marble nkomo
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
AFTER recording a single figure pass rate in 2008, the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) run Inyathi High School in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province, embarked on a period of self-reflection to determine how to reverse the trend.
Two decades later, headmaster Mr Nkululeko Zidla and all those associated with the esteemed institution are beaming with pride as the school continues to perform exceptionally well. It now ranks among the top schools not only in Matabeleland North but nationally.
Inyathi High School achieved a 100 percent pass rate in both O and A-level examinations, maintaining its position at the summit of academic performance following the announcement of the 2025 Zimsec results.
Although the Ministry has since discontinued official rankings, Inyathi High School’s standards remain evident for all to see and applaud and has remained an academic cornerstone, not only in Bubi District but nationally.
Mr Zidla told Sunday News that that 91 Form Four students sat for the O-level examinations, all passing with flying colours. Some subjects even recorded a 100 percent pass rate with exclusively “A” grades, reaffirming the school’s reputation as a leading academic institution.
“With O-level examinations, we had 91 candidates and all passed. Forty-five achieved five A grades or higher. Subjects such as Business Enterprise, taken by 32 students, saw all pupils attaining distinctions,” said Mr Zidla.
The highest passes were recorded in English Language, Mathematics and Geography, with 54 students earning A grades, followed closely by Combined Science with 53 and iSiNdebele with 51.
Mr Zidla attributed the school’s success to disciplined students and the dedication of the teaching staff, many of whom commence lessons as early as 6AM, often extending beyond regular hours.
He praised both staff and pupils for their relentless effort in pursuit of personal and institutional excellence.
“In 2008, our pass rate was in the single digits. We reviewed our performance then decided to visit schools that were excelling. Inspired by their success, we returned energised, strategised as a team and worked diligently to reach where we are today.
It was the hard work of our teachers and pupils, many of whom are willing to work outside regular hours, that has driven these results,” Mr Zidla said.
The school offers 24 subjects, with 17 achieving a 100 percent pass rate, the lowest being Mathematics at 62 percent.
Out of the 91 pupils who sat for the O-level examinations, 22 boys and 18 girls attained five A grades or more, marking one of the school’s most successful academic years.
Mr Zidla expressed pride in the fact that 63 students passed Mathematics and Science in their five core subjects, with 63 also passing both Mathematics and English Language and 90 students securing passes in five or more subjects including English Language.
He attributed this outstanding performance to discipline and dedication.
Among the top performers at O-level were Tadiwanashe Tahwa with nine A grades and two B grades, Sikhangele Sibanda with nine As and three Bs, and Wayne Mvuzomuhle Ndlovu with 10 As and two Bs, all of whom opted to continue studying under Mr Zidla’s guidance and his dedicated team.
“Most of our students are well-behaved, which is a reflection of good discipline combined with the teachers’ commitment. Our teachers work with students during odd hours,” Mr Zidla noted.
At A-level, Sandisiwe Masuku achieved the highest score with 20 points with distinctions, so did Wayne Malebogo Ndlovu. Masuku sat for Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and Computer Science, attaining distinctions in all four.
Ndlovu excelled in Pure Mathematics (A), Accounting (A), Business Studies (A) and Computer Science (A).
Nomagugu Mpofu secured three A grades in Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics, while Future Dube also achieved distinctions in these subjects.
Pelagia Tevera was recognised as the Best Female in Arts, with a total of 18 points, excelling in Literature in SiNdebele, History, Literature in English and iSiNdebele Language.
Mapani Munsaka and Thandekile Luphahla were the leading female performers in the sciences, earning 14 points each. Luphahla scored A grades in Pure Mathematics and Biology and a B in Chemistry, while Munsaka achieved A grades in Crop Science and Geography and a B in Biology.
Busisani Tevin Bhebhe was the top male Arts student with 19 points, achieving A grades in Literature in iSiNdebele, History and iSiNdebele Language, as well as a B in Literature in English.
Other notable students in the sciences include Richard Chivenyika, Arnold Hanyana, Calisto Mudeda, Junior Masuku and Tadiwa Gumbo, each with 14 points.
Mr Zidla emphasised that in their pursuit of producing well-rounded students, the school places particular emphasis on practical skills and extracurricular activities, including athletics, handball, basketball, netball, volleyball and football.
He revealed that the school also participates in public speaking competitions and was crowned national champions in 2023.
Mr Zidla praised the school’s achievements, including winning the Secretary’s Bell twice, most recently in 2023, attributing this success to the collective efforts of teachers and students.
The headmaster highlighted the positive relationships maintained with the school’s governing body, the church (UCCSA) and the district education office.
He also paid special tribute to the administrative and ancillary staff, whose contributions are vital to the school’s success.
“Ultimately, it is teamwork that drives our achievements,” he said.
Inyathi High School’s current administration has initiated various income-generating projects to support the institution.
These include a poultry project producing 15 crates of eggs daily, a thriving piggery with 100 pigs and broiler chickens consumed by students.
The school also manages one hectare of sweet potatoes, which is expected to yield approximately US$10 000 upon harvest.
Agriculture and Crop Science are incorporated into the curriculum, providing students with practical experience and the produce is utilised in the school’s dining hall.
To foster the spirit of academic excellence, the school has adopted a number of initiatives such as monthly assessments that encourage healthy competition and ensure top students receive merit pins and recognition during ceremonies, a well-equipped library that fosters a culture of reading as well as an annual career guidance session to motivate students to pursue their chosen careers.
Online Reporter