Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza, Zimpapers Reporter
Nestle Zimbabwe has positioned its heritage cereal brand, Cerevita, at the forefront of its education drive, selecting it as the flagship sponsor of the Smart Schools Showdown Quiz to link nutrition, community identity and academic empowerment.
The decision to anchor the nationwide competition on Cerevita reflects the product’s strong identity as a household name in Zimbabwe and its nutritional value, which Nestlé says makes it a natural fit for an initiative designed to fuel both minds and futures.
Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Nestlé Zimbabwe Ms Tavia Matikiti said the choice of Cerevita was deliberate, linking the brand’s heritage status to the company’s broader philosophy of Creating Shared Value.3
“Cerevita is a household and heritage brand within Zimbabwe, it is a nutritious breakfast cereal made with whole grains, fortified with micronutrients necessary for energy release and overall well-being.
“This is more like our giving back to the community,” said Ms Matikiti.
She explained that Nestlé’s sponsorship of the Smart Schools Showdown Quiz is part of its CSV strategy, which ties business growth to social impact.
“Cerevita is committed to supporting education and youth empowerment, alongside our local manufacturing that creates employment across the value chain and strengthens Zimbabwe’s economy,” said Ms Matikiti.
The Smart Schools Showdown Quiz, launched in partnership with the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), has drawn participation from 484 schools across the country.
Learners advanced through zonal, district and provincial rounds before competing in the national finals.
Ms Matikiti said the competition nurtures academic excellence, inspires critical thinking and embeds teamwork among Zimbabwe’s youth.
Ms Matikiti noted that the partnership with NASH was crucial in ensuring broad reach.
“We knew their reach is massive within the country. The competition itself started off in the 484 zones.
“We had schools from the grassroots level participating, and now we are here at the national stage,” she said.
Ms Matikiti said the choice of Cerevita as the flagship brand is symbolic of its dual role in nourishing families and empowering communities.
By linking the cereal’s nutritional benefits to education, the company aims to demonstrate how everyday products can contribute to national development.
Ms Matikiti said plans are already underway to expand the competition in future editions, ensuring that more schools and learners are included.
“If there is anybody that was left behind in this inaugural competition, next year we are saying let everybody come on board so that we spread the reach. Every student should have a chance in Zimbabwe,” said Ms Matikiti.
Ms Matikiti said the Smart Schools Showdown Quiz is a platform to reinforce Cerevita’s identity as a brand that fuels ambition, supports education and contributes to the country’s progress.
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