adminLoveness Bepete Chronicle Reporter
Mzilikazi High School, one of Bulawayo’s most illustrious education institutions, held its golden jubilee celebrations yesterday.
The school which was founded in 1964 was first named after Mgandane Dlodlo who was a great commander of the Ndebele army during the reign of King Lobengula. Its name was later changed to Mzilikazi, the founder of the Matebele Kingdom. The name means “the great road.”
Mzilikazi High School headmaster Bhekokuhle Dube said the school has produced and is still producing young and vibrant people in the country.
“We’ve produced politicians and lawyers like the MDC president and lawyer, Professor Welshman Ncube, managing director of First Mutual Life Assurance Ruth Ncube, Yvonne Vera the late internationally recognised novelist,” he said.
He added some football stars like Peter Ndlovu, the late Adam Ndlovu, and the late Benjamin Konjera learnt at the school.
Dube said four pupils at the school play for FC Platinum in the Premier Soccer League.
He said: “Golden jubilee speaks volumes for the success and excellence of Mzilikazi High school through its achievements and products over the years.
“Our ‘A’ Level pass rate has risen from 66 percent in 2008 to 81,3 percent in 2013 and we’re fighting to improve our ‘O’ Level pass rate to rise above 20 percent,” he said.
A Mzilikazi student last year attained 19 points at “A” Level and two students got six As at “O” Level.
The school this year introduced internet learning and WIFI.
Ncube, who was the guest of honour, advised pupils especially girls to work hard towards achieving their goals.
“Many of the issues affecting the entire population have larger effects on women and girls in Zimbabwe and so I urge girls to be determined and achieve better results in life.
“This school remains a beacon of cultural heritage and a preserve of socio economic dynamics that dates back to Mzilikazi,” said Ncube.
She added that she was also a living testimony of the success of the school.
“Today the academic journey whose roots are firmly seated here and the achievements l have scored in industry and commerce have made me to stand before you today as the guest of honour,” she said.
Some prizes were given to excelling teachers and parents. The teacher of the year award went to Sinikiwe Nkomazana and the parent of the year was Magagula Thabani.
First Mutual Life Assurance, among other sponsors donated $1,000 for the stocking of the school library.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu