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Masvingo Christian College inclusivity motto pays off as school posts impressive O and A Level results

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Masvingo Christian College inclusivity motto pays off as school posts impressive O and A Level results


By Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo Christian College’s commitment to inclusive enrolment has yielded impressive results, with the school emerging among top-performing institutions in the 2025 ZIMSEC Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations.

The school recorded a remarkable 96.1 percent pass rate at A Level and 50.2 percent at O Level, a performance school authorities attribute to deliberate efforts to support learners from diverse academic backgrounds.

Speaking to TellZim News, school principal Dr Muresherwa said the results affirm the school’s belief that academic success can be nurtured with the right support systems.

“These results are a testament to our commitment to uplifting every learner. We accept students from all backgrounds, regardless of their previous results, because we believe success is cultivated. This performance proves that every learner can succeed when given the right support. One good example is that of one learner whom we enrolled who had 17 units at grade 7 and scored 6As,” said Dr Muresherwa.

A total of 103 learners sat for the A Level examinations, with 97 passing two or more subjects. Nine learners attained 15 points and above.

Top achievers recorded 19 points each, with Talent Dube scoring three As in Biology, Pure Mathematics and Chemistry, and a B in Physics. Yvonne Mukaka also attained 19 points after scoring As in Shona, History and Sociology, and a B in Literature in English. Tavonga Musekiwa followed closely with 17 points in Building Technology, Biology, Chemistry and Pure Mathematics.

Three learners, Tawananyasha Mashinyira, Tatenda Mapope and Zuze each attained 15 points in Science subjects, while Promise Mutondoro, Passion Magigwane and Larette Mukanga scored 14 points.

The school also recorded a 100 percent pass rate in Computing, Crop Science, Building Technology Design (BTD), Shona, History, FARS and Sociology.

At O Level, 245 candidates registered for five subjects and above, with 138 passing at least five subjects. Of these, 123 passed five subjects including English, while 62 passed five or more subjects including Mathematics and Science, as well as English and Mathematics.

Outstanding O Level performers include Tanaka Mberikunashe with nine As and two Bs, Anopa Mupandasekwa with eight As and two Bs, and Auther Mhlanga with eight As and one B. Tinomudaishe Chapeta scored seven As and two Bs, while Cathryn Lauryn Harry attained seven As.

Takudzwa Chimusoro, Natasha Madenga and Nothando Shoko each recorded six As and four Bs, followed by Winnet Zano with six As and two Bs, and Sarah Chabaya with five As and four Bs.

In another notable achievement, the school recorded a total of 137 As in Shona.

Dewure High posts double success in 2025 ZIMSEC exams

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Dewure High posts double success in 2025 ZIMSEC exams

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

GUTU – Dewure High School, run by the Church of Christ in Gutu, has recorded outstanding results in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC), attaining a 90.1% Ordinary Level pass rate while maintaining a 100% pass rate at Advanced Level, highlighting its growing reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

The Ordinary Level performance marked a steady rise from 80% in 2022, 79.3% in 2023 and 82% in 2024. 

Although the school had targeted 85%, the school head, Tephinas Mangono, said she was pleased that the final outcome surpassed expectations.

“We are grateful and encouraged by this result. We had hoped for 85%, but achieving 90.1% in the 2025 ZIMSEC examinations shows the commitment of both our learners and staff,” she said.

Out of 162 Ordinary Level candidates, 38 learners scored five As and above, with two learners recording a clean sweep of 10 As. 

Several others attained between five and eight As reflecting strong overall performance.

At Advanced Level, Dewure High School sustained its tradition of excellence after all 93 candidates passed, continuing the 100% pass rate achieved in 2024. 

Of these, 24 learners scored 15 points and above, while 77 had 10 points and above.

