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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
TEN Bulawayo secondary schools from Mzilikazi District yesterday engaged in a history debate and quiz competition to honour the legacy of late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo.The competition was held at Joshua Nkomo Museum in Matsheumhlope with Form One and Two pupils from Sizane, Mpopoma, Njube, Nketa, Ihlathi, Mandwandwe, Nkulumane, Sikhulile, Magwegwe and Lobengula High schools participating in the contest.

The competition which was sponsored by the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation (JNNF) saw Sizane coming first, while Sikhulile and Mandwandwe were second and third respectively.

Winners walked away with medals and shields.

The district’s chairperson of the competition’s history panel Joseph Marozwa said the initiative was meant to sensitise youths about the life of Father Zimbabwe as well as the history of the country.

“Most of these youths don’t have knowledge about Umdala wethu and we need to appreciate what he stood for. They need to know the kind of man he was. He taught us about unity and the importance of nation building,” said Marozwa.

“We have a rich history, culture and pride and this competition allowed the youths to appreciate where we are coming from. The competition was also based on things they learn in their school syllabi.”

He said such competitions were important as they will inspire pupils to read more about their country.

“Today’s youth don’t have a reading culture and such competitions can motivate them to read and improve their levels of knowledge,” he said.

He said the competition came at an important time as the country will be commemorating the legacy of Dr Nkomo.

VP Nkomo died on July 1, 1999 and on Tuesday the nation will be commemorating 15 years after his death.