Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza, Zimpapers Reporter
THE national final of the Nestlé Cerevita Smart Schools Showdown brought Zimbabwe’s top quiz teams together for a day-long contest of knowledge and strategic teamwork, with schools battling through rounds to claim the national title.
From the opening buzzer to the final tie-breaker, the competition’s structure tested breadth and depth of knowledge across science, literature, current affairs and general knowledge, ensuring the winners demonstrated consistent accuracy under pressure.
Teams advanced to the nationals after rigorous zonal and regional heats, and the finale showcased polished teamwork where students delegated subject responsibilities, timed answers precisely, and consulted silently to concalls into points.
Judges and moderators enforced clear rules and impartial adjudication throughout the contest, keeping score with each point reflected correct procedure rather than guesswork or confusion.Coaches and teachers were visible at the venue as strategic advisors and morale boosters, helping teams refine buzzer technique, answer sequencing and time management during breaks between rounds.
National Head for Debate, Public Speaking and Quiz Speech Mr Khumbulani Sibanda said sponsoring the Smart Schools Showdown is about investing in platforms where young people can stretch their curiosity.
“They can showcase critical thinking under competitive conditions.”We invested in all topics by strength and learned to trust each other,” said Mr Sibanda.Mr Sibanda framed the nationals as a development arena for future leaders and thinkers.”This competition is not just about winning, it’s about exploring ideas, challenging ourselves, and learning from one another.”Your presence here today is already proof of your dedication and excellence,” he added.
This highlights the competition’s role in nurturing intellectual confidence.In this regard Mr Sibanda said that the Showdown’s zonal-to-national format guarantees wide participation and creates a transparent pathway for schools.
“Schools from all provinces can compete on an equal footing, reinforcing the contest’s credibility and reach.”We continue to value teamwork, maintain fair play, and keep competing, the skills sharpened in the Smart Schools Showdown are the lasting prize beyond trophies and medals.”
The Nestlé Cerevita Smart Schools Showdown reached its climax at the nationals, rewarding both quick recall and collaborative problem-solving as competitors moved through quarterfinals, semifinals and the final showdown.
Speaking on behalf of Managing Director and Cluster Head Mr Tavia Matikiti, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestlé Zimbabwe, positioned Nestlé Cerevita’s sponsorship as an investment in the competition’s reach and competitive integrity, urging contestants to embrace preparation and perseverance.
“The NESTLÉ CEREVITA Smart Schools Showdown Quiz exists to recognise and reward academic excellence while inspiring students to believe, ‘I can,’He emphasised the sponsorship directly around the competition’s purpose and the contestants’ competitive journey.”By investing in education and empowering young people through initiatives like this quiz.
“we help unlock potential, drive innovation, and build a stronger, more resilient Zimbabwe,” he said.He highlighted disciplined rehearsal, subject-specialisation within teams.”When we create shared value, we uplift families, schools, and the nation as a whole.”Every bowl of NESTLÉ CEREVITA not only fuels the body, but also supports the dreams, ambitions, and future opportunities of the next generation,”he added.
Pride Mwanaka — Marist Brothers Nyanga High School, ManicalandPride Mwanaka of Marist Brothers Nyanga High School in Manicaland said his team finished second at the Nestlé Cerevita Smart Schools Showdown Nationals after battling through unclear questions and a late comeback effort.
“Pride said the competition tested their resolve; they started poorly but recovered in later rounds, pushing scores up with strong fourth- and fifth-round performances.”
“He also criticised question clarity, arguing several of their correct answers were rejected because the questions allowed multiple valid responses, and urged organisers to make questions more precise to protect competitive integrity.
“Beauty Ptinkula of Somvubu High School in Matabeleland North said her team won first place at the nationals and described the contest as an unexpected but transformative competitive opportunity.”The nutrition category was the toughest subject for my team and where we scored lowest, yet we held on to secure the title.”
“I encourage other students to enter such quizzes for the chance to win resources and prizes that can directly support school development,”she said.
Marist Brothers Nyanga High School in Manicaland scholar Pride Mwanaka said his team recovered from a slow start to finish second”I’m grateful we made the nationals and proud of how we came back strong in the fourth and fifth rounds, but several of our correct answers were disallowed because the questions were not precise.
“I feel Nestlé should make questions more factual and clear so the competition rewards correct knowledge rather than answers dismissed for being explained differently,”he said.Laurence Chokoto of Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East said his team placed third at the nationals and found some categories, especially nutrition, particularly challenging.
“The competition was stiff but we appreciate our third place position and we hope to improve in the next.“It’s be here and i would like to thank the Nestle Group for this opportunity and awards they brought for us as these will help us alot make us worker harder for the next competition,” said Mr Chokoto.
