shloboe boe
Fairness Moyana and Caroline Mutsawu
HWANGE-based coking coal producer, South Mining, has celebrated the achievements of 50 top-performing learners from 10 local schools, as part of its ongoing community development programme.
The Chinese-run coke processing company, which in 2023 officially opened a community library for residents of Empumalanga, Baghdad, DRC, and Chibondo, a project commissioned by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, recently held an awards ceremony.
Pupils from six urban and four rural schools were recognised for their excellence in academics and extra-curricular activities.
The event, the first of its kind, drew delegates and community members who gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of students from across the region.
Officiating at the prize-giving ceremony, held at the community library, Hwange District Co-ordinator, Mr Simon Muleya, commended South Mining for its outstanding support of local communities, particularly in promoting academic excellence.
“I appreciate South Mining’s continued support of Government initiatives in education,” he said. “I urge other organisations and businesses to follow suit and support our Hwange community.”
Mr Muleya described the event, which celebrated individual and collective efforts of guardians, teachers, and students, as one filled with shared accomplishment.
“Reflecting on my own educational journey, I am reminded of the significance of days like today,” he said.
“Prize-giving days are not just about recognising individual achievements; they are about acknowledging the collective efforts of the entire school community.
“It’s a celebration of the teachers who have guided, mentored, and inspired their students; the parents who have supported, encouraged, and motivated their children; and the students themselves, who have demonstrated a commitment to learning excellence.”
Speaking at the same function, South Mining managing director, Mr Chenji Li, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to improving the quality of education.
“At South Mining, we firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for transformation,” he said.
“We hope that initiatives like these inspire a culture of learning and achievement within the community.
“We are committed to continuing our efforts in fostering an environment where every child can have the opportunity to dream big and achieve even bigger goals.”
Students who excelled in their respective categories were rewarded with gift packages, including certificates, satchels, pencils, and pens.
The awards spanned five categories: academic achievement, co-curricular activities, best school leader, best practical student, and most outstanding student of the year, with 10 winners recognised in each.
Participating schools included Chilisa Secondary, Hwange High, Wankie Secondary, Nechibondo Primary, Thomas Coulter Primary, Lwendulu Primary, Nekatambe Secondary, St Mary’s Primary, and Dinde Primary.
Online Reporter