marble nkomo
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
THE cultural and educational landscape of Bulawayo, and Zimbabwe at large, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as educator and playwright Thabani Hilary Moyo marks 30 years of service dedicated to shaping young minds and nurturing artistic talent.
Since first stepping into the classroom in 1996, Moyo has built a reputation as more than just a teacher. He has become a mentor, theatre practitioner, and visionary storyteller whose work has influenced generations of learners both in education and the performing arts.
His teaching journey began at St Columba’s High School before he found a lasting professional home at Eveline High School in 1997. There, he developed a teaching style that went beyond textbooks and examinations, encouraging critical thinking, creativity and empathy among his pupils.
Inside his classroom, literature and drama were not merely subjects but lived experiences. Through theatre and performance, students found their voices, confidence and self-expression, with many discovering pathways into the arts that might otherwise have remained unexplored.
At the heart of Moyo’s legacy lies his acclaimed work as a playwright and theatre practitioner. Over the years, he has penned compelling productions that reflect Zimbabwean and broader African realities, tackling themes of identity, history and contemporary social issues.
His notable works include UMbiko kaMadlenya, Ihloka, Foot Prints, The Immigrants and Bayethe Nkosi, each demonstrating his range and commitment to telling authentic local stories with global resonance. UMbiko kaMadlenya remains one of his most celebrated productions, sweeping all four theatre categories at the 2015 National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), a rare feat that underscored its artistic excellence and cultural significance. Meanwhile, The Immigrants, which explores the Zimbabwean migration experience, earned international recognition and was staged at platforms such as the Harare International Arts Festival.
Never one to shy away from innovation, Moyo has also experimented with hybrid forms, including the solo production Diary of Madness, which blended film, poetry and movement to challenge conventional theatre formats.
Beyond the stage, Moyo’s most enduring contribution may well be his role as a talent developer. As co-founder of the Centre for Talent Development (CTD), he has helped create a vital platform that mentors young theatre-makers and equips them with practical skills.
CTD’s Literature Performance-Based Workshops have transformed how literature is taught in schools, bringing texts to life through performance and storytelling.
The approach not only deepens understanding but also inspires learners to view theatre as both an educational tool and a viable career path.
Through his mentorship, many young performers have accessed opportunities locally and internationally, breaking barriers that once limited their exposure.
The impact of this work has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, CTD’s innovative programmes attracted the attention of HundrED, a global organisation that spotlights ground-breaking education solutions, placing the initiative among promising models for scalable learning innovation worldwide.
Last year, the centre also hosted acclaimed United States cultural entrepreneur Le’Kedra Robertson under the Artists Creative Entrepreneurship (ACE) Project, further expanding opportunities for local creatives.
Moyo’s dedication was formally recognised last year when he received the Global Teachers Assembly (GTA) Award for Community Leadership and Service, a fitting honour for a career devoted to empowering young people. —@MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter