Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
MATABELELAND South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe has called on the Government, schools, industry and communities to take collective responsibility in identifying and nurturing talent in learners from an early age.
He was speaking in Beitbridge on Tuesday during the official closing of the Matabeleland South Provincial Annual Sports Science Arts Festival (PASSAF), which brought together learners from across the province to showcase innovation, sport, culture and the arts.
“Today’s festival gives us renewed confidence in the future of Zimbabwe. It demonstrates that our learners possess the knowledge, creativity, resilience and talent needed to drive our nation’s socio-economic transformation,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“Modern education is no longer confined to textbooks and examinations. It must inspire learners to think critically, solve real-life problems, innovate and create opportunities for themselves and others.
“Great inventions and discoveries are born when young minds are encouraged to explore, experiment and express themselves freely. The Annual Sports Science Festival is much more than a competition or exhibition.
“It is a comprehensive talent identification and development programme that provides learners with opportunities to discover their abilities in sports, science, technology, innovation, visual and performing arts, culture and heritage.”
Minister Nguluvhe said it is the duty of all stakeholders to ensure no talent is wasted, adding that the ASSAF series also plays a critical role in talent identification.
He said many of Zimbabwe’s outstanding athletes, scientists, innovators, artists and cultural ambassadors begin their journey through platforms such as this.
“It is therefore our collective responsibility to ensure that these talents are identified early, nurtured consistently and supported until they reach their full potential,” he said.
The minister urged the private sector to partner with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and invited industry, commerce, sports associations, tertiary institutions and the arts sector to mentor learners, invest in ideas and create pathways for talent to grow into enterprises and careers.
“As we pursue Vision 2030 as envisioned by His Excellency, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa through the National Development Strategy 2, we recognise that the greatest resource of any nation is its people,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe added that the Heritage-Based Curriculum was producing learners who are innovative, patriotic and grounded in Ubuntu.
The provincial Chief Director of Education Services, Mrs Beatrice Manjere, said PASSAF aligns directly to NDS2.
She noted that the festival contributes in four areas, which include human capital development, innovation and industrialisation, digital economy, and social cohesion through culture and sport.
“In 2026, a total of 1019 pupils took part in PASSAF. We have assembled a 141-member team of pupils from across Mat South schools which will represent the province at NASSAF to be held again in Beitbridge,” said Mrs Manjere.
She added that next year’s provincial festival will be hosted in Bulilima. Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge said the festival was a vital tool for finding talent in rural and urban schools.
“PASSAF is a good vehicle to unearth raw talent from the margins and across the rural and urban schools,” he said.
The traditional leader also called for more support for schools and learners to identify and develop potential.
