Historic NASSAF set for Beitbridge

Beitbridge will host the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (NASSAF) from September 21 to 25 at Oakleigh House Trust School, becoming the first district in Matabeleland South Province to stage Zimbabwe’s premier school co-curricular festival.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is expected to attract thousands of learners, teachers, education officials and visitors from the country’s ten provinces, providing a major boost to the local economy.

Matabeleland South Chief Education Director Beatrice Manjere said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage.

“Matabeleland South is hosting the 2026 NASSAF and the host district is Beitbridge. The province is excited to host and is working hard to ensure the event is a success.

“Preparations are at an advanced stage as the days are now numbered,” she said.
Manjere said the festival would provide local communities with an opportunity to witness national competitions and exhibitions while allowing schools in Beitbridge to showcase their hospitality.

“It will be booming business for the local community in terms of food, transport and accommodation,” she said.

“This festival contributes in four areas which include human capital development, innovation and industrialisation, digital economy, and social cohesion through culture and sport. In 2026, a total of 1019 pupils took part in PASSAF. We have assembled a 141-member team of pupils from across Matabeleland South schools which will represent the province at NASSAF to be held again in Beitbridge.”

Beitbridge District Schools Inspector Mr Mbofhololo Freedom Muleya said businesses were already experiencing increased demand ahead of the event.

“Economically, our businesses and community will benefit. Our hotels are fully booked and locals are also renting out rooms for accommodation.

“For our learners and teachers, this will provide valuable exposure and improve the way we conduct our business in schools,” he said.
NASSAF is the highest level of competition under Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and features science and technology exhibitions, sports competitions, arts performances and technical and vocational skills displays.

The festival rotates among Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces on a ten-year cycle, making this the first time Matabeleland South has hosted the national event.
Speaking at the PASSAF recently held at the same venue in Beitbridge, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, called on Government,

schools, industry and communities to take collective responsibility in identifying and nurturing learner talent from an early age.

“Modern education is no longer confined to textbooks and examinations. It must inspire learners to think critically, solve real-life problems, innovate and create opportunities for themselves and others. Great inventions and discoveries are born when young minds are encouraged to explore, experiment and express themselves freely,” he said.

“The Annual Sports Science Festival is much more than a competition or exhibition. It is a comprehensive talent identification and development programme that provides learners with opportunities to discover their abilities in sports, science, technology, innovation, visual and performing arts, culture and heritage.”

Minister Nguluvhe said it is the duty of all stakeholders to ensure no talent is wasted.

“Many of Zimbabwe’s outstanding athletes, scientists, innovators, artists and cultural ambassadors begin their journey through platforms such as this. It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that these talents are identified early, nurtured consistently and supported until they reach their full potential,” he said.

The Minister urged the private sector to partner with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

“I invite industry, commerce, sports associations, tertiary institutions and the arts sector to mentor learners, invest in ideas and create pathways for talent to grow into enterprises and careers,” he said.

“As we pursue Vision 2030 as envisioned by His Excellency, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa through the National Development Strategy 2, we recognise that the greatest resource of any nation is its people.”

Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge said the festival was a vital tool for finding talent in rural and urban schools.

“PASSAF is a good vehicle to unearth raw talent from the margins and across the rural and urban schools,” he said.