malvernmugadzikwa
Francis Gakanje
Midlands Christian College from the Midlands province and Munashe High School from the Mashonaland East province emerged as the winners in Pool A and B, respectively, in the 3rd edition of the Capital Markets High Schools Quiz competition, which took place in Harare on Wednesday.
The quiz was organised by Business Weekly, in partnership with Financial Markets Indaba (FMI).
The competition, which sought to enhance the learners’ knowledge and understanding of financial and capital markets, will hold its other semi-finals today while the finals will be held on October 30, 2024.
The quiz competition is tailored to enlighten high school pupils on capital markets and the stock exchange and how the two contribute to economic development.
ZB Financial Holdings (ZBFH) is the headline sponsor for the competition while Zimswitch Technologies is the gold sponsor. Other sponsors are Delta Limited, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Tika Shoes, and Novitel Capital.
Technical partners are the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, IPAZ and the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange.
In her official remarks at the event, ZBFH executive head of marketing Cynthia Muzira, represented by Ms Kezinet Ndlovu said the quiz is of paramounts importants which “feels us with purpose”.
“I am honoured to share in a vision that reaches beyond this generation. A vision that can change lives and shape the future of our student. A world where every child understand the meaning of true worth and how to work for it.
“This is the world we try to build for our children. Together we stand united in our mission to empower our students and lock their full potential as we strive to create happy people. Challenges are there and will always be there, but today we bridge the gap by being here and partnering for this worthy cause.”
She added that ZBHF was creating a nurturing environment that leaves no one behind, creating a world where every child understands the meaning of true wealth and how to work for it.
“Today we create a siphon of change and happy people.”
Director of Investor Education at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZim), Farai Mpofu commended FMI and Business Weekly for their efforts in mounting this educational quiz.
“We salute you learners and your teachers for demonstrating such excellence,” said Mrs Mpofu.
She said the commission is planning to engage with schools to discuss topics on financial literacy and the capital market, indicating their commitment to education and outreach.
“I am happy to announce that when we make these visits we will be making available to you our toolkit which contains everything you need to know about the capital market.
She noted that the Investment 101 handbook, which many students used for the quiz, is just one of several resources available.
Mrs Mpofu encouraged students to use availed resources not only for competition but also to discuss the topics with family and friends, promoting a self-sustaining and self-funded country through financial discipline.
Pool A winning team, Midlands Christian College’s quiz team captain, Gamuchirai Kamuzonde expressed pride in both her team’s efforts and success despite being in the midst of exams.
“Today we stand victorious, but our journey was not without its setbacks, from the countless meetings and study sessions we had prior to the occasion.”
Munashe High School, the pool B winning team led by Rudaviro Kabvundura mentioned gaining knowledge about financial markets during yesterday’s quiz competition.
Mr Kabvundura said that he and his teammates are looking forward to competing in the final round of the quiz competitions.
“I would like to thank the organisers for providing us students with such a platform where we can showcase our knowledge of the capital markets and stock exchanges,” said Mr Kabvundura.
Bongani Ndlovu