Beyond academics, the school runs projects in piggery, poultry, gardening and cattle farming, which support learner welfare, benefit the surrounding community and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Berejena form 3 pupils writes A level, scores 13 points

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Berejena form 3 pupils writes A level, scores 13 points

By Staff Reporter
An academic prodigy from Berejena High School has broken records by writing and
passing his A-Level examinations while only in Form Three, achieving an impressive 13
points.
The student, Lincon Gopo, who is son to the school head George Gopo scored A
grades in History, Economic History, and a C in Sociology.
He was taught History and Economic History by Tapiwanashe Makandise, while Chipo
Mangwende taught him Sociology prior to his sitting for the exams.
The school head confirmed the extraordinary achievement, describing Lincon as a
genius whose exceptional abilities were evident from primary school.
“Since Form One, he scores As in almost all subjects. In primary he always came first
throught. “The head stated.
Explaining his early foray into A-Level Arts subjects, the head said he was inspired by
his role as a junior Member of Parliament and Minister of Energy and Power
Development in the Child Parliament, where he engaged in debates.
The school head revealed that Lincon will continue with Form Four to study A-Level
Sciences, in which he also excels. The institution has an ambitious plan for his future:
for him to become a conditional law student at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) while
continuing his secondary education, and then to study medicine after A-Levels to
become both a lawyer and a doctor.
His history teacher, Makandise, said he discovered his talent in form and continued to
work with him in public speaking and quiz club until he was transferred to another
school in September just before he sat for the exmas.
“I discovered his talent when he was in form one as I taught him history. I also worked
with him in the Public Speaking, Current Affairs and Quiz Club where I was the patron.
“I realized he could express himself effortlessly in near flawless language. After being
promoted to deputy head in Mash West in September 2025 when he was still in form 3,
I left him in safe hands of Mr Kwangware Zvidzai,” said Makandise

Mupandawana High shines in ZIMSEC 2025 examinations

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Mupandawana High shines in ZIMSEC 2025 examinations

By Staff Reporter

Mupandawana High School in Gutu is basking in glory after the school’s 2025 candidates posted stellar results both at O and A Level. 

School head Tranos Mbwirire said the success was due to the hard work and commitment by learners and teachers. 

“We are happy with the results that our learners have posted. This is due to the hard work and commitment by our learners and teachers marking an improvement from last year’s results,” said Mbwirire. 

The school recorded a 100 percent pass rate at A Level with 22 out of 26 candidates that sat for the A Level scoring 10 points and above. 

The school’s best candidates, Dion Raibo and Revive Musekiwa scored 15 points each while three others, Tawananyasha Mareecha, Takunda Machinya, Given, Chikwanda, attained 14 points. Five others Tadiwa Chipatiso, Linda nyango, Ruvimbo Makaranga, Terrence Mboneka and Tadiwanashe Dzikati had 13 points.

For O Level, the school attained 51.14 percent. 184 learners registered for the O Level exam with the best candidate, Privilege Mutinhima  getting 8As and 3Bs followed by Tatenda Munangarwa with 8As and 1B, Patricia Chibadu with 7As and 3Bs, Theresa Chagonda 6As and 5Bs, Oscar Zungai 6As 4Bs, Leeroy Gonzo 6As and 3Bs, Christian Mundoga 6As and 2Bs. Next on the ladder is  Desire Besa and Tecla Jumira both with 5As and 5Bs, Charleen Kaupo with 5As and 4Bs and Peace Hasha with 5As, 3Bs and 2Cs.

In 2025 the school attained 100 percent at A Level. 

In 2025, the school made a significant stride in science education with the recent commissioning of a fully-equipped science block, providing both Ordinary and Advanced Level students with modern facilities for practical lessons and experiments.

Gororo solar-powered irrigation scheme commissioned

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Gororo solar-powered irrigation scheme commissioned

 
By Karen Sibanda

The 50-hectare, solar-powered Gororo Irrigation Scheme has been officially commissioned in Chivi South, Masvingo Province, marking a major boost to climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods in the area.

The scheme was commissioned by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri. The event was also attended by representatives from the British Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Part of a broader rural development programme aimed at inclusive growth, the Gororo Irrigation Scheme is currently benefiting more than 70 households in Chivi South Ward 28. A second phase is expected to expand the scheme to 250 hectares, enabling more households to participate in commercial agriculture and supply both local and international markets.

Speaking during a tour of the project, Minister Chadzamira said the irrigation scheme represents resilience, economic opportunity, and a more secure future for the local community.

