Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube and Tanaka Nkala
MILTON High School on Friday celebrated its 115th anniversary with a lively Speech and Prize-Giving Day, honouring outstanding academic, sporting and cultural achievers.
The event was held under the theme: “Milton at 115 — Celebrating Unity in Diversity, Bridging Heritage and Innovation.”
The guest of honour, Mr Patrick Maseko, challenged learners to rethink the purpose of education beyond passing examinations. He urged them to combine knowledge with curiosity, creativity and integrity, warning that “qualifications will matter very little” without interpersonal skills and critical thinking.
“Education must not just be about 2+2=4. It should be about asking why and learning how to apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems,” he said, inspiring students to own their future success stories.
He also reminded learners to uphold Milton’s proud heritage of leadership, discipline and service, urging them to end rivalries and use their talents to uplift their communities.
“You must not be the humble beginning your children will one day quote. Be the generation that changes the story,” he said.
Headmaster Mr Similo Ncube reflected on the school’s long-standing legacy of nurturing excellence since its establishment in 1910, making it one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most respected boys’ high schools.
“Milton continues to develop socially responsible leaders. Our learners are active in civic initiatives — one was elected Junior Minister of Commercial Affairs, while another chairs the Bulawayo Central Peace Club, which runs anti-violence campaigns,” said Mr Ncube.
He said the school’s high standards were maintained by a qualified and experienced teaching staff, many of whom hold master’s and doctoral degrees.
The headmaster also highlighted the school’s achievements in sports and innovation, which have cemented its reputation as a well-rounded institution. Milton’s rugby, tennis, hockey, cricket, squash and athletics teams have produced national champions, with some learners representing Zimbabwe internationally. Learners from the school were selected for National Teams in sports like rugby, where the U-20 team won a silver and beat Australia, high jump (earning a gold medal), tennis (representing Zimbabwe across Africa), hockey, cricket, darts and squash.
In addition to academic and sporting success, the school has embraced modern learning through ICT integration. Two students, Joshua Kumbula and Ngonidzashe Safrawo, recently won national awards in Akello Online Learning competitions.
The school has also benefitted from strong alumni support, which recently donated a high-capacity borehole to ensure a reliable water supply.
Milton High continues to pioneer heritage-based innovation, with ongoing development projects in poultry farming, mushroom cultivation and green energy initiatives — reflecting its commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning.
Mr Ncube said the school’s blend of heritage, innovation and discipline ensures that Milton continues to “produce champions and responsible citizens” — a legacy that has stood firm for over a century.
Bongani Ndlovu