Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Sunday News Reporter
BRETHREN in Christ Church School-owned Wanezi High School yesterday honoured its top annual achievers during its annual Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony, which was attended by parents, School Development Committee members and representatives of the school’s various partners.
This year’s ceremony showcased the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement for both boys and girls.
The prize-giving event was held under the theme “Pushing for Relevance and Quality.”
Teachers were also recognised with awards for their dedication and service in fostering excellence among the pupils. Non-teaching staff received accolades as well, with prizes for best driver, best cook and best security guard.
Top achievers across forms one to six were individually awarded for excelling in their studies, with some students receiving multiple prizes.
The ceremony featured a captivating display of talents, including public speaking, dance and performances by the school choir, highlighting the pupils’ diverse abilities.
Wanezi High School, a mixed institution established in 1962, currently enrols 662 pupils- 598 boarders and 64 day scholars.
The school employs 42 teaching staff and 41 non-teaching personnel. It is located in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province.
In his remarks, headmaster Mr Njabulo Mathwasa said the event’s theme reflects the school’s focus on meeting the needs of its primary client — the pupil.
“We aim to achieve modern educational goals, and as part of this, the school is moving towards acquiring digital tools to enhance learning and research methods. Our partners like DigiLearn help us keep up with the times and improve our digital infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Mathwasa added that, like all schools in Zimbabwe, Wanezi is implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which equips pupils with skills to become solution providers through practical learning.
“Quality service is what we continue to offer, and our academic results attest to that,” he said.
The school’s Zimsec results last year were outstanding, with a 96.1 percent pass rate at O- level and a 100 percent pass rate at A-level.
“These results are a testament to the resilience and dedication of both pupils and teachers. The teachers are hard-working and committed, bayasebenza. A 96.1 percent pass rate is no joke; they are a rare breed. I am privileged to have such a young but hard-working team,” said Mr Mathwasa.
Wanezi High School also offers a variety of extracurricular activities that nurture talents in sports such as chess, public speaking, quizzes, soccer, volleyball and handball.
The school’s under-15 boys’ soccer and under-17 boys’ volleyball teams participated at the provincial level, while at the national level, athlete Anele Ncube, won a gold medal in the under-20 4×100 metres relay.
SDC chairperson Mr Gareth Sibanda highlighted 2025 projects, including the installation of three solar power systems: a 20KVA system for boreholes, a 10 KVA system for the boys’ hostels, and an 8 KVA system for the girls’ hostels. He also mentioned the roofing of the girls’ hostels.
Mr Sibanda thanked parents who pay school fees on time, noting that their support helps the school achieve its goals. He urged other parents to do the same to ensure the completion of planned projects.
The guest of honour, Dr Thembekile Ncube, spoke about the meaning of relevance.
“To be relevant is to be essential. It means ensuring that what you know and can do matters to the world around you. Being relevant requires adaptability to solve problems. Never stop adapting, impacting lives and empowering others to realise their aspirations. Relevance is achieved through community and global engagement, staying informed and acquiring relevant skills,” she said.
Dr Ncube encouraged the school to continue preparing students for professional careers, meeting community needs and fostering a culture of inclusion and service.
“When a school embraces inclusivity, it becomes contagious,” she added.
The event concluded with a prayer session for students preparing for their final exams, where parents, teachers and fellow pupils prayed for their success.
In a special gesture, the SDC Chairperson, Mr Sibanda, presented the headmaster with a 2.4 GD6 Twin Cab motor vehicle, to assist with school-related transportation.
