LOCAL mobile cellphone company has extended its helping hand and built a state-of-art
classroom block for Mbalabala Secondary School, which is located just outside Mbalabala
School of Infantry.
Gtel Zimbabwe constructed the block, which houses three classes as part of their social
responsibility and giving back to the community in which they operate.
The company’s Marketing Manager, Don Yimbira, said their objective is to empower the
communities in which they operate.
“What we did for Mbalabala Secondary School is part of our corporate social responsibility,
where we look for gaps and chip in with assistance, where there is need.
“However, in some cases we get requests from the needy and, with resources permitting, we
assist,” said Yimbira.
Asked about the total amount channelled forwards the building, Gtel marketing manager
referred the question to Zimbabwe National Army Public Relations Department.
Mbalabala Secondary School is run by Zimbabwe National Army although its catchment for
pupils is not limited to army employees but also caters for local communities.
Corporate social responsibility is the idea that companies should play a positive role in
community and consider the environmental and social impact of business decisions.
It is closely linked to sustainability creating social, economic and environmental value to
institutions.
Speaking during the official handover of the block, Umzingwane MP, retired Brigadier
General Levi Mayihlome, applauded Gtel’s gesture in recognising their need as a community.
“It is our profound pleasure to accept and at the same time give praise to Gtel for this huge
donation of a classroom block.
“This will go a long way in improving the quality of education and giving our pupils a
suitable learning environment.
“To Gtel management and staff, Umzingwane is grateful about what you did to them. This
shows that our district is also remembered.
Thank you so much for your kind gesture,” applauded MP Mayihlome.
Before building of Mbalabala Secondary School, learners were compelled to travel to
Mawabeni Secondary School, which is 12km away.
Those located in the southern part of Mbalabala would go to Nswazi Secondary, which is also
more than 10km from Mbalabala.
