Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Sunday News Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) held its annual merit awards at the Large City Hall on Wednesday, honouring top-performing schools and learners from educational institutions under its administration.
Malindela Primary School, located in Pumula North suburb, was crowned the 2024 Best Performing Primary School and received US$3 000, a trophy and a certificate.
Ntshamatshe Primary School in Old Magwegwe came second, earning US$2 000 and a certificate, while Mgiqika Primary School from Nketa suburb secured third place, walking away with US$1 000, a certificate and a trophy.
In the Most Improved Primary School category, Sigombe Primary from Nkulumane suburb took the top spot after recording an impressive pass rate of 67 percent in 2024, up from 47,9 percent in 2023.
Mkhithika Primary in Cowdray Park was awarded the Most Developed School after authorities built a basketball court, kitchen, fowl run, tiled all classrooms and installed solar systems for the school gardens.
Mahatshula Primary School was recognised for producing the highest number of learners who attained six units in the Grade Seven examinations in 2024.
The outstanding learners were Precious Ndlovu, Lynn Bangezihano, Mqhelisi Ndlovu, Kimberly Mukozho and Praise Dube.
The awards were held under the theme: “Celebrating our heritage through lifelong learning”, reflecting council’s long-term commitment to rewarding exceptional academic and non-academic excellence in Bulawayo.
BCC principal education officer, Mr Mehluleli Mpofu said the awards celebrated the achievements of learners and schools that excelled in 2024.
He emphasised that council continues to implement educational strategies aligned with the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its 31 schools to improve education quality and encourage competitiveness among learners.
“Whether it’s in sports, academia, music or other extra-curricular activities, we always strive to nurture talent within our educational institutions.
Last week, Bulawayo Province, represented by council schools, was in Norton, Mashonaland West Province, competing in a national performing arts competition in choral music, percussion and other disciplines,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu