Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
AN 18-YEAR-OLD former Chibuwe Technical High School learner has designed and built a fully operational four wheeled “light motor buggy” using components from a standard motorbike — a feat that has drawn national attention and positioned the school as a hub for practical technical education.
Tinotenda Mapipi, who completed his ZIMSEC Ordinary Level examinations last year, spent several months converting a two wheeler into a road worthy vehicle.
His project demonstrates how everyday mechanical parts can be repurposed into a functional automobile, offering a tangible example of Zimbabwe’s Heritage Based Education curriculum in action.
Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, Honourable Angeline Gata, visited the school yesterday (Thursday) to view the invention and praised Mapipi’s ingenuity, highlighting the school’s role in nurturing hands on learning.
“This is exactly what the Heritage Based Curriculum envisions — learners who are innovators, creators and producers. We are proud to see a school embracing technical education in such a concrete and practical way.
‘‘What has been achieved here shows that our learners, when given the right tools and guidance, can produce remarkable results,” she said.
Built from a salvaged motorbike engine, chassis, and suspension parts, the buggy has already undergone basic road tests on the school grounds.
Mapipi hopes to refine the design further and eventually register the vehicle for use on public roads.
The petrol powered vehicle, equipped with a 15 litre fuel tank, carries one passenger in the front and two in the cargo bed.
What began as an experiment has evolved into a working prototype, symbolising both youthful creativity and the school’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation.
Deputy Minister Gata described the achievement as a clear reflection of national education reforms taking root at grassroots level, noting that Chibuwe Technical High School is demonstrating how technical and vocational skills can drive community focused solutions and national development.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the vehicle should be understood as more than recognition of one learner’s brilliance.
“Technical high schools are not just a concept on paper, but institutions capable of producing skills that contribute to national development,” said Deputy Minister Gata, reiterating that such achievements validate the Heritage‑Based Curriculum’s emphasis on Science, Technology and vocational skills.
The curriculum seeks to recognise diverse learner abilities, ensuring that those inclined towards technical and practical disciplines are given space to excel.
“For too long, technical education was sometimes viewed as secondary to purely academic pathways. That mindset is changing.
‘‘We need engineers, artisans, innovators and manufacturers. What we are witnessing here is the future of Zimbabwe taking shape,” said Deputy Minister Gata, adding that the Government will continue to support institutions that align themselves with this vision.
“We will stand behind schools that embrace innovation and practical learning.
‘‘Our objective is to ensure that learners leave school empowered, not only with certificates, but with competencies,” she said.
Chibuwe Technical High School’s transition into a technical high school has been deliberate, according to the school head, Mr Needmore Maposa.
Mr Maposa said in recent years the institution has strengthened its practical subject offerings, invested in workshop facilities and encouraged learners to view technical disciplines as viable career pathways rather than secondary options.
The learner‑built car is the most visible outcome of that strategy, he said.
Mr Maposa said the vehicle represents a new chapter for the institution.
“Government made a conscious decision to reposition Chibuwe Technical High School as one of the first 11 technical hubs in the country a few years ago, and we are happy to announce that we are one of the first to bring forward results.
‘‘This project is proof that when practical subjects are prioritised, learners respond with innovation and confidence.
Our goal is to produce graduands who can create solutions, start enterprises and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation,” he said.
The technical school has standalone innovation and engineering, hotel and catering, sports, horticulture department, animal husbandry, media and arts and culture departments.
He said a school of languages will be introduced soon.
Mr Maposa noted that the school’s technical focus aligns with national aspirations to equip learners with competencies beyond traditional academic achievement.
“Education must empower learners with skills that are usable and productive. This car is not just a project; it is evidence that our learners are capable of applying classroom knowledge to real‑world challenges,” he said.
Tinotenda Mapipi, said the journey required persistence and teamwork, crediting teachers for providing mentorship throughout the process.
“I was inspired by the idea of building something from the ground up.
‘‘Through guidance from my instructors, I was able to turn concepts into a working model.
‘‘It has strengthened my passion for engineering and innovation. Most of all, I built this vehicle. At first it was just an idea.
‘‘I wanted to see if I could transform a motorbike into something that could carry more passengers, because we have transport challenges in this area.
‘‘After several adjustments and testing, it finally worked. This has shown me that it is possible to turn ideas into something real,” he said.
Community leaders have also welcomed the school’s transformation, describing it as a source of pride and opportunity for local learners who may previously have felt limited by geography.
“This achievement proves that innovation is not confined to urban centres. Our learners have the same potential as any others in the country.
‘‘By becoming a technical high school, Chibuwe High School is opening doors for many young people,” said a School Development Committee representative.
The ripple effects are already visible within the school community.
Learners pursuing technical subjects such as Woodwork Technology and Arts and Culture have reportedly shown renewed enthusiasm, inspired by the practical demonstration of what can be accomplished.
Form Four learner, Sharon Chanduru (16), said the project has reshaped perceptions among them.
“When we see one of us assembling a vehicle, it changes how we view our subjects.
‘‘It makes us realise that technical learning leads to real outcomes,” she said.
Chief Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza said such developments contribute to broader economic goals by nurturing home‑grown expertise in manufacturing and mechanical engineering.
Within the school, the impact of the project is already being felt, with learners pursuing technical subjects showing renewed interest after witnessing what one of their peers was able to achieve.