“For over 30 years, our province has endured the harsh effects of climate change,” he said. “Relentless heat, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry spells have brought hardship to our communities. Today, we are celebrating human ingenuity, strong partnerships, and a commitment to building sustainable livelihoods.”

He added that irrigation remains critical for Masvingo Province, which now has 76 communal irrigation schemes, noting that such projects are lifelines for communities in drought-prone areas like Chivi.

UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the organisation continues to prioritise support for vulnerable and marginalised communities through climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.

“We are increasing access to water for agriculture through climate-resilient irrigation inputs, practices, and markets,” he said. “Improved access to weather, climate, and hydrological information is essential for strengthening food security and resilient livelihoods in Zimbabwe.”

Dr Odusola noted that the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) was introduced at a critical time when the world is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Representing the British Embassy, Head of Human Development and Inclusion Sam Thompson thanked all partners involved in the project.

“On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank the government departments of Irrigation and Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services for their technical support, the Chivi community for providing land and project sites, and UNDP for its expertise in implementing the project,” he said.

Gororo Irrigation Scheme chairperson David Madzivire said the project has transformed the economic prospects of the local community.

“This scheme has turned us into business people through farming,” he said. “We are now producing for export markets, which has improved our financial stability and ability to meet economic demands.”

The project was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme with funding from the British Embassy’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, with the Ministry of Agriculture serving as an executing entity.

The development includes a 50-hectare irrigation scheme powered by a 152-kilowatt solar mini-grid, 30 domestic biogas digesters, and eight community water points.

Gokwe school appeals for financial assistance after storm destroys 5 classrooms

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Gokwe school appeals for financial assistance after storm destroys 5 classrooms

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

Magede Primary School in Chirima, Gokwe South District is struggling to cope after two classroom blocks were destroyed by strong winds in December last year and is appealing for financial assistance to restore roofs and furniture that were destroyed. 

The storm blew away one block with three classrooms and another block with two classrooms, forcing the school to introduce hot seating sessions and abandon its previous single-session system.

School head Marshall Masango confirmed the development to TellZim News and  said before the disaster classroom space was adequate for all 351 learners enrolled at the school.

“Before the storm, we had enough classrooms to accommodate all our learners comfortably under one session. After losing the two blocks, we were forced to introduce hot seating for Grades 1 to 3, while Grades 4 to 6 are now exchanging classrooms,” said Masango.

Masango said the situation has resulted in severe overcrowding particularly among Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners with the arrangement said to be negatively impacting learning time.

“We now have 93 ECD learners sharing one classroom and some learners are being taught outside due to limited space. Our learners are no longer able to have their full eight lessons per day because we have to divide the available time and space. Even sporting activities have been affected because we are trying to maximise limited classroom time,” he said.

The heavy rains that were accompanied by strong winds destroyed textbooks, stationery, windows, pens and other learning materials after the classrooms were left exposed.

School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Debra Lunga said the school was appealing for assistance to restore normal learning conditions.

“We estimate that about US$9 000 is needed for the roofing alone. We are appealing for support in cash or kind to enable us to rebuild or repair the damaged classroom blocks and replace the furniture, textbooks and exercise books that were destroyed,” she said.

Magede Primary has 11 teachers serving the 351 learners.

The school is calling on government, corporates and well-wishers to urgently intervene to prevent further disruption of learning.

Well-wishers who wish to assist can deposit funds into the school’s account:

Magede Primary School
Bank: CBZ
Branch: Gokwe South
Account Number: 01723835660044

Econet sounds alarm over surge in EcoCash scams, phone thefts

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Econet sounds alarm over surge in EcoCash scams, phone thefts

By Simon Masore

MASVINGO – Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has urged residents in Gutu and Bikita to stay alert after a spike in EcoCash-related scams and mobile phone theft, which have left many customers vulnerable to financial losses.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo Province Awareness Campaign at Gedhemaranganyika Business Centre in Chief Budzi’s area, Econet’s Gutu and Bikita area manager, Principle Fungai Chikaura, warned that criminals are increasingly exploiting unsuspecting EcoCash users despite the platform’s robust security systems.

