Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT, schools, industry and communities must work together to identify and nurture young talent from an early age if Zimbabwe is to realise its Vision 2030 aspirations, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has said.
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the Matabeleland South Provincial Annual Sports, Science and Arts Festival (PASSAF) in Beitbridge on Tuesday, Minister Nguluvhe said the platform was proving that learners possess the skills, creativity and innovation needed to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The festival brought together learners from across the province to showcase their abilities in sport, science, technology, innovation, culture and the arts ahead of the National Annual Sports, Science and Arts Festival (NASSAF).
“Today’s festival gives us renewed confidence in the future of Zimbabwe. It demonstrates that our learners possess the knowledge, creativity, resilience and talent needed to drive our nation’s socio-economic transformation,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“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.
“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 all stakeholders had a responsibility to ensure that no learner’s talent goes to waste, adding that the ASSAF series plays a critical role in identifying future athletes, scientists, innovators and artists.
“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 emphasised.
He urged the private sector to partner the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education by mentoring learners, investing in innovative ideas and creating pathways that transform talent into careers and business opportunities.
“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,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Heritage-Based Curriculum was producing innovative, patriotic learners grounded in Ubuntu.
Provincial Chief Director of Education Services Mrs Beatrice Manjere said PASSAF directly supports the National Development Strategy 2 through human capital development, innovation and industrialisation, the digital economy and social cohesion fostered through culture and sport.
“In 2026, a total of 1 019 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,” she said.
Mrs Manjere said Bulilima District will host next year’s provincial festival.
Chief Tshitaudze described PASSAF as an important platform for identifying talent in both 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.
He called for increased support for schools and learners to ensure promising talent is identified, nurtured and developed.
