Online Reporter
Zimpapers Senior Writer
Montrose High School is raising young women who are disciplined, courageous and ready to face challenges even in a world where life outside the classroom can be tough, renowned business leader Dr Busisa Moyo has said.
In a speech read on his behalf by United Refineries Human Resources Manager, Ms Bridget Sibanda, during the school’s 2025 Prize Giving Ceremony in Bulawayo, Dr Moyo commended Montrose for its outstanding academic performance and holistic approach to education.
He said this year’s theme, “Unfolding a young woman for a changing world”, was timely as it reflected the demands of a fast-paced and unpredictable future.
“What I see at Montrose is a school preparing its girls not just to keep up, but to stand tall and lead,” said Dr Moyo.
Acknowledging the school’s impressive academic record, he said “This year’s results say a lot. A 100 percent pass rate at A-level and O-level results above the national average those numbers do not come easily. They come from hours of hard work, from students pushing themselves, and from teachers who go the extra mile to guide and encourage.”
Dr Moyo praised Montrose’s broad curriculum, which he said goes far beyond academics.
“But what makes Montrose truly remarkable is that learning here is not only about exam marks. This school gives its girls every chance to grow in sport, in the arts, in leadership. From rugby and tennis at national level, to debating and public speaking competitions, Montrose girls are proving that talent and determination open doors everywhere.”
He also applauded the school’s forward-looking projects.
“For instance, the new borehole and horticulture project, the work on the swimming pool, even planning for teachers’ housing—these are not just facilities. They are investments in a stronger, more supportive community for the future.”
Above all, he said Montrose’s strength lies in the values instilled in its learners.
“What inspires me most, though, is not the buildings or the trophies. It’s the character of the girls. Montrose is raising young women who are disciplined, brave, and ready to face challenges—even when life outside these walls is not easy.
“To the students: remember this—education is your tool, but your character is your compass. The world you are stepping into will change in ways we cannot predict, but the values you are building here—hard work, courage, honesty—those will never go out of style.”
Dr Moyo extended gratitude to teachers, parents and guardians for their role in nurturing the learners.
“To the teachers and staff: thank you for the patience, care, and commitment that lies behind every success we celebrate today. You are not just teaching subjects—you are shaping lives.
“To the parents and guardians: your sacrifices often go unseen in public, but they are deeply felt. Today’s achievements belong to you as much as to the girls.
“And finally, to the prize winners: congratulations. Take pride in what you’ve done, but remember—success is not a single moment. It’s the habit of giving your best, every day.”
He wished Montrose continued growth in its mission to shape strong, capable women.
“Montrose, may you continue to grow as a place where young women find both knowledge and the courage to use it.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Montrose High School Headmistress, Mrs Sekai Mafuva said the school remains committed to nurturing disciplined, innovative and well-rounded learners through the Heritage-based curriculum.
“With the Heritage-based curriculum we wish to unfold a holistic young woman for a changing world. The project is there to improve critical thinking and problem solving using the available materials in our vicinity as well as solve problems affecting the school community.
“ For this we connected the school on STARLINK to assist girls and the teachers with research,” said Mrs Mafuva.
She said Montrose High School also prioritises sporting excellence, offering a wide range of disciplines beyond traditional netball.
“We also offer sports courts not only netball but a variety of them including tennis and rugby. The girls participated in these games up to international level. We applaud and encourage them to continue doing the good job.
“One of our own, Pamela Moyo, got a scholarship and is now playing at international level in South Africa.
“In rugby, we have Diana Dzingai who also played for the national team at international level. I would like to thank our stakeholders, parents and teachers for your unwavering support.”
Mrs Mafuva noted that academic performance has been steadily improving, rising from 30.4 percent in 2022 to 38.64 percent in 2023 and 36 percent in 2024.
“This has been possible due to student girls, the teachers and the parents’ commitment. Let’s keep on working together for the betterment of our children.”
However, she said the school faces challenges in delivering STEM subjects due to shortages of qualified teachers.
“The STEM subjects are affected by lack of teachers especially Physics, but I thank parents for chipping in to pay this rare species. We hope to lure some to our school so that STEM subjects are also offered.”
However, she extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their support.
“I would like to thank the district and provincial offices continually guiding us and helping us in all our needs. Thank you parents for the financial support, protection and everything.
“Not forgetting our service providers for supporting us with our needs. Let us continue to celebrate our learners’ achievements and provide them with the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential.”
Montrose High School, which opened its doors in January 1971, has an enrolment of 630 girls.
It offers 22 O-level learning areas—including practical subjects that equip learners with life skills—and 13 A-level subjects.
