The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) held its annual merit awards ceremony on Wednesday at the Large City Hall, where outstanding schools and high-achieving learners from local authority institutions were celebrated for their exceptional performance throughout the 2024 academic year. The event, a key fixture on the city’s education calendar, recognised excellence across academics, development, sports and co-curricular activities.
The awards are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education standards across the 31 schools under its administration. They also serve to motivate both teachers and learners to maintain high levels of achievement in the face of economic challenges affecting the education sector nationwide.
Malindela Primary School in Pumula North emerged as the 2024 Best Performing Primary School, earning the top award after recording strong results in both academic and extracurricular categories. For its achievement, the school received US$3 000, a trophy and an official certificate from the local authority. Staff and pupils were applauded for maintaining consistent excellence over the years.
Taking second place was Ntshamatshe Primary School in Old Magwegwe, which received US$2 000 and a certificate. Teachers from the school were praised for their commitment to improved teaching practices and learner support systems that have strengthened their academic outcomes.
In third place was Mgiqika Primary School from Nketa suburb, walking away with US$1 000, a trophy and a certificate. The school’s leadership attributed the achievement to strengthened school-community relations and increased parental involvement.
Bulawayo City Council Honours Top Schools and Learners at 2024 Merit Awards
The award for the Most Improved Primary School went to Sigombe Primary School in Nkulumane. The school posted an impressive 67 percent pass rate in 2024, a sharp rise from 47.9 percent recorded in 2023. School authorities said continuous teacher development programmes, improved pupil supervision and strengthened revision schedules contributed to the dramatic improvement.
For infrastructure development, Mkhithika Primary School in Cowdray Park claimed the Most Developed School Award. In 2024, the school implemented a number of major upgrades including the construction of a new basketball court, a modernised kitchen, and a fowl run to support agricultural learning. Classrooms were fully tiled and solar systems were installed to power irrigation and garden projects. The developments were described as a model for how schools can innovate despite limited resources.
Mahatshula Primary School received special recognition for producing the highest number of learners who obtained six units in the 2024 Grade Seven national examinations. The school’s top achievers were Precious Ndlovu, Lynn Bangezihano, Mqhelisi Ndlovu, Kimberly Mukozho, and Praise Dube — each praised for outstanding academic discipline and resilience.
Parents and teachers present at the ceremony expressed pride in the learners’ achievements, noting that the awards were a meaningful way to spotlight success stories that often go unnoticed amidst wider challenges in the education sector.
The 2024 Merit Awards were hosted under the theme “Celebrating our heritage through lifelong learning.” The theme, according to BCC officials, speaks to the council’s commitment to promoting holistic education that nurtures learners beyond the classroom.
BCC principal education officer, Mr Mehluleli Mpofu, said the awards highlight the dedication and hard work of both teachers and learners who continued to excel throughout the year.
“These awards celebrate the achievements of learners and schools that excelled in 2024,” said Mpofu. “Across our 31 council schools, we continue to implement educational strategies aligned to the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring quality education and fostering competitiveness among learners.”
He noted that the council encourages excellence across all disciplines — academic and non-academic — recognising that modern education must cater to a wide range of talents.
“Whether it’s in sports, academia, music or other extra-curricular activities, we always strive to nurture talent within our educational institutions. Last week, Bulawayo Province, represented by council schools, was in Norton competing in a national performing arts festival featuring choral music, percussion and other disciplines,” he said.
The event ended with entertainment from school choirs and dance groups, underscoring the city’s continued emphasis on developing well-rounded learners with diverse skills.
Source- Herald
