Source: Education key to national development: Minister Moyo – herald
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Torerai Moyo, has underscored the central role of education in driving both personal empowerment and national development, describing it as the most powerful instrument for building a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the inaugural 2025 National Schools Excellence Awards held in Harare, Minister Moyo said the education sector remains the cornerstone of the country’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi was the guest of honour at the event, which was aimed at recognising and awarding students, schools from both urban and rural areas and educators who excelled in national examinations.
“Within our nation’s primary and secondary education sector, education remains the most powerful instrument for individual empowerment and national development, forming the bedrock upon which a prosperous, innovative and resilient Zimbabwe is built,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the awards mark a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to promote excellence and accountability.
“We are gathered here at the inaugural National Schools Excellence Awards, a landmark initiative that signifies a deliberate shift towards institutionalising a culture of performance, meritocracy and accountability within our education system,” he said.
“Beginning this year and going forward, the ministry will host the National Schools Excellence Awards annually as the highest form of recognition for outstanding schools, educators and institutions across Zimbabwe.”
Minister Moyo hailed the exceptional performance recorded in the 2025 academic year, describing it as historic.
He said Zimbabwe attained the best Ordinary and Advanced Level results in the history of the nation since independence.
“These unprecedented pass rates are a clear testament to the dedication, professionalism and resilience of our teachers, the leadership of our school heads and the hard work of our learners,” he said.
“It is from our firm belief that by recognising and rewarding excellence at this level will further inspire our schools to strive for even greater performance and we are confident that the 2026 results will show continued improvement.”
Minister Moyo said the initiative is aligned with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“Education is central to the realisation of Vision 2030 as it equips our learners with the knowledge, skills, values and competencies required to drive industrialisation, innovation and economic development.
He said that the awards are also in line with the National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises human capital development and innovation.
“By promoting excellence and strengthening foundational learning, we are laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy that is competitive, inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
“This ensures that our learners do not merely consume knowledge but are empowered to produce solutions that address real-world challenges within their communities.”
He said the awards recognise achievement across all education systems, including both ZIMSEC and Cambridge.
“As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, we are the regulatory authority for all schools in Zimbabwe, both public and private, and it is therefore incumbent upon us to acknowledge excellence wherever it occurs,” he said.
Minister Moyo also announced plans to revive the Coca-Cola schools soccer tournament in 2026.
He said the tournament would include all primary and secondary schools.
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