Traditional leaders have refused to be left out in the ongoing national Information Communication Technology Drive program being implemented by the Ministry of ICT & Cyber-Security and its regulatory board, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).
The national ICT Drive is part of government’s strategic master-plan to promote the use of technologies across Zimbabwe’s diverse industry, with the program’s blueprint outlined in recently gazetted National ICT Policy.
Due to the generational priorities, the government and other stakeholders in the technology sector have been targeting the promotion of ICTs in the young generation through various initiatives such as the STEM program.
Potraz Director General – Dr. Gift Machengete hands over brand new laptops to traditional chiefs in Gutu in the presence of Minister of ICT & Cybersecurity – Supa Mandiwanzira
However, traditional chiefs have off late petitioned the Supa Mandiwanzira’s ministry to be equally included as important stakeholders in the paradigm shift.
Responding to the request by some traditional leaders to be considered in ICTs, Mandiwanzira immediately sprung into action and handed over 10 laptops to traditional leaders in Masvingo where he as handing over 160 computers in schools around the Gutu district.
Mandiwanzira urged the traditional chiefs to make good use of latest technological trends and also take time to study things that are taking centre stage in the digital generation.
Speaking during the same ICT Drive tour in Gutu, Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira said no one will be left behind in ICTs and urged traditional leaders to be abreast of technological developments by embracing change.
Chief Gutu appreciates Minister Mandiwanzira’s rapid response to include traditional chiefs in the national ICT Drive program.
Mandiwanzira stressed that ICTs were now a way of life adding that all schools should strive to promote ICTs in schools.
“No one will be left out in the information super highway. We have handed over computers to schools around here and I also hear a request from our tradition leaders saying they also want to be connected, we are bringing one for each,” he said.
Chief Gutu, speaking on behalf of other Chiefs present, said the computers received were welcome and will enable them to have knowledge on basic farming among other areas.
“I know the Minister is not a liar and that has been proven today. This will enable us to check on our farming and other things and we thank you most sincerely for that,” he said.
Mandiwanzira first toured Sandon Academy, a brainchild of Lovemore Matuke, the Gutu Central MP, where he appreciated the uptake and usage of ICTs at the school.
