Mat North Learners shine at Inter District NAPH Competitions
Thembelihle Mhlanga and Dumisile Tshuma
Vibrant energy filled the Lupane Primary School grounds on Tuesday as Matabeleland North Province hosted its highly anticipated Inter-District National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) competitions.
Hundreds of learners from across the province gathered to showcase their talents in athletics, chess, drummies and quiz competitions, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing push to integrate sports and the arts into the core education system.
The competitions were officially opened by the Provincial Head in Charge for NAPH in Matabeleland North, Kundisai Gambiza, who emphasized the event’s importance in developing well-rounded learners.”Learners are competing in Athletics (track and field), Chess, Drummies, and Quiz,” Gambiza told reporters at the venue.
Participants were drawn from several districts across the province including Hwange, Binga, Nkayi, Bubi, Umguza, Lupane and Tsholotsho, creating a platform for healthy competition and talent development.
This year’s event comes at a time when the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has strengthened the role of sports and cultural activities within the Heritage-Based Curriculum. Previously considered extra-curricular activities, these competitions are now formally recognised as part of the learning process.
Highlighting the shift, Gambiza said, “Now sports have been incorporated into the Heritage Based and is no longer an Extra-Curriculum activity.” She explained that the move ensures broader participation among learners while promoting physical fitness, cultural expression and intellectual development.
Throughout the day, Lupane Primary School grounds were filled with activity. Young athletes competed in track events including the 100-metre sprints and relay races, while field events such as the long jump attracted enthusiastic support from fellow learners and teachers.
Chess players demonstrated sharp concentration as they battled across boards in shaded areas, while drummies captivated spectators with rhythmic marching displays combining percussion, dance and coordinated movement rooted in Zimbabwean cultural traditions.
Quiz teams also tested their knowledge in subjects such as science, history and local heritage, answering questions that challenged their quick thinking and teamwork.
Gambiza said the competitions are also serving as a selection platform for the provincial team.”We are assembling a provincial team for National competitions in Bindura,” she added.
The selected team will represent Matabeleland North at the national finals scheduled for next month in Bindura.For many learners, particularly those from rural areas with limited access to sporting facilities, the competitions provide a rare opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain exposure at higher levels.Teachers and parents who attended the event said the competitions help identify and nurture talent among young learners.One teacher from Nkayi District praised the initiative, saying, “These kids from remote areas rarely get such platforms.”
The NAPH competitions also align with Zimbabwe’s competency-based learning reforms, which emphasise practical skills, cultural awareness and learner participation beyond the traditional classroom environment.
As the provincial competitions continue, organisers expressed hope that community support will remain strong to sustain the programme.Gambiza urged continued backing for the initiative, saying, “We need community backing to keep this momentum.”
With national competitions approaching, Matabeleland North will be hoping its young athletes, performers and scholars can carry the province’s pride to the national stage.
