Nichollate N Ndlovu 

Inequality in service delivery is the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities and access to essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. The access to service delivery is a human right that’s need to be fulfilled always. Inequality in service is a crime against human life. Inequality to service delivery leads to human insecurity. People would be affected physically, mentally and emotionally. The rights of the people would be infringed. For too long the people of Matabeleland South province; Matobo District have been excluded in terms of service delivery. Little has been given to them. Inequality to service delivery has exacerbated a lot of challenges within the region that ranges from drugs and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and child marriages. 

The people from Matobo District have limited access to health care facilities with most residents having to travel long distances to receive basic medication. According to the Matobo District strategic plan 2021-2025, under the section client needs and analysis; they are only 14 wards which have got clinics. This mean about 56% of the population have got access to basic health care system which is not even enough hence compromising the right of the people to access basic health care. Inequality in service delivery is further compounded by poor education system in the region.

 Matobo district have got few schools which are characterized by long distances, few resources and lack of good infrastructure. According to Matobo DDC, 204 learners have dropped out of school which is an alarming number. Distances of schools have made them to drop out to school because schools are far and one cannot walk on a daily basis and due to poverty they can’t attend to the nearby boarding schools. 

Inequality in service delivery is further compounded by poor infrastructure. The area has been characterized by poor and old infrastructure, poor road networks which hinder the access to health and education services. Addressing these issues of inequality needs collective measure from the government and the civil society to promote equitable investments in the region and improve the life of the residents. 

The residents of Matobo district have asserted that corruption and nepotism have contributed to the regions unequal service delivery. They believe the area have been politically marginalized thus why service delivery is so poor. Despite all these, there is hope for better future. Collective efforts are needed to make sure that everyone has got access to service delivery despite of geographical location. The power of collective action is undeniable and it’s through concerted efforts that we break the barriers of inequality and build more and just society where there is equity.