lack of standard implements at grassroots level is affecting athletes’ development and performance.

“In some cases, learners are using stones for throwing events and sticks for hurdles at school level. By the time they reach national competitions, they are not familiar with standard equipment,” said Mudimba.

Matabeleland North sent a delegation of 121 participants drawn from all seven districts and showed encouraging improvement at the national meet. However, Mudimba said the province’s potential is being held back by resource constraints.

“We are improving and we are going somewhere, but we need proper support. From school level up to provincial level, we are largely using substandard implements,” he said.

The challenge is most evident in field events such as shot put, discus and javelin, where proper technique depends on consistent use of correct equipment.

“You find that learners are improvising with stones or other objects. When they get to national level and are given standard equipment, it becomes difficult for them to adjust,” he added.

Other disciplines such as high jump are also affected, with many schools lacking basic equipment like landing mats, uprights and crossbars.

Despite these setbacks, Matabeleland North athletes still managed to compete against better-resourced provinces—highlighting the depth of raw talent in the region.

“There is talent in our children, but without proper equipment and financial support, it becomes difficult to fully develop that potential,” said Mudimba.

He urged schools and stakeholders to prioritise investment in standard athletics equipment, acknowledging that while costs are high, they are necessary for long-term development.