Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya [email protected]
Oakleigh House Trust Schools came alive with colour, song and science on Tuesday as Beitbridge District hosted the Matabeleland South Provincial Annual Sports Science Arts Festival (PASSAF), a vibrant showcase of young talent that also served as the final selection platform for the National ASSAF.
A total of 140 pupils drawn from schools across Beitbridge, Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo, Insiza, Gwanda and Umzingwane were selected to represent Matabeleland South at NASSAF.
They emerged from a pool of 1 019 learners who participated in this year’s provincial festival.
The two-day festival turned Oakleigh House into a hub of innovation, sport, culture and the arts. Learners displayed robotics prototypes, traditional dances, choral pieces, poetry, visual art, athletics and science experiments, drawing applause from parents, teachers and dignitaries.
Speaking at the official closing, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the festival proves Zimbabwe’s future is secure in the hands of its young people.
“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.
He challenged Government, schools, industry and communities to take collective responsibility in identifying and nurturing learner talent from an early age.
“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,” he said.
“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 platforms like ASSAF are where Zimbabwe’s future stars begin.
“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 emphasised.
“I invite 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.”
Minister Nguluvhe noted that the Heritage-Based Curriculum is producing learners who are innovative, patriotic and grounded in Ubuntu.
Provincial Chief Director of Education Services, Beatrice Manjere, said PASSAF aligns directly with NDS2.
“The festival contributes in four areas which include human capital development, innovation and industrialisation, digital economy, and social cohesion through culture and sport,” she said.
“In 2026, a total of 1 019 pupils took part in PASSAF. We have assembled a 140-member team of pupils from across Mat South schools which will represent the province at NASSAF to be held again in Beitbridge,” said Manjere.
She said the province will take the momentum to Bulilima next year, as that district will host the 2027 provincial festival.
Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge welcomed the hosting of both PASSAF and the upcoming NASSAF at Oakleigh House.
“PASSAF is a good vehicle to unearth raw talent from the margins and across the rural and urban schools,” he said, calling for more support for schools and learners to identify and develop potential.
