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Their contribution in the past and present, in the development of our country is widely acknowledged. Many of our leaders who have greatly had an influence on all spheres of our national life have had their early education at mission schools.
The alumni of mission schools, which can number millions, remain quite influential in the communities where these schools are found. Whatever happens to mission schools and in mission schools today continues to generate a great deal of interest in the community and the nation at large because of the strong sentiments attached to these schools.
But of late, times have been hard for most mission schools and one such school in Matabeleland South is Thekwane also known as Tegwane, founded by the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe in 1924.
The school contributed immensely to the liberation struggle. Many pupils were recruited by Zipra forces and crossed into Botswana where they were transferred to Zambia to undertake guerrilla training.
From those that remained and some that joined the war — the institution has notable names in the country’s political elite, captains of industry and the academia. They include the late Cabinet minister Dr Eddison Zvobgo, politician and former minister, Dumiso Dabengwa, Lutho A Tapela who is Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education who is also a former student and headmaster, Dr MacLean Bhala, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Lupane State University.
With such people having gone through the walls of the school, it should just like other mission schools countrywide get assistance from former pupils.
A recent tour of the school by the alumni association made up of members who attended the school between 1955-2001 reveals that it is faced with many challenges that most likely affect the greater mission schools founded in the early 20th century.
“The infrastructure is dilapidated. There is need for new structures to be built. The school demolished one of the old halls of residence and built a new block which is a step in the right direction but funds are a limiting factor for more to be done. As former students I urge everyone to come together and raise funds for some of the school’s needs. There are some buildings that just need sprucing up and fixing of the ceilings,” said Dr Ntando Thebele the secretary of the Thekwane Alumni.
The school has a capacity to enroll between 400-700 students but a water problem persists because the school’s supply source- Thekwane River is heavily silted. Since water is an urgent need the school sunk three boreholes but there is need for more. However, this is a short term solution. The school has to deal with the siltation issue.
“The borehole water needs softening to avoid carbonation and clogging of pipes. Borehole water is not enough so the school needs about $40 000 to rehabilitate its original water source,” added the deputy chairman of the alumni Mr Horace Ndubiwa.
One of the problems faced by the school is lack of infrastructure and equipment used for science and technical subjects.
“The science laboratories are ill equipped. The same goes for technical subjects such as woodwork, fashion and fabrics where there is a shortage of tools and instruments. Science and technical subjects are an important part of the education system,” added Dr Thebele.
But in the midst of all the problems faced by the school, there has been notable ground covered in an attempt to bring back the school’s glory years.
The pass rate for Ordinary and Advanced Level studies has improved after taking a nosedive a few years ago owing to the poor state of the education sector nationwide which saw teachers leaving their jobs.
Some of the new structures built and renovations done were through contributions from the school levies.
“The school, through levies has commendably put up a state-of-the-art boys’ hostel soon to be completed. This is to accommodate Form Six boys,” added Mr Ndubiwa.
The acting headmaster Mr Salani Ndlovu said a lot is being done but there is need for a helping hand.
“We are covering good ground but it would be better if more people are involved in rebuilding this former academic and historical giant,” he said.
The United Kingdom chapter of the school alumni is very much alive. In April the association embarked on a 26 mile walk to raise funds for the school’s lighting system since erratic power supplies affect students’ studies.
The Thekwane alumni effort comes hot on the heels of a similar initiative in Manicaland where Hartzel High School embarked on a mission to raise $500 000.
The Thekwane alumni appeals to well wishers and former students to come together and raise funds for the school. For now a bank account with Kingdom Bank has been opened (account number 39350718).
Online Reporter