Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
MAGWEGWE High School celebrated academic, sporting and cultural excellence during its 2026 Speech and Prize-Giving Day yesterday, with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo, challenging learners to embrace discipline, work hard and stay away from drugs.
Addressing pupils, parents, staff and alumni as Guest of Honour, Moyo, himself a former pupil and one of the pioneering learners at the Bulawayo school, said discipline remained the foundation for success in education and life.
Speaking under the theme, “Celebrating Achievement, Excellence and Embracing our Heritage”, the Permanent Secretary reflected on his own journey from the school’s early years and urged learners to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
“You have been given a golden opportunity by your parents to prepare for your future,” he said, adding that punctuality, respect, hard work and a commitment to learning were essential ingredients for success.
He warned learners against drug and substance abuse, describing it as a growing threat capable of destroying young people’s futures.
“Let me also plead with you to stay away from drugs. This usually begins as a casual encounter with a drink or some other substance but later develops into a dangerous habit that will destroy your entire future. I implore you to stay away from drugs and also places that may put you at risk of substance abuse,” said Perm Sec Moyo.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged learners to participate in sporting, cultural and other extra-curricular activities, saying such programmes help build confidence, character and leadership skills. He commended the school’s achievements in athletics, music and literature, highlighting the success of learner-athlete Lethubuhle Sibanda, the anti-drug song Izidakamizwa released by the school’s music group Vocal Essence and the forthcoming poetry anthology Izwi Lesizukulwane.
He further urged pupils preparing for public examinations to work hard and contribute towards improving the school’s academic performance.
Earlier, school headmaster Mr William Ncube said the institution currently has an enrolment of 1 451 learners comprising 788 boys and 673 girls, supported by 83 members of staff, the majority of whom hold university degrees.
Despite challenges in some academic areas, he said the school continued striving for improvement.
“Our 2025 Ordinary Level results stood at 14%, which is unsatisfactory, and we continue to work hard to improve them. However, at Advanced Level, the pass rate was an impressive 96 percent,” said Ncube.
The headmaster highlighted a number of notable achievements recorded by the school in sport, arts and culture.
“Our school has excelled in athletics at district, provincial and national levels. Our learners also played darts, and the national under-age champion is none other than our own Gerald Mazhayimbe,” he said.
He added that the school’s cultural programme continued to flourish, with learners producing creative works that showcase their talent and heritage.
“Our music group released a single entitled Izidakamizwa. This year, a talented group of learners ranging from Form One to Upper Six published an anthology titled Izwi Lesizukulwane. This collection of young people’s poems will be launched later this year,” said Ncube.
However, the headmaster said the school continued to face infrastructure challenges.
“Most of our challenges stem from ageing infrastructure and a lack of adequate funds to maintain and repair school facilities and equipment. In the coming months, it is our strategic focus to address the furniture shortages and urgently improve the school’s toilet facilities,” he said.
Ncube paid tribute to parents, staff, corporate partners, churches, trade unions and the Magwegwe Former Students Association (MAFOSA) for their unwavering support. He said the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony would not have been possible without the assistance of alumni and stakeholders who have consistently supported development initiatives.
“Throughout the past years, our alumni have consistently stepped up to support the school, both individually and in groups,” he said.
In his keynote address, Moyo also challenged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education by paying school fees, attending meetings and supporting school activities. He commended the teaching staff for their commitment to implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum and nurturing learners both inside and outside the classroom.
The Permanent Secretary also paid tribute to past school heads, including founding headmaster Gerald Evans, and praised Ncube for supporting the formalisation of MAFOSA, which he described as “a sleeping giant awakening”.
He urged former students to continue investing in the school’s development, noting that alumni had played a key role in providing Starlink internet connectivity, learning materials, sporting equipment, furniture repairs, water infrastructure improvements and support for cultural projects.
As part of his contribution to the school, Moyo donated five soccer balls, five netballs, five volleyballs, five mbira instruments, a whiteboard, a printer, 10 laptops for the Computer Studies
Department and two dart boards. He also announced plans for the construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports court by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in 2027.
The colourful ceremony saw outstanding learners receive awards for excellence in academics, sport, leadership and cultural activities, as the school celebrated achievement while looking ahead to addressing its challenges and building on its rich legacy.
