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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

THEKWANE Mission in Bulilima District is abuzz with excitement and anticipation as the institution prepares to mark a significant milestone — its 100th anniversary.

The grand centenary celebrations, set for tomorrow, will honour a century of educational excellence and community service.

Thekwane schools principal Reverend Nkosinathi Ndlovu

Thekwane Mission, established in 1924, has played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s educational landscape, producing numerous prominent figures who have contributed significantly to the country’s development in various sectors.

The centenary celebrations will not only honour the school’s rich history but also highlight its continued commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.

The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe-run institution started as a vocational training college in 1924, providing a platform for blacks to get skills training at a time when the colonial government segregated against blacks.

Initially, with an enrolment of six students Elijah Mhlanamano, Mqiqima Mangoye, Jonathan Ntaisi, Dzingilani Malumo, Vilani Nkobi and Kangezi Pile, the school grew into a teacher-training college in 1930. In 1951, Thekwane Mission enrolled its first group of secondary school learners.

The institution changed its name from Thegwane to Thekwane Mission and it has a primary and secondary school.
When a Chronicle news crew yesterday visited the school, final touches were being made in preparation for the historic event.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said President Mnangagwa has been invited for the centenary celebrations.

“Yes, I have been told that the President has been invited for the commemorations. However, I will not be there due to other commitments, you can talk to the host Minister with regards to the matter,” said Minister Moyo.

Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Evelyn Ndlovu declined to comment saying she does not discuss State events.

Thekwane High school

Thekwane Primary and High School principal Reverend Nkosinathi Ndlovu said they invited President Mnangagwa to be part of the institution’s commemorations as the school has been a partner in education development.

“We invited the President as he is part of the Methodist family. But later on, the Government said the President could not be a private individual and this had to be a State programme. We know that the First Lady is part of the Methodist family, so we invited them to be part of the commemorations,” he said.

“One of the things that we are celebrating is that we have partnered with the Government for the past 100 years to provide quality education to the nation. If you look at our public examination results, our students are scoring above 90 percent. In Matabeleland South, we are one of the best schools.”

Rev Ndlovu said in its century of existence, Thekwane Mission has been instrumental in producing national leaders and its commemorations would be a moment to reflect on the journey that has been travelled so far.

“As our motto says ‘Qondani Ekukhanyeni’, we have lived that motto and we have been sending those who pass through this school to the light,” he said.

Rev Ndlovu said some of the nationalists who have passed through the institution include the late former President Canaan Banana who was a chaplain at the institution and the late nationalist, Cde Ndabaningi Sithole, who also later taught at the school.

“We also have the likes of late former Information Minister Nathan Shamuyarira, the late Cde Edson Zvobgo, Great Zimbabwe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo, late former University of Zimbabwe lecturer, Prof Chengetai Zvogbo who all passed through this institution,” he said

“National hero, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa and former Vice Chancellor of Lupane State University, Dr Maclean Bhala were once students here.”

Others include National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Vice Chancellor, Prof Mqhele Dlodlo, former Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Lazarus Dokora, Bulawayo’s first black Town Clerk, Dr Michael Ndubiwa, Matabeleland South Senator Richard Ndlovu, former Victoria Falls Mayor, Alderman Nkosilathi Jiyane and Ambassador Zenzo Nsimbi, among others.

“In the current crop of leaders, we have Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuthi who also learnt at this institution. So, we are positioning the school with the national development context.

“We have moved from an enrolment of 20 pupils in 1951 to over 700 to date,” said Rev Ndlovu. He said some of the learners at the school had to join the liberation struggle resulting in the school being temporarily closed in 1979 and re-opening in 1981.

“We had students from all over the country who came through here. Methodist had two training institutions Thegwane (now Thekwane) and Waddilove in Marondera,” said Rev Ndlovu.

Thekwane High School deputy head, Mr Nqobile Phinda said unlike in the past when learners were just taught to memorise concepts and apply them in an examination, they are now being taught life skills, values and traditions.

“We are moving from the Competence-based Curriculum to the newly introduced Heritage Based Education. As part of the implementation of the curriculum, we are prioritising the skilling of our learners,” said Mr Phinda. @nqotshili