“EcoCash is secure, but criminals are taking advantage of people’s lack of awareness,” Chikaura said. We continue to receive reports of scammers calling customers, pretending to be Econet employees, and demanding EcoCash PINs,” said Chikaura.

He said customers should be aware that no Econet staff member will ever request a customer’s security PIN. Customers should treat any such calls as criminal attempts.

“Scammers are reportedly using deceptive tactics, including claims of ‘network upgrades,’ ‘account verification,’ or promises of prizes to trick users into revealing sensitive information,” said Chikaura. 

Chikaura cautioned against clicking suspicious online links or responding to unsolicited messages, even during promotional campaigns like Joy After Joy.

“All official communication from Econet is through verified social media platforms, our official website, or recognised customer care hotlines. We never send random links asking customers to claim prizes,” he said.

Chikaura praised the initiative, highlighting that collaboration between law enforcement, service providers, and the public is essential to curb fraud and cybercrime. He urged residents to report any suspicious calls, messages, or transactions immediately to Econet or the police to prevent further losses.

Mobile phone theft also remains a pressing concern, with stolen devices often exploited to access EcoCash accounts lacking adequate security measures.

The awareness campaign, organised by the ZRP, brought together police officers, traditional leaders, community members, and private sector stakeholders to promote crime prevention and digital safety.

New Chiefs Bere, Tshovani appointed after years of vacancy

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New Chiefs Bere, Tshovani appointed after years of vacancy

By Beatific Gumbwanda

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently appointed substantive traditional leaders for two chieftainships in Masvingo province, filling vacancies that have left the Bere chieftainship under acting leadership for five years following its historic restoration after 125 years of colonial banishment, while the Tshovani chieftainship has been without a substantive leader for four years since the death of Chief Hlaisi Mundau.

The appointments were made on February 7, 2026, with Petros Murombe Mahweshe taking over the Bere chieftainship and Victor Renias Chiromo assuming the Tshovani chieftainship in terms of Section 283 of the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act.

Masvingo acting District Development Coordinator (DDC) Joyce Chikugu confirmed in a statement seen by TellZim News that the President had appointed Mahweshe as substantive Chief Bere, formalising leadership of a clan whose chieftainship was abolished 125 years ago by the Rhodesian settler regime for resisting colonial occupation. 

The Bere chieftainship, of the Shumba totem, stretches from Mashava to the west and Bhuka in the south-east, bordering Zimuto, Charumbira and Chivi chieftainships. The chieftainship was originally disbanded in 1925 by the colonial government to pave way for the Land Apportionment Act of 1930, which saw the seizure of Bere clan land for white commercial farming. 

Following protests against the land grab, the Bere clan was split up by the settler government, with some relocating to Zaka, Gutu and Chirumhanzi, while others remained in Mashava.

The late Phineas Tafirei was installed as the first substantive Chief Bere in 2019 after President Mnangagwa resuscitated the chieftainship, ending nearly a century of vacancy. 

However, his reign was brief. He died in 2021 at the age of 85 after a short illness, and following his death, his son Phineas Tafirei Junior has been serving as acting Chief Bere until Mahweshe’s appointment. 

The resuscitation of the Bere chieftainship has not been without controversy. In 2018, before Tafirei’s installation, some aggrieved members of the Bere clan challenged the appointment process in court.

The chieftainship has also faced boundary disputes with neighboring Chiefs Zimuto and Charumbira, with tensions occasionally flaring at community gatherings like funerals.

In Chiredzi, Victor Renias Chiromo has been appointed substantive Chief Tshovani, filling a position that fell vacant following the death of Chief Hlaisi Mundau in July 2021. 

Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Lovemore Chisema confirmed the appointment in a letter seen by TellZim News dated February 17, 2026 

The chieftainship has experienced a turbulent succession period since Mundau’s death. His eldest son, Felix, served as acting chief before his own death in 2023, after which Eddmore Mundau acted until Chiromo’s appointment.

