Thekwane continues tradition of academic excellence

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

THEKWANE High School in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South is continuing its proud tradition of academic excellence after it achieved some of the best results in the province last year.

The school, which celebrated its centenary earlier this year, has forged a reputation as a nursery for some of the country’s brightest minds, producing students who have gone on to take influential positions in various fields in the country.

A renowned benchmark of academic and civic excellence, the school has produced luminaries that include, one of Zanu-PF founding members and National Hero Dr Edson Zvobgo, National Hero, Zapu intelligence supremo and Former Home Affairs Minister the late Dumiso Dabengwa, the late Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Lutho Addington Tapela, Dr Dabudabu, LD Bhala, Former Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora and one of the founding members of Lupane State University the late Dr Mclean Mackson Bhala.

Speaking during the school’s Speech and Prize Giving ceremony, Thekwane High headmaster Mr Salani Ndlovu said last year’s O-level results had seen the school hit an academic peak, as they surpassed pass rates that had been climbing for the last quarter of a century.

“I am pleased to say that even in the last quarter of the century both O- level and A-level results have remained exceptionally good.

From 2015 to 2023 for example O-level results were all above 90 percent with the highest being last year with the pass rate of 97,5 percent. This is no mean feat.

A-level results from 2009 have been above 95 percent on average with the highest being 100 percent in 2017, 100 percent in 2020 and 100 percent in 2023.

Quality has always been above 75 percent all these years. We are indeed celebrating a century of offering quality education to the nation,” he said.

Mr Ndlovu gave credit to the school’s staff and pupils for an outstanding academic year in 2023, which had seen Thekwane attain the best A-level results in the province.

“There is fierce but healthy competition among the Methodist schools each year. Last year all Methodist schools had 100 percent at A-level.

“You have all the reasons to take your children to Methodist schools for academic, spiritual and social growth.
Notably this year, Thekwane was nationally recognised for posting the best A-level results in Matabeleland South,” he said.

Mr Ndlovu said Thekwane was committed to producing well-rounded students who were academically and spiritually sound.

“We pride ourselves on catering for the development of the academic, practical, spiritual and moral part of students, that is development of the head, hand and soul. Little wonder then that some of our students hold responsible positions in industry and commerce, civil service and political orientation, and others become evangelists or ministers of religion. A school can be measured not only by its results but its products,” he said.

School principal, Reverend Nkosinathi Ndlovu, said Thekwane was determined to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse.

“Our theme, ‘Say No To Drugs and Substance Abuse,’ is a critical one in today’s world. Substance abuse not only hinders academic success but also destroys lives and communities.

“As Thekwane High School, we are committed to empowering our learners to make informed, positive decisions. I call on each of our students to remain vigilant, resist harmful influences and create a drug-free environment for themselves and their peers,” he said.

Senator Micheal Carter, the grandson of the school founder Herbert Carter, encouraged departing students to make informed decisions as they stepped into adulthood.

“For those among you, who are ending your school days, today marks a significant moment. As you step out into the world, many exciting opportunities will present themselves to you.

The key to your success are the choices you make. If you can choose to be influenced by positivity and love, as my grandparents did, you will find the unknown future increasingly exciting which will allow you to develop and spiritually evolve,” he said.