Mandava High Expands: 12 New Classrooms End 45 Years of Overcrowding

ZVISHAVANE – Mandava High School has taken a major step toward improving learning conditions after commissioning 12 new classrooms last week, officially ending decades of hot sitting.

The development, costing US$260,000, is expected to create a more stable academic environment for the school’s 1,178 students.

With only 14 classrooms before the expansion, overcrowding forced pupils into shortened and shifting learning sessions.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike, praised the initiative as a positive step toward enhancing education in the district.

Headmaster Cephas Mutumhe explained that the project was financed through a building levy paid over eight terms, supplemented by 200 bags of cement donated by Zvishavane Ngezi MP Mecky Jaravaza.

“We took a decision in 2022 to build additional classrooms because hot sitting had persisted since the school’s establishment in 1979.

“Even after Zvishavane and George Chipadza High Schools were introduced, we still faced congestion. Now, students will enjoy more structured learning time and better teacher interaction,” said Mutumhe.

He further highlighted the impact of the new classroom blocks on students’ academic performance.

“The additional classrooms will reduce idle time for learners, improve engagement with teachers and ultimately contribute to better results,” he noted.

Mutumhe also acknowledged the school’s alumni for their contribution, stating, “We are grateful to the Mandava High Old Students Association (Mhosa) for donating 55 single-seater desks and 55 chairs.

“Their support means a lot as we continue improving the learning environment.”

According to Mirror, Mandava High is now focused on staff welfare, with a US$70,000 staff room project set to be completed by the third term.

Meanwhile, a recent report by ZBC News revealed that the government had also commissioned six additional classroom blocks at Mandava High.

The expansion forms part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing education infrastructure improvements, achieved through collaboration between schools and local communities.

Mutumhe expressed optimism about the future of the institution:

“We are moving in the right direction and I am confident these developments will ease congestion and improve the quality of learning for our students.”