By Brenna Matendere
Reconstruction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe—collapsed in 2023 due to illegal mining activities—is now 90% complete, with the new facility making history by catering to learners with disabilities for the first time.
The project, driven by Kuvimba Mining House in partnership with government and local stakeholders, follows the decommissioning of the century-old school after underground tunnels dug by artisanal miners caused a classroom to cave in. More than 1,300 pupils were displaced and forced to learn under tents at Russell Primary School.
Kuvimba Mining House donated land for the new school, which cost approximately US$600,000 to construct.
The facility features seven classroom blocks, an administration block, and ablution facilities equipped with disability-friendly features.
FW Construction and Engineering, the firm behind the rebuild, has incorporated ramps and specially designed access points. Project Director Mr. Charles Vanderra explained:
“Since this area is mountainous, we’ve installed a ramp for people with disabilities, along with steps on the opposite side for other users.”
Located just west of Kwekwe’s Central Business District, the new school is set to enroll 785 students and will, for the first time, accommodate learners with special needs—marking a significant milestone in its long history.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu confirmed the school is expected to open next week.
“The structures are gender-sensitive and inclusive of learners with disabilities,” he said.
“Various arms of government will need to collaborate to safeguard the facility from future threats.”
Mpungu emphasized a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to preventing the kind of illegal mining activity that led to the school’s collapse.
“ZRP, EMA, Council, SDC, and the community at large must protect the school—just like what we’ve seen with the adjacent secondary school, which has remained intact for years,” he added.
A Symbol of Resilience and Inclusive Education
Dr. Joram Gumbo, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, praised the project’s significance.
“This journey epitomizes resilience, collective action, and our commitment to securing a brighter future for our children,” he said.
“It aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision for sustainable development and inclusive education, as outlined in National Development Strategy 1.”
Local residents also expressed pride in the speed and inclusivity of the reconstruction.
“We’re impressed by how fast the school was rebuilt, and we’re especially happy that it will now cater for learners with disabilities,” said community member Nomore Hlatywayo.
“Our children can finally move on from the trauma and learn in a safe, dignified space,” another resident added.
From Collapse to Comeback
Since the collapse in March 2023, learning conditions had been dire. Pupils shared tents and classrooms with learners from Russell Primary under a “hot-sitting” system, with infants through Grade 4 indoors, while older students studied in makeshift shelters.
The initial tents provided by the Civil Protection Unit were repeatedly destroyed by strong winds. UNICEF later intervened, supplying sturdier tents. But learning remained disrupted—until now.
With the mist of those dark times finally lifting, learners are now beginning to return to their new campus.
Preserving History While Building the Future
The reconstruction also preserves the legacy of Globe and Phoenix Mine, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest gold mines—originally known as King Solomon’s Mines and nicknamed “Jewellers’ Shop” and “Too Rich to Be Mined”.
The mine was pegged in 1894 by Edward Thornton Pearson and Joseph Schukala, after a Shona guide revealed the ancient gold workings in exchange for two blankets.
It once yielded the world’s richest gold ore and helped establish the town of Kwekwe—then known as Que Que.
While the mine’s best days are past, the newly rebuilt school stands as a modern symbol of how communities can rise again—more inclusive, resilient, and ready for the future.
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