Online Reporter
Muvhuso Chibi, [email protected]
Beitbridge District will host this year’s Provincial Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (PASSAF) from 3 to 4 August 2026 at Oakleigh House Trust School, with learners from all seven districts of Matabeleland South Province expected to take part.
Organisers say preparations are at an advanced stage, with venues, accommodation, transport and security arrangements finalised. District teams have been conducting rehearsals and final selections since early this month to ensure learners are competition-ready.
PASSAF is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) introduced in 2017 under the
Heritage-Based Curriculum.
The festival provides a platform for pupils to showcase talent in science, sport and the arts beyond the classroom.
Learners who topped district competitions will represent their districts at the provincial level, with top performers progressing to the national finals.
PASSAF District Co-Chairperson, Sithokozile Sibanda, who is also Head at Tongwe High School, said Beitbridge is ready to welcome visitors.
“We are very happy as Beitbridge District to be hosting this event for the first time. We will host all seven other districts of
Matabeleland South on the 3rd and 4th of August at Oakleigh House Trust School,” she said.
Sibanda said sub-committees on logistics, health, catering, publicity and adjudication have been meeting weekly.
She also said schools have been mobilised to provide volunteers, while local businesses have pledged support with water, tents and sound.
“Lessons from previous provincial events taught us the importance of early planning, clear communication and community involvement. We have a command centre that will coordinate everything during the two days to avoid delays,” she added.
Sibanda said PASSAF is central to holistic learner development and that in sport, learners will compete in athletics, soccer, netball, karate, gymnastics and mass displays.
She said sport teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management, and that when it is included alongside science and the arts, it will give every child a chance to shine, not just those who excel academically.
Sibanda noted that many learners who struggle in class often discover confidence and leadership through sport.
“The festival also creates pathways for talent identification and possible scholarships, aligning with Education 5.0 principles that emphasise innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation,” she said.
The official said hosting the provincial festival was a major milestone for Beitbridge and that due to a rotational system, the district will only host again after seven years.
“This shows that no place is being left behind, in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra. Beitbridge learners will compete at home, and our community will get to see the best of Matabeleland South without travelling,” emphasized Sibanda.
Local authorities expect an economic boost for hotels, transport operators, food vendors and small businesses. The event also puts Beitbridge on the provincial map as a capable host for big education events.
In science, pupils will exhibit innovations, prototypes, robotics and research projects aimed at solving community problems.
The arts programme will feature visual art, music, marimba, modelling, beadwork, dance and drama.
“PASSAF was born out of the Heritage-Based Curriculum to ensure learners’ practical skills are recognised. We have children with remarkable talents that, if nurtured, can become careers,” said Sibanda.
The festival runs from cluster to district, provincial and national levels, and is open to learners from ECD to A-Level.
She said past festivals highlighted the need for proper equipment, qualified adjudicators and early registration. This year, Beitbridge has pre-tested sound systems, marked fields, and trained marshals.
Members of the public, parents, business leaders and community organisations have been invited to attend. Entry is free.
“We are intensifying publicity through banners, school visits and digital platforms. We want the whole community to come and support our children,” said Sibanda.
