Sifundiso Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has pledged to turn Hlekweni Vocational Training Centre on the outskirts of Bulawayo into a vibrant and profitable entity after taking over the premises.
The teachers’ largest trade union bought the property last month for an undisclosed amount.
Speaking at a press conference held at the centre on Thursday, Zimta national treasurer Edgar Moyo said the organisation would continue with vocational training and improve revenue inflows by carrying out a number of income generating projects at the centre.

“Zimta intends to scale up these businesses, produce more farm produce and add more courses to the traditional ones,” said Moyo.
He said the take over of the centre was meant to guarantee self sustainability and ensure that they do not depend on members’ subscriptions.

“This marks the beginning of a journey towards improving the quality of our balance sheet, contribution to the education and the economic development of this country,” said Moyo.

The farm has a school and Zimta says it plans to improve the infrastructure and increase enrolment.
The fate of workers, however, remains unclear as Zimta said they were yet to carry out a comprehensive evaluation and would hire only those with the requisite skills.

The former director of the centre founded in 1967, Bruce Caddick said Zimta had impressive plans for the centre.
“After 47 years, we are handing over the centre with a heavy heart but we are confident that Zimta will continue with the vocational needs of the Matabeleland region,” said Caddick.

According to the training officer at the centre, Thandanani Moyo, they concentrated on teaching practical skills.
“About 200 school dropouts and those who failed Ordinary level were enrolled to learn skills in carpentry, building, welding, plumping, sawing and early childhood development,” said Moyo.

Zimta also has investments in real estate.

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