Judith Phiri, [email protected]
MATOPO High School has recorded notable achievements in academics, sport and cultural activities, with its learners excelling at national competitions and the institution earning recognition for its commitment to holistic education.
The school’s achievements were celebrated during its 2026 Speech and Prize-Giving Day, held under the theme, “Excellence in Action: Mind and Muscle,” which highlights the importance of balancing academic achievement with physical development, talent identification and character building.
Speaking at the event, guest of honour and acting Bishop of the Brethren in Christ Church, Reverend Andrea Sibindi, said the school’s improving Ordinary and Advanced Level results demonstrated the value of combining academic rigour with Christian values and close learner supervision.
“My experience regarding this topic points to pursuing all aspects that build a ‘total person’. Mind and muscle must blend. Matopo High School fits this mould, as exemplified by the school head’s remarks on the achievements of the school over the years,” he said.
“The pass rate at O and A levels shows a healthy graph of progression. These results reflect a deliberate blend of academic rigour, Christian values and close learner supervision. Academically, you are winning.”
Rev Sibindi said the school’s motto, “We strive to build a complete character,” reflected its commitment to developing learners who excel academically while acquiring the values and life skills needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
He urged learners and teachers to maintain high standards, emphasising that excellence required consistency, discipline and hard work.
“Excellence is a habit. It calls for students and staff who are dedicated to hard work, and all the right ingredients must be put into it to come up with a perfect product,” said Rev Sibindi.
He likened the school to an industrial concern, saying every stage of the learning process required quality checks to ensure that learners developed into well-rounded individuals.
Rev Sibindi also emphasised the importance of extracurricular activities in complementing classroom learning, noting that sport and cultural pursuits helped learners develop teamwork, resilience, perseverance and the ability to handle failure.
“Play is important. Grind hard, do not forget to live. We need organised play, hence the school is engaging in sporting, cultural activities and other extracurricular activities,” he said.
“Sport teaches what the textbook cannot, for example, teamwork, resilience, perseverance and handling failure. All these work symbiotically to build character in an individual.”
Addressing learners preparing to leave school, Rev Sibindi warned against substance abuse and negative peer pressure, urging them to remain responsible and focused on their goals.
He said the Christian values instilled at Matopo High should guide learners as they transitioned into adulthood, encouraging them to pursue further education and uphold high standards of personal conduct.
“Real life is not about TikTok, Instagram and so on. Be responsible citizens who set goals, pursue continual education and strive for excellence. The Christian grooming that you received at Matopo should play a role in shaping someone out there,” said Rev Sibindi.
He also commended parents and guardians for continuing to invest in their children’s education despite economic challenges, while supporting the school’s efforts to acquire infrastructure, learning materials, equipment and vehicles.
Matopo High School head, Mr Gardson Sibanda, said the year had been marked by significant progress in academics, sport and cultural activities, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing the whole learner.
He expressed gratitude to church leaders for providing spiritual support through revivals held throughout the year, as well as to parents and guardians for their continued contribution to the school’s development.
Mr Sibanda said the school had 1 041 learners, comprising 877 boarders and 164 day scholars. The boarding population included 459 girls and 418 boys, while day scholars comprised 103 girls and 61 boys.
The institution had 63 teachers, including 40 men and 23 women, alongside 55 non-teaching staff members.
Under the “Mind and Muscle” theme, Mr Sibanda said the school had continued to nurture sporting talent, with several learners representing Matabeleland South at national competitions.
In athletics, seven learners were selected for the provincial team that competed at national level at Prince Edward High School in Harare.
The school also reached national level in under-17 boys’ and girls’ beach volleyball and under-17 boys’ rugby. Neville, a Form One learner nd Siyanda, a Lower Six learner, were recognised as outstanding players in the school’s teams.
In basketball, Andile Ncube, Ayanda Mangena and Thelma Chinhema were selected for the Matabeleland South team that competed nationally. Tanaka Zhou was also selected for the provincial boys’ team.
Matopo High learners also earned provincial cricket selections, with Andile Ncube, Azande Sibanda and Tereraishe Mangena representing the school in the Matabeleland South team.
Six boys — Lindon Madziwa, Wisdom Nyoni, Takunda Maphosa, Awande Phiri, Thabang and Mduduzi Masakadza — also competed at national level in cricket.
In darts, Shekinah Munyenyiwa, Kwazinkosi Dube, Simbarashe Hillary and Brendon Nziramasanga represented the school in the under-16, under-18 and under-20 categories.
The school also competed nationally in the National AIDS Council (NAC) activities, finishing fourth, while its music team placed 12th.
On the academic front, Mr Sibanda said the school continued to record strong results, with learners achieving impressive grades and securing opportunities at leading institutions.
Ntokozo Ncube attained 14 As and is studying at the United States Achievers Programme (USAP) school in Marondera, while Kean Moyo obtained 12 As and three Bs and secured a Makomborero scholarship to study at Gateway College in Harare.
Mr Sibanda said 13 learners attained 10 points or more at A Level, with the school recording two learners who achieved 19 points, two with 18 points, one with 17 points, two with 16 points, two with 15 points, four with 14 points and one with 13 points.
Fourteen learners — 12 girls and two boys — were also recognised for excellence in action.
The school further received an award recognising it as the best A-Level school in Matabeleland South based on the November 2025 results.
Beyond academic and sporting achievements, Mr Sibanda said Matopo High continued to equip learners with practical skills and exposure to opportunities beyond the classroom.
The school offers driving lessons and organises educational tours to destinations including Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, the Eastern Highlands, Matobo National Park and the museum in Bulawayo.
Career guidance is also a key part of the school calendar, with universities, colleges and companies invited to introduce learners to further education options and career opportunities.
Mr Sibanda said the school’s commitment to innovation and social engagement had also earned international recognition.
He said Matopo High was among institutions recognised at the 41st World Education Summit held at Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 26, where it received an award for being the most socially active school.
Mr Sibanda thanked parents and guardians for meeting their financial obligations, saying timely payment of school fees had helped the institution manage its operations despite challenges.
He also commended teachers and other staff members for their dedication, saying their commitment under difficult conditions had contributed significantly to the school’s continued academic and extracurricular achievements.
Mr Sibanda said the school would continue building on its progress by nurturing learners who combine academic excellence, practical skills, sporting ability and strong moral values.
