Harare, (New Ziana) – The govt has commended Old Mutual for equipping youths with core competencies needed in the modern world through its Schools Quiz competition.
Speaking at the 42nd anniversary celebrations of the quiz competition held at the Heritage Village in Harare on Friday at a dinner awards ceremony, Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Mavima said the quiz was more than a contest of knowledge as it was a crucible of mental agility and strategic intellect.
“This is not just a commemoration of years gone by; it is a celebration of legacy, of progress, and of the limitless potential ignited in Zimbabwean youngsters through the power of knowledge,” said Mavima.
He applauded the initiative for nurturing vital skills such as adaptability, communication, and critical thinking, which are essential not only in academic settings but also across various sectors of the economy.
“These are not just quiz skills; they are employability skills, leadership skills, and life skills,” he said.
Professor Mavima praised the quiz for being inclusive, offering equal opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds.
“Talent knows no boundary and gender,” he noted. “This competition provides a level playing field where rural and urban, privileged and underprivileged, boys and girls, all gather on one platform.”
He also commended the organisers for preserving national identity and cultural heritage through the event, highlighting how the quiz serves as an anchor for young people amid an increasingly digital and globalised world.
Marist Nyanga emerged the grand winners of the 2025 Old Mutual Schools Quiz, clinching their fourth title in the competition’s history. The champions walked away with five laptops and US$7,000.
The event, run by Old Mutual Zimbabwe in partnership with the Books of African Records, saw St Anthony’s High School from Masvingo come in as first runners-up. They received five laptops and US$5,000. Pamushana High secured third place with three laptops and US$3,000, while Fletcher High from Midlands came fourth, walking away with a laptop and US$1,000.
The awards were handed out by Professor Mavima, assisted by Old Mutual Zimbabwe CEO Mr Sam Matsekete. Also in attendance was Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, CEO of the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), publishers of the Book of African Records.
Old Mutual invested a total of US$16,000 in prize money for this year’s edition, deliberately choosing cash prizes over material items like solar systems to give schools autonomy over their priorities.Congratulating the winners, Professor Mavima urged them to “walk into the future with confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of national pride,” adding that many of today’s leaders trace their first sparks of ambition to moments like these.
New Ziana
