Energy and mining quizz competition inspires Hwange District learners

THE recent ‘Hwange Energy and Mining Quiz Competition’, an initiative designed to promote science education and environmental awareness, has inspired learners from across the district to appreciate knowledge of Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors and the role they can play to lift it up.

Organised by South Mining (Pvt) Ltd at the Empumalanga Community Library, the competition ran under the theme “Mining and Energy for a Better Economy” and brought together about 200 learners from both primary and secondary schools in the district.

Teachers, government officials, traditional leaders and representatives from the mining and energy sectors also attended the event.

The quiz competition formed part of South Mining’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes aimed at supporting education, strengthening community partnerships and inspiring interest in careers linked to mining, energy and environmental management.

Speaking at the event, director for conservation and renewable energy in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Dr Sosten Ziuku, applauded the initiative for placing learners at the centre of Zimbabwe’s energy and mining future.

Dr Ziuku said Zimbabwe’s mining and energy sectors remain critical pillars of the economy and are key drivers of Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.

“The theme goes beyond facts. It is about how we power our homes, build industries responsibly and prepare the next generation to lead with knowledge, ethics and care for the environment,” he said.

He noted that the mining sector is targeting a US$12-20 billion industry by 2030, driven by increased production of key minerals such as coal, lithium, gold and platinum, as well as improved energy infrastructure.

Dr Ziuku also highlighted the Government’s Energy Compact Plan, which aims to increase electricity generation from the current 3 200 megawatts to 6 000 megawatts by 2030, while expanding access to affordable and sustainable energy across the country.

South Mining managing director Mr Chenji Li said the company believes the true value of mining lies not only in the resources extracted from the ground, but also in the opportunities created for surrounding communities.

He said the company has invested over US$500 000 in the construction of the modern Empumalanga Community Library, which hosted the quiz competition.

“The most important resource for the future is not coal. It is you- the young people,” Li told the learners.
“At South Mining we are committed not only to operating a mine but to growing together with the Hwange community by supporting education and creating opportunities for young people.”

The company currently employs more than 1 200 local workers, contributing significantly to livelihoods in the district. The quiz competition covered topics such as energy sources, mining processes, environmental management, climate change, safety and the social impacts of mining on communities.

Organisers said the initiative was designed to strengthen STEM education by linking classroom learning to real-world industries such as mining and electricity generation. Learners were also encouraged to explore careers in fields including engineering, geology, environmental science and renewable energy.

In the primary schools category, Coalfields Primary School emerged the overall winners with 40 points after a closely contested competition. St Mary’s Primary School (Lukosi) finished second with 38 points, while Springfield Preparatory School secured third place with 34 points.

Other participating primary schools included Sir Humphrey Gibbs Primary School and Nechibondo Primary School.

Secondary schools that took part in the competition included Hwange High School, Lukosi Secondary School, Gebhuza Secondary School and Chilisa Secondary School. Hwange High clinched the first spot with 43 points outpacing close contenders Gebhuza and Chilisa secondary schools who came second and third respectively.

Government officials, educators and community leaders praised the competition for helping to cultivate curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills among learners.

The initiative also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy, which promotes teaching, research, innovation, community service and industrialisation to build a knowledge-driven economy.

Organisers expressed hope that the competition will become an annual event, continuing to inspire learners in Hwange to pursue careers that contribute to the country’s mining, energy and environmental sectors.

As the event concluded, acting Chief Wange, Headman Proper Neshabi reminded participants that the future of Hwange and Zimbabwe’s mining and energy industries will ultimately depend on the knowledge, skills and innovation of the young people being educated today.