Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, [email protected]
MANALI Vuyelwa Nyoni (13) could hardly hold back her tears of joy after being honoured for her outstanding academic achievements at the Servitorship Academy Annual Prize Giving Day in Bulawayo last Friday.
The teenage whiz kid received the RAJ MODI SERVITORSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD from Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi, capping a remarkable academic journey that has seen her progress to Advanced Level at an unusually young age.
Manali is currently pursuing her A-Level studies at Servitorship Academy, where she has continued to excel, scooping all three prizes in her combination.
Her achievement was among the highlights of the annual prize-giving ceremony, which was attended by learners, teachers, parents and education stakeholders to celebrate academic achievement and character development.
Also honoured was Ngqabutho Mpofu, who wrote his Cambridge examinations in 2025 and emerged as the school’s overall best O-Level student.
Deputy Minister Modi, who was the guest of honour, donated books to Servitorship Academy while his foundation is currently supporting 30 students through its scholarship programme.
The recognition of Manali and Ngqabutho came as Servitorship Academy continues to expand its profile in the independent education sector.
The school was recognised in March this year in Harare as the Best Independent College in Bulawayo for producing A’s in Matabeleland in 2025, according to the institution.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony, Deputy Minister Modi said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate learners’ achievements while reflecting on the broader role of education in developing future leaders.
“It is a moment to pause, reflect on our collective achievements, honour individual dedication and look forward with renewed enthusiasm to the future. When I review the remarkable milestones achieved by Servitorship Academy, it becomes abundantly clear that this institution is not merely delivering lessons in a classroom,” he said.
“It is actively building an enduring legacy of holistic educational leadership and national progress. Education extends far beyond textbooks and examinations as it is fundamentally about developing character, unleashing human potential, and nurturing visionary leaders who will shape the future of our nation.”
Deputy Minister Modi said the achievements of learners such as Manali demonstrated the potential of young Zimbabweans when given appropriate support and opportunities.
He also highlighted the achievements of learners who have taken on leadership responsibilities, including Tadiwanashe, who he said had risen to become a Member of Parliament and vice-president of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Youth Parliament.
“Tafadzwa Tafireyi and Zinhle Bitu did exceptionally well in their Ordinary Level examinations and are currently pursuing their A-Level studies at Servitorship Academy,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
“It fills me with immense pride to highlight that these extraordinary young achievers are proud products of the Raj Modi Foundation, illustrating how strategic support and holistic mentorship can unlock true excellence.”
Deputy Minister Modi said the partnership between the Raj Modi Foundation and Servitorship Academy had demonstrated the role that private support can play in widening opportunities for young people.
He said the foundation’s assistance through resources, scholarships and mentorship complemented the school’s efforts to nurture academically gifted learners and emerging leaders.
“Together, this mutual reinforcement elevates both institutions, demonstrating how collaborative commitment to youth development can build a lasting legacy of educational leadership and national progress,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
He said the school’s growth also demanded continued investment in infrastructure and learning facilities.
Following the acquisition of a commercial stand, an additional Servitorship Academy branch was inaugurated in Chivhu last year, while efforts were under way to secure commercial land in
Bulawayo for further expansion.
“To our prize winners today, your discipline, late nights, and perseverance are being justly rewarded. Wear your honours with humility and let them serve as a stepping stone toward even greater achievements,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
“To all our students, remember that excellence is a continuous journey rather than a single destination. If you are not receiving an award today, take pride in your progress, stay curious, and keep striving because your time to shine will surely come.”
Deputy Minister Modi also paid tribute to teachers and parents for supporting the learners’ academic journeys.
Servitorship Academy director Mr Aaron Sibanda said the ceremony was not merely about handing out certificates and trophies, but recognising the discipline and perseverance behind the learners’ achievements.
“The gathering here today is about recognising the journey, early mornings, long hours of study and the character of our learners nurtured through social interaction with their peers as well as their pseudo-parents, who are none other than their teachers,” he said.
“So we are here to celebrate the stars which we have raised. Those stars are now ready to illuminate the world. Servitorship Academy is doing wonders. To our most deserving award recipients, our learners, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations.”
Mr Sibanda urged learners to view both success and failure as part of their academic journey, emphasising the importance of perseverance and hard work.
“You need to reflect on the areas which led to your setback and failure, one of which is a lack of hard work. Hard work, boys and girls, is a cornerstone of all enduring achievements. As it transforms what we call aspirations into actuality,” he said.
“Hard work does not give up. Even if you fail, you keep persevering until you win.”
Drawing on the example of American inventor Thomas Edison, Mr Sibanda told the learners that setbacks should not be allowed to define their potential.
He said the lesson for learners was that sustained effort and the willingness to learn from failure were essential ingredients for long-term achievement.
The 2026 Servitorship Academy Annual Prize Giving Day was held under the theme: “A Legacy of Excellence, A Future Taking Flight: Celebrating Impact and the Stars We’ve Raised.”
