By Staff ReporterHARARE – The stage is set for the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz provincial competitions, with the remaining seven provinces set to battle it out for a place at the national finals following the successful completion of the first round in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South on May 29, 2026.The upcoming provincial finals are scheduled as follows: On June 5, Mashonaland Central will compete at Bradley High School, Matabeleland North at Gebhuza High School in Hwange, and Mashonaland East at Waddilove High School in Marondera. On June 12, Bulawayo will host its finals at Montrose High School, the Midlands at Anderson High School in Gweru, and Mashonaland West at Chikangwe High School in Karoi. Harare will bring the provincial round to a close on June 19 at Prince Edward School.In the provinces where competitions have already been held, the following schools have secured their places in the national finals. In Manicaland Province, Nyanga High Marist Brothers, Vhengere High School, and St Faith’s High School emerged victorious. Masvingo Province will be represented by St Anthony’s High School, Pamushana High School, and Zimuto High School. In Matabeleland South Province, the qualifying schools are St Mary’s High School in Beitbridge, Mtshabezi High School, and Fountain College.Last year, more than 326 schools entered the competition at zonal level before progressing through provincial knockouts. From that highly competitive field, ten schools ultimately secured spots on the national stage. At the 2025 finals, Fletcher High School secured fourth place and walked away with US$1,000, while Pamushana High School claimed third place and received US$3,000. St Anthony’s High School earned second place together with US$5,000 in prize money, while Marist Brothers Nyanga once again demonstrated their dominance by clinching first place and taking home US$7,000, securing their fourth consecutive national title. In addition to cash prizes, learners from the topperforming schools also received laptops, smartphones, iPads, trophies, and medals.Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Lillian Mbayiwa, said the quiz continues to grow because it speaks to the potential within Zimbabwean learners.“The Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz continues to grow because it speaks to the potential that exists within Zimbabwean learners. Beyond competition, this initiative is about empowering young people with knowledge, confidence, and exposure that can positively shape their futures. As Old Mutual, we remain committed to investing in education because we believe it is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” said Mbayiwa.This year, participating learners can look forward to a holistic development experience that extends beyond the quiz competition itself. In addition to financial literacy sessions, learners will benefit from career guidance workshops, discussions on drug and substance abuse awareness, and mentorship opportunities from Old Mutual leadership.By incorporating these enrichment programmes into the quiz platform, Old Mutual seeks to nurture wellrounded young leaders who are academically strong, financially literate, socially responsible, and better prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Schools wishing to participate are encouraged to engage their provincial coordinators for registration and further competition details.
