MORE than 400 people attended centenary celebrations held by Nsezi Primary School in the Umzingwane district in Matabeleland South on Friday. NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
The Brethren in Christ Church school was established in 1914 with the aim of providing affordable education and producing Christians with a concern for academic and social needs of society.
The commemorations were graced by Chief Gwebu, parents, pupils, pastors, former pupils and the ward councillor.
School head Sibekithemba Mhlanga said they were grateful to parents and former pupils for making the commemorations a success through their contributions.
“We are grateful to parents who contributed $235 and 1 440kg of maize which we resold to finance the event, as well as former pupils who contributed two cows and a cake to make this event successful,” Mhlanga said.
Pupils danced and recited poems about the importance of education as well as celebrating the life of the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
Mhlanga said although they celebrated the centenary, the school is beset by a number of challenges.
“Walls are cracking in our classrooms, pit latrines are located close to where the borehole is and this may be detrimental to our health. The school needs to introduce extracurricular activities such as carpentry, building but we cannot do all these things if school fees are not paid on time.
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“We also desire to introduce computer studies at the school and are looking for $850 to do so.
“We have never raised that kind of money, but are hopeful that this dream will come true,” Mhlanga said. Guest speaker and author Isaach Mpofu, who is a former Nsezi teacher, urged pupils to value education.
“If there are no university graduates coming out of Nsezi, there is nothing to celebrate.
“If there are no great people creating a change in our society, there is nothing to celebrate until great man and women emerge from this school then we would have a reason to celebrate,” he said.
“Pupils must stay in school and parents must make sure that they do not become pickpockets, but people of great repute who would lead to transformation in our society.”
