Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
PLUMTREE High School on Friday held its annual speech and prize-giving day, a colourful event that celebrated academic excellence, sporting achievement and talent development under the theme “Innovating our Heritage.”
Guest of honour, the Mangwe District Schools Inspector, Mrs Lian Dube, commended the school for its remarkable results, describing Plumtree High as a centre of excellence in Matabeleland South Province and the country as a whole.
“Allow me to commend the school for a commendable academic performance this year. The 2024 O-level pass rate of 60,56 percent and an impressive A-level pass rate of 94,74 percent are results that speak to the dedication of both learners and educators,” she said.
Mrs Dube said the institution was playing its part in realising the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s vision of delivering quality, inclusive and relevant education for all Zimbabweans.
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing natural talent beyond academics.
“Prize Giving Day is not only about academics. It is also about celebrating talent in sport, in art, in music, in drama and in leadership.
“A child’s talent is part of their heritage, and with innovation, it can become a career, a business, or a national treasure,” he said.
School headmaster Mr Sipo Kumalo noted that Plumtree High has a proud legacy of grooming future leaders, citing alumni who have risen to positions such as school heads and inspectors.
He also said the school is equipping learners with practical life skills through projects like gardening, piggery, poultry, fishery and animal production.
The event showcased these values, with Form Two learners entertaining guests through exciting drumming, marimba and traditional dance performances, while sporting excellence also shone through.
Plumtree High’s rugby programme has already produced players who have competed internationally in South Africa and Namibia.
One of the rugby players, Shaun Sami, shared his excitement about the exposure.
“It was my first time on a plane. I was nervous, but it was a great experience. This also opened the door for us as some obtained scholarships,” he said.
Founded in 1902 by a railway mission, the school originally operated as an all-boys institution but began admitting girls in 2016 to counter declining enrolment figures. This transition marked a new chapter for Plumtree, transforming it into a vibrant learning environment for both boys and girls, with over 500 learners enrolled.
It is one of Zimbabwe’s oldest boarding schools. Over the decades, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, discipline and leadership development, producing alumni who have excelled in Government, business, education and sport.
The school has also become a powerhouse in rugby and other extracurricular activities, making it one of the few institutions that balance academics with a strong culture of sport and talent nurturing.
The school’s inclusive approach — blending academics, talent, sports and practical skills — was hailed as a model for producing well-rounded future leaders.
