Zimpapers Logo

Vice President Mphoko

Bulawayo Bureau
Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has implored leaders to visit their former schools and initiate programmes that will bring development to the institutions. He said the visits will also help encourage children at these schools to work hard.

VP Mphoko was at his former school, Mzilikazi Primary in Bulawayo, where he handed over more than $1 000 to pupils who had done well in an essay writing competition on the conservation of the environment that he initiated at the school.

“I am here to touch base with my own school and encourage the children to work hard in their studies and activities. They have to be reminded that opportunities are open to all, especially when they work hard and put God first in everything that they do.

“I did my primary education at this school and I never imagined that I would be the Vice President of the country one day. I believe that my visit inspires the children and makes them see that anything is possible as long as they stay focused,” said VP Mphoko.

He warned leaders against engaging in corrupt activities and fighting over petty issues, saying it was their duty to develop the country and take a leading role in turning around the economy.

“It’s our duty as leaders to advise the people and lead in developing the country but it’s sad that you find some leaders fighting over petty issues. Some even fight for women. It’s high time we took ownership of our country and work together in turning around the economy.

“We should also desist from corruption. It’s a major setback in the development of the country. No matter how rich the country can be, it can never develop as long as corruption exits among our people,” said VP Mphoko.

He encouraged school children to concentrate on their studies and target on doing well in science subjects.

“We are surrounded by science wherever we go. It’s therefore important for our children to do well in science subjects so that we don’t have to hire scientists and engineers from Europe or South Africa to work for us.

“We have a committed President in President Mugabe who is a former teacher. He wants to see our children excelling in their studies because it’s of great benefit to the country. A nation that can’t educate its people is a dead nation,” said VP Mphoko.

He expressed joy after seeing hundreds of children at the school, saying it was a sign that the country has a bright future.

He encouraged teachers and parents to work together in moulding the children into brilliant future leaders.

The Vice President also discouraged youths from going out of the country, especially South Africa, saying the neighbouring country had nothing to offer to school drop outs.

Tawanda Charidza walked away with $500 after scooping the first prize in the essay writing competition, while Kimberly Mpengezi came second and received $250 from VP Mphoko. The third prize of $150 went to Lisa Ncube.

VP Mphoko also handed over consolation prizes of $20 each to 10 pupils who also participated in the competition.

He was accompanied by the Makokoba constituency MP, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, who also did his primary education at Mzilikazi.

The ceremony was also attended by Bulawayo provincial education director Dan Moyo and senior government officials.