President Mnangagwa Donates 43 Tablets to Midlands Junior MPs
By Dumisani Ndlovu — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has donated 43 tablets to Midlands junior Parliamentarians to promote digital literacy, improve access to educational resources and strengthen youth participation in national development.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Gweru — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has donated 43 tablets to Midlands junior Parliamentarians as the Government steps up efforts to expand digital access and equip young people with technology skills.
The devices were handed over by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, at the Government Complex in Gweru on Tuesday, October 27.
The donation fulfills a pledge made by President Mnangagwa during the official opening of the junior Parliament session on July 8.
The beneficiaries comprise 28 junior Members of Parliament, six Girls’ Quota junior MPs, six junior Senators, two junior Senator Chiefs, and one junior Parliamentarian with a disability.
Hon. Ncube said the tablets would enable the young legislators to conduct research, access educational materials and participate more effectively in national development programs.
He noted that the initiative supports the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly its focus on science, technology, digital innovation and human capital development.
The handover aligns directly with national goals focused on digitalisation, expansion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and digital literacy to drive the transition toward a knowledge-based economy.
He added that the donation complements the National Digital Ambassador Program, launched in Bulawayo on February 21, 2025, which seeks to equip 1.5 million young Zimbabweans with digital, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Hon. Ncube emphasised that increased access to technology is essential for bridging the digital divide between rural and urban communities while preparing young people for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The Minister highlighted several key connectivity investments across the province, such as mobile network expansion in Gokwe South, the Artificial Intelligence Digital and Innovation Hub at Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre, school computer labs, community information centres, the 1,500-kilometer National Rail Fibre Optic Project launched in Somabhula and the Presidential Internet Scheme launched in Nembudziya.
He noted that the era of carrying heavy satchels loaded with textbooks is ending as internet connectivity unlocks vast educational platforms under the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework.
However, Hon. Ncube cautioned the young leaders to use the devices responsibly by avoiding cybercrime, prioritising their education, shunning drug and substance abuse and avoiding early marriages.
He also encouraged participation in youth empowerment programs, including the She-Tech initiative, which collaborates with tech firms like Huawei to deliver ICT training.
Child Vice President, who is also Gweru Urban junior MP, Kundi Chimbuya emphasised that the devices should be viewed as leadership tools that empower youth to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He added that expanding digital access for previously marginalised youth is critical for driving an inclusive, technology-led economy in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
