George Silundika High showcases heritage through marimba at ZITF

MATABELELAND North’s George Silundika High School, a member of the Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (ZIMFEP), is showcasing traditional marimba play and dance at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, currently underway at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).

The school’s participation aligns with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s position that education without a strong cultural foundation produces learners who lack identity and roots.

Speaking to Zimpapers at the ministry’s exhibition stand, the Director for Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said promoting arts and culture in schools is a direct response to the ministry’s policy anchored on ubuntu.

“The promotion of culture and arts within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is a foundational expression of Ubuntu. It teaches discipline, respect for elders, and national pride.

The Trade Fair is the perfect platform to remind the nation that our schools are custodians of our intangible heritage,” he said.

Mr Ndoro emphasized that marimba performances and traditional dance are not merely forms of entertainment, but a living demonstration of the Heritage-Based Education Curriculum.

“The Heritage-Based Curriculum moves away from rote memorisation. When pupils from George Silundika High School play the marimba or execute intricate traditional choreography, they demonstrate critical competencies such as psychomotor skills, teamwork, historical consciousness, and creativity.

This is exactly what the Ministry expects—producing learners who can do and create rather than simply recall,” he said.

He added that by placing a school marimba ensemble at a largely commercial and industrial event like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, ZIMFEP is highlighting the link between education and the creative and cultural industries.

“This sector generates employment in tourism, event management, and media production. It signals to learners that their cultural talent is a viable and dignified pathway to economic success, in line with Vision 2030,” said Mr Ndoro.

Mr Ndoro also commended George Silundika High School for its continued excellence.

“The school has a long and proud history, and under ZIMFEP administration it remains a beacon of holistic development. The fact that it is using a platform often dominated by STEM and commerce to assert the importance of the arts speaks volumes about its balanced approach to education.

The marimba and traditional dance showcased here are not a side dish—they are the main meal of our Heritage-Based Education. We are grateful for the opportunity to present this at such a prestigious national event,” he said.

Meanwhile, the school’s arts and culture patron, Mr Mandlenkosi Nare, said their focus is on identifying and nurturing diverse talents among learners.

“We are at ZITF exhibiting marimba under ZIMFEP. Every year, the organisation showcases arts and culture, and this is our inaugural opportunity as George Silundika High School. Last year it was Goromonzi High School, alongside other institutions that have participated over the years,” he said.

Mr Nare added that the school hopes to gain recognition and support from business stakeholders and visitors attending the high-profile event.

“We are looking forward to engagement with businesspeople and visitors who can help us grow these talents. We are doing this for the learners’ future, as some are exceptionally gifted in the arts.

With proper support and motivation, they can build meaningful careers and find purpose in life,” he said.

He noted that some of the learners have the potential to become professional artists.

“This fits perfectly within the Heritage-Based Curriculum, where no talent and no learner should be left behind. Marimba strongly reflects our culture and traditions, helping learners connect with their heritage.

Beyond classroom learning, we engage in co-curricular activities to fully develop their abilities and promote our cultural identity,” he said.

“We are promoting arts and culture so that our identity remains intact while nurturing young talent for future success,” added Mr Nare.

The group recently showcased their talents at the Independence Children’s Party celebrations in Maphisa, where they represented the Matabeleland region.