Fortune Makoni in Inyathi
INYATHI High School has reaffirmed its commitment to holistic education, celebrating academic excellence, sporting achievements and discipline while recognising learners who represented the institution in national competitions.
The school achieved a 100 percent pass rate at both Advanced Level and Ordinary Level in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examinations.
At Advanced Level, the school had 86 candidates, with 85 percent scoring at least 10 points. The top-performing learners included candidates who scored 20 points across four subjects, while several others attained 15 points in three subjects.
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA)-run school in Bubi District, Matabeleland North, held its Speech and Prize-Giving Day yesterday, with speakers emphasising the importance of combining academic success with strong Christian values and good character.
Held under the theme, “Encouraging Values, Rising in Excellence,” the ceremony recognised learners who excelled in their studies, demonstrated exemplary conduct and distinguished themselves in extracurricular activities.
In his address, guest of honour Dr Phathisani Sibanda called for inclusive education, urging schools to create supportive environments where every learner feels valued regardless of individual differences.
He said learners experiencing academic difficulties should receive additional support to help them overcome challenges and access educational opportunities.
“Let us therefore create a conducive environment where every learner feels valued, despite individual differences. In other words, inclusivity is non-negotiable,” he said.
The school head, Mr Nkululeko Zidla, highlighted the school’s impressive journey since its founding in 1859, evolving from a primary school focused on basic literacy to a high school that consistently produces some of the best Ordinary Level results.
“It has risen from being a primary school where people were just being taught how to read and write to a high school in 1955 and has been producing the best results at Ordinary Level,” he said.
Beyond academics, Mr Zidla highlighted achievements in sport and extracurricular activities, including national-level successes in cricket and basketball.
He said the school’s public-speaking team finished first nationally after competing against other schools.
Mr Zidla said the institution planned to cultivate more than three hectares of maize this year as part of its agricultural projects.
However, he said growing demand for places and limited resources were putting pressure on the school’s infrastructure.
Mr Zidla identified the need for a new dormitory, improvements to the ageing sewer system and additional information and communication technology equipment to support learning and research.
He said the sewer system had been constructed when the school had about 100 learners, compared with more than 600 currently enrolled.
“The shortage of computers is another concern as learners need access to technology for research and learning. We are appealing to parents to continue supporting the school and the cooperation between the institution and families will help address the challenges,” said Mr Zidla.
In his welcome remarks, deputy head Mr Mkhululi Sibanda urged learners and staff to uphold Ubuntu, integrity, hard work, commitment and transparency, saying these values should guide their conduct and decisions.
He also thanked parents and guardians for entrusting the school with the education and development of their children.
Delivering the devotions, UCCSA pastor, Reverend Rolter Orpah Makaya drew inspiration from Psalm 127:1, which emphasises the importance of God in building a house and compared this to nurturing learners through academic achievement, discipline and character development.
She said the school’s achievements should be viewed alongside the values shaping learners into responsible individuals.
“Your values are a foundation. Your excellence is yours, but God is the builder of both,” she said.
In the academic category, Nolwandle Sibanda was named the overall best prize winner in Form One, while Archiford Msipha received the top award in Form Two.
Vamokuhle Ndlovu was recognised as the overall best prize winner in Form Three, with Kuthula Mlotshwa taking the honour in Form Four.
In the sixth form, Proud Manamike was recognised in Lower Six commercials while Thokozani Ndlovu was named the overall best prize winner in Upper Six Sciences.
The school also celebrated learners who represented it in national-level competitions across several disciplines.
In debate, Minenhle Mahlaba, Mbongiseni Maseko and Vuyo Dube were recognised for their achievements while Mlauzi Miguel represented the school in chess.
Stephen Dube competed in handball, Emmanuel Nhatare in cricket and Amuthlilani was recognised in girls’ basketball. Tatenda Goche and Xhanti Ndlovu were acknowledged for their achievements in boys’ basketball.
The awards also highlighted the school’s emphasis on discipline and personal presentation.
Vimbai Mandaza and Ayanda Nyamandi received awards for being the most disciplined learners. Sindiso Sibanda and Thelma Zindoga were named the smartest senior learners, while Doreen Gurajena and Tadiwa Machingambi received the same recognition in the junior category.
Staff members were also recognised through the Best Teacher of the Year and Best Ancillary Worker awards.
Talent Mduzu, who is a public speaker, highlighted the importance of education and access to information.
“Information is liberation. Education is the path to progress and everybody is part of that education,” she said.
School head boy Donato Nyathi said the ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate academic achievement, discipline, talent and hard work while acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents and the school administration.
He congratulated the award recipients and encouraged learners to remain focused and determined, saying success was measured not only by awards but also by perseverance, good character and continuous improvement.
The celebrations included a musical performance by Shekinah, whose song, featuring the words “Inyathi High, we rise”, reflected the school’s aspirations.
Learner leadership also came into focus, with head girl Sizolwethu Phiri, deacon, Mr Thabani Ncube, deaconess Ms Lizzy Makumbe, peer educator president Sandile Thebe, her deputy, Sindiso Sibanda and chief usher Mthebe Sikhosana among those recognised.
Flag boys Zibusiso Moyo and Tapiwa Matashu, as well as junior librarian heads Michael Zenda and Avril Phiri, were also acknowledged.
The school thanked local businesses, including 442 Stores, Best Stores, Mega Supermarket and Mai Two Stores, as well as businesses and stakeholders from Bulawayo, for supporting the institution.
Inyathi High School’s mission is to prepare learners for tertiary education through academic and sporting excellence underpinned by Christian values.
Guided by its motto, “When education began, we were there,” the school emphasises faith, discipline, respect, wisdom, accountability, Ubuntu, empathy and humility as values that shape learners beyond the classroom.
