Story by Patience Nyagato
MARIST Brothers, Nyanga have once again demonstrated their intellectual might, setting a new record by claiming the championship title for the fourth consecutive time at the 2025 edition of the Old Mutual Schools Quiz Tournament.
The national finals, held this Friday in Harare, brought together the country’s brightest learners for the 42nd edition of the prestigious quiz competition, which tests not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, teamwork and speed under pressure.
Widely known for their unity and scholastic excellence, Marist Brothers Nyanga displayed unwavering focus and cohesion, outshining their peers in what has now become their signature performance of brilliance.
Speaking after the final round, Pride Mwanaka, a member of the victorious team, attributed their continued success to faith and teamwork.
“The most important thing I can say to those who aspire to reach this level is to pray. Our patron always reminds us to place everything in God’s hands before each session. So above all, we believe in the power of prayer,” he said.
Guest of Honour, the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavhima, lauded the event as more than a mere academic contest, emphasising its nation-building impact.
“This quiz is not just a contest of facts, but a crucible of mental agility, leadership, and strategic intellect. Every student who steps onto this stage walks away with tools for life adaptability, critical thinking, and confidence,“ he said.
Professor Mavhima highlighted the importance of nurturing adaptive and innovative minds to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, citing artificial intelligence, data analytics, and entrepreneurship as key fields shaping the future.
“As we look toward the future, we must be intentional about supporting initiatives like this one. The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands adaptive, innovative, and resilient minds. Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, climate change adaptation, and entrepreneurship are all fields that will shape the global economy. We must equip our youth with both the technical and soft skills to navigate this terrain, and it begins here, with curiosity, with confidence, and with communication.
“Let me leave you with a simple reminder, knowledge is power, but only if it is pursued with humility and applied with integrity. Let us use what we know not just to elevate ourselves, but to serve others, to protect our heritage, and to shape a better Zimbabwe.”
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samuel Matsekete, hailed the tournament as a transformative vehicle for youth development beyond the classroom.
“This platform empowers students to challenge themselves, think critically and become more engaged with issues that matter to society. We believe such platforms bridge the gap between formal education and the realities young people face as future leaders,” he noted.
Now in its 42nd year, the Old Mutual Schools Quiz Tournament continues to evolve into a platform that fosters mentorship, promotes intellectual empowerment, and nurtures a generation of young Zimbabweans equipped with critical life and employability skills.
With their fourth successive win, Marist Brothers Nyanga have cemented their status as the nation’s perennial quiz champions, raising the bar for academic competitions across the country.
