Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ST James the Great Zongoro High School emerged as national winners in the fifth National Business Case Competition after their captivating, unique, and innovative pfumvudza hoe presentation secured the top spot.
Organised by Emergination Africa, with support from ZB Bank and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the contest took place at the ZB Bank Innovation Hub in Harare.
Last year, learners nationwide participated in business innovation competitions, and St James the Great Zongoro High School excelled in the agriculture category, winning first position in Manicaland.
On Tuesday, they represented Manicaland in the national finals, competing in categories such as agriculture, banking, finance, and environmental management.
Ultimately, they outperformed 10 other schools to claim the national title.
Bishop of Anglican Church Diocese of Manicaland, Bishop Erick Ruwona said: “On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA), I congratulate our own St James, the Great High School, for being crowned national champions in the fifth National Business Case Competition held at the ZB Innovation hub in Harare.
“They represented Manicaland and came first ahead of those representing the other nine provinces of Zimbabwe. I consider it a rare privilege and a singular honour to be the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, at a time such as this. God bless St James the Great High School, God bless the Diocese of Manicaland.”
In a separate interview, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said: “The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is proud of St James the Great Zongoro High School for winning the National Business Case Presentation. They presented a compelling business case for the Pfumvudza hoe, which can now be used to seek funding and boost production nationwide.”
Mr Ndoro said the achievement is particularly impressive, given Zimbabwe’s agro-based economy and President Mnangagwa’s initiative to promote the pfumvudza programme.
By winning the national contest, the school has earned the right to exhibit at the next Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
“Our champion school, St James the Great Zongoro High School, presented a captivating and innovative case for the pfumvudza hoe. Congratulations to them, and also to the second-placed school, Monte Casino High,” he said, emphasising that his approach aligns with the ministry’s vision of promoting self-reliance among students, rather than relying on job searches after completing school.
He said St James the Great Zongoro High School will showcase their innovative pfumvudza hoe story at the next Zimbabwe Agricultural Show exhibition.
