I write as a concerned villager from Kezi who has watched our area lag behind in terms of meaningful development for far too long.
While other parts of the country seem to move forward, many communities here still grapple with poor road networks, limited access to clean water and inadequate public services.
For us, development has remained more of a promise than a lived reality.
The upcoming Independence Day celebrations to be held in Maphisa this April have brought a sense of anticipation and cautious hope.
We are told that such national events come with infrastructural upgrades — rehabilitation of roads, sprucing up of public facilities and improved utilities.
As villagers, we welcome these developments and hope they will not only beautify Maphisa for a day, but leave a lasting legacy for the people.
However, our plea is that development must go beyond hosting a single national event. We have seen in the past how infrastructure is hurriedly assembled for commemorations, only for attention to fade once the dignitaries leave.
Kezi and the greater Matabeleland South region require sustained investment — particularly in road infrastructure linking us to Bulawayo, Gwanda and other economic centres.
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Poor roads continue to isolate farmers from markets and make travel costly and unsafe.
There is also great potential in the growing mining activities around Maphisa. If properly managed, mining can transform the fortunes of our area.
Revenue generated should translate into better roads, clinics, schools and water systems.
Improved infrastructure would not only stimulate local businesses but also create employment opportunities for our youths.
Every year, many young people leave Kezi and surrounding areas for South Africa in search of better prospects.
If mining and infrastructure development are harnessed responsibly, they could reduce this migration by creating viable livelihoods at home.
As we celebrate independence, we ask that true freedom be measured by tangible progress in our communities — not just speeches and ceremonies.
Yours faithfully,
A concerned villager Kezi