The Tshovani chieftainship had previously been at the centre of traditional leadership disputes in Chiredzi. In 2019, the area saw tensions when government revived the Neromwe chieftainship in wards that previously fell under Chief Tshovani’s jurisdiction, leading to court challenges.

Masvingo Christian College opens boarding facility to support children of diaspora parents

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Masvingo Christian College opens boarding facility to support children of diaspora parents

By TellZim Reporter

For many children in Masvingo whose parents are working far from home, growing up without daily parental supervision comes with emotional and safety challenges. Masvingo Christian College says its newly opened boarding facility is designed to bridge that gap.

The school has welcomed its first group of boarders, most of them children whose parents are based outside Masvingo or in the diaspora, in what school authorities describe as a move to provide stability, safety and close guidance.

School head Dr Edison Muresherwa said the boarding facility was born out of concern for learners left in the care of relatives or guardians.

“When parents are away for long periods, learners are exposed to many dangers, especially the girl child. We wanted to create a safe home-like environment where they are supervised, guided and protected,” said Dr Muresherwa.

He said the school has already enrolled a sizeable of learners and noted a higher uptake among girls, a development he described as encouraging.

“We are proud that more girls are enrolling for boarding. It shows that parents and guardians trust the environment we are providing,” he said.

Dr Muresherwa said the school’s vision was to offer more than accommodation, but a supportive community that helps learners focus on their education while feeling secure and cared for.

In support of the new facility, existing school houses have been renovated into boarding dormitories.

Masvingo Christian College has been defying odds for a day school with its vast projects that has since made it self-sustainable including piggery, fish and goat farming as well as poultry. 

The school is also championing climate change initiatives with its biogas production which supports the school’s Home Economics Department and Science Laboratory. 

Masvingo Christian College is popular for its ‘haven for all philosophy- huyai mose’ in which the school accepts learners from all backgrounds which is paying off as the school produces well rounded learners. 

The school is proving to be a trailblazer as it was also the first in the city to offer A Level Sciences in which excellent results are being recorded. 

In 2026, the school’s A level classes recorded outstanding results with a 96 percent pass rate despite enrolling low perfomers.

New Mucheke Bridge road fails compaction test

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New Mucheke Bridge road fails compaction test

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASVINGO – The new Mucheke (Chevron) Bridge has reached 93 percent completion, but its opening date remains uncertain after authorities said there were delays in disbursement of funds and failed compaction tests. 

Speaking during a media tour by deputy minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services Dr Omphile Marupi  held recently in the city, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) official and Masvingo Deputy Provincial Roads Engineer, Shadreck Kativhu concurred that funding for the works was delaying progress as well as the failed compaction tests which need corrections.

“The Mucheke (Chevron) river bridge is now 93 percent complete but there are other issues that are delaying the completion, the contractor is being paid by ZINARA and the Ministry of Finance. The other issue is that some tests did not pass as required and we have redone. Once there is a snag then we have to redo the work and corrections then proceed to the next ,” said Kativhu.

Authorities at the event said it was a matter of quality assurance with completion anticipated at the end of February 2026.

The disclosure comes against a backdrop of repeated delays on the project, which was initially expected to open in late 2025. Earlier government updates had projected completion between October and November 2025, after the bridge was reported to be about 60 percent complete by May 2025.

Despite those projections, the project spilled into 2026 without a firm opening date, fueling frustration among motorists and residents who rely on the crossing for access between Masvingo’s central business district and surrounding suburbs such as Mucheke and Rujeko.

In previous engagements, Kativhu had indicated that corrective works were still required, with tentative expectations that they could be addressed by mid-February, though no definite timeline was provided.

The continued absence of a confirmed opening date has intensified frustration in Masvingo, where the bridge is seen as a critical solution to congestion and safety challenges along the city’s main traffic route.

The Mucheke (Chevron) Bridge forms part of the Harare-Beitbridge Highway rehabilitation programme, one of Zimbabwe’s most critical transport corridors. Its delayed completion has continued to contribute to traffic congestion in the city.

With the bridge now close to completion but key technical issues remaining undisclosed, uncertainty persists over when the long-awaited structure will finally be opened to traffic.

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