Hwange(New Ziana) – Hwange Teachers’ College (HTC) is undergoing extensive renovation and expansion to enable it to enroll more students, especially from the home province of Matabeleland North.

It is the only teacher’s college in the province, and will also become a technical training institution upon completion of the renovations and expansion.

The college was established in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 vision of turning Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy.

Speaking after a tour of the institution, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira said Matebeleland North province was one of a few provinces in the country which had no teachers college.

“Matebeleland North and Mashonaland West provinces had no colleges; we decided to start with Matebeleland North province where we have renovated the premises which belonged to the Zimbabwe Open University here in Hwange,” he said.

He said the government was leaving no stone un-turned to make sure HTC expanded and extended its courses to technical courses, including establishing a school of hospitality.

Prof Tagwira said the Ministry had so far bought 40 computers, desks and chairs for the new college, and classrooms were being renovated to meet the new, high standards.

“We have big dreams for this college; we want to see a fully fledged college. This college is right in the middle of Matebeleland North to serve everyone in the province especially the locals.”

Prof Tagwira said HTC will produce teachers with unique skills to teach indigenous languages such as Tonga, Nambya and Isindebele.

Meanwhile, the Hwange Local Board has earmarked 9.4 ha of land for the establishment of the HTC.

Currently, the college has an enrolment of 150 trainee teachers, 85 percent of whom are drawn from the province.

New Ziana