BY STAFF REPORTER
The battle for supremacy in the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz is heating up after provincial champions emerged from across Zimbabwe, setting the stage for a fiercely contested national final on 24 July,2024.
Schools from ten provinces showcased their academic prowess in a series of highly competitive contests, with some champions cruising to victory while others had to fight until the final round to secure their place among the country’s elite.
Midlands produced the highest-scoring performance of the provincial rounds, with Fletcher High School delivering a commanding display to finish on 78 points, comfortably ahead of Anderson High School on 54 and Merywood High School on 42. The emphatic victory sends a strong warning to rivals ahead of the national showdown.
In Bulawayo, Northlea High School stamped its authority on the competition, collecting 62 points to finish ahead of St Columbus High School (36) and Maranatha Adventist High School (34). Northlea’s consistency throughout the contest proved decisive as it secured provincial honours.
One of the closest contests unfolded in Mashonaland East, where Goromonzi High School edged Waddilove High School by just two points in a thrilling finish. Goromonzi emerged victorious with 68 points, while Waddilove finished on 66. Kwenda High School was not far behind on 60 points, highlighting the depth of competition in the province.
Manicaland champions Nyanga High Marist Brothers matched Goromonzi’s winning score of 68 points to secure top spot in their province. Vhengere High School put up a strong challenge with 60 points, while St Faith’s High School completed the podium places with 48 points.
In Matabeleland South, St Mary’s High School of Beitbridge produced a solid performance to claim the provincial title with 56 points. Mtsabezi High School followed on 46 points, while Fountain High School finished third with 44 points.
Mashonaland Central saw St Albert’s High School emerge victorious with 54 points. Langham Girls High School and Mazowe Boys High School could not be separated after both finished on 36 points, sharing second place in one of the more unusual outcomes of the provincial campaign.
Marist Brothers Dete successfully defended Matabeleland North’s academic pride, topping the standings with 46 points ahead of Gebhuza Secondary School on 34 and Hwange High School on 30.
Meanwhile, in Masvingo Province, St Anthony’s High School secured first place with 50 points after fending off strong competition from Pamushana High School, which finished on 46 points. Zimuto High School claimed third place on 38 points.
With provincial bragging rights secured, attention now turns to the national finals, where the champions will face off against the best schools from across the country in pursuit of the coveted national title. Based on the provincial performances, Fletcher High School, Goromonzi High School, Nyanga High Marist Brothers and Northlea High School are among the early contenders, but as the provincial rounds have shown, every point matters and no result can be taken for granted.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Lillian Mbayiwa, said the quiz reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to education and youth development.
“Education remains a key pillar of our responsible business strategy. Through initiatives like the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz, we aim to provide platforms for students to demonstrate their academic prowess while also strengthening their leadership skills. As we prepare to welcome the 30 participating schools for the 43rd edition of the Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz, the stage is set for an exciting celebration of knowledge, talent, and collaboration that will inspire learners and highlight the importance of academic excellence,” she said.
Mbayiwa added that the initiative goes beyond competition, serving as a platform for broader youth development programmes.
“Old Mutual has also expanded its engagement to include initiatives that address societal challenges and broaden students’ perspectives, through programmes such as financial literacy talks, drug and substance abuse awareness in partnership with Cimas, as well as mentorship and career guidance for students. The goal is to build positive futures by ensuring that young people are not only academically strong, but also well-rounded and prepared for life beyond school,” she said.
The countdown to The Old Mutual National High Schools Quiz Finals has begun set for 24 July,2026, and Zimbabwe’s brightest young minds are preparing for the ultimate academic showdown.
Lillian Mbayiwa : Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive.