Nkosentsha Khumalo
Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, wife of Zimbabwe’s Vice President Chiwenga, reminded students of Amhlophe High School to be proud of their heritage and strive to be better as they celebrated the school’s 40th anniversary and prize-giving day.
The event, which was attended by teachers, parents, and community members, was a celebration of the school’s accomplishments over the past four decades.
It was however, Colonel Baloyi’s passionate plea for cultural pride and self-awareness that stole the show.
Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, addressing the gathered students, teachers, and community members, emphasized the importance of preserving one’s cultural identity and being proud of one’s heritage.
“Never lose your sense of self, never apologize for where you come from. It is that very identity, that sense of belonging, that will guide you as you grow, as you learn, as you succeed in life. Let your roots, your culture, be a source of strength and pride,” she urged.
She further encouraged the students by saying,” Our history, our upbringing, should be our source of pride. It should not limit what we can achieve, but instead form the foundation of the better leaders we will become tomorrow. Students, never be ashamed of where you come from, whether it be rural or urban areas. Embrace your roots and your struggles, for they will be the fuel that drives you to achieve greatness.”
Colonel Minoyothabo’s inspiring words emphasized the importance of hard work and self-awareness in reaching one’s goals.
She continued to say,” In five years time, you should know what you want to be and have a clear path towards achieving that goal. Don’t just go to school aimlessly but know what you want to become. Decide on what you want to be, then decide what you will do to get there.”
“If you still have elderly grandparents, sit down with them and learn about your heritage. Know your roots and your culture.”
Amhlophe High School Headmistress Thokozile Tshabalala added context to the celebration, explaining the school’s history.
According to her, “Amhlophe High School was founded in 1984, starting as lodgers at Godlwayo Primary School. In 1987, we moved to our current location. We are proud to have grown from humble beginnings to the esteemed institution that we are today.”
“This anniversary is an opportunity for us to reflect on our past and look forward to the future.”
“Celebrating 40 years is a significant milestone for our school,” said Headmistress Thokozile Tshabalala.
“We have come a long way since our humble beginnings, and we have grown and evolved alongside Zimbabwe’s independence. We remain committed to the government’s curriculum, dreams, and plans for the future.”
“At Amhlophe High School, we encourage our learners to embrace their cultural heritage, and we provide them with opportunities to learn about and celebrate their identity. Our culture club and traditional diaries are integral parts of this effort.”
The headmistress further explained the school’s activities stating that they encourage learners to be proud of their heritage and to learn about their cultural identity.
She said the School’s culture club and traditional diaries are important components of this effort.
“Our students are very proud of their school and will go to great lengths to protect it. They are not shy to proclaim their affiliation with Amhlophe High School.
“To supplement our income, we have launched a poultry project, raising broilers and Sasso chickens, as well as a garden where we grow vegetables.”
Headmistress Thokozile Tshabalala also shared some of the challenges that Amhlophe High School faced in the past.
On the sidelines of the celebrations, Tshabalala said, “When I arrived here, Amhlophe High School had a reputation as a school with disciplinary issues and inadequate infrastructure. Parents would not send their children here, and we had to work tirelessly to turn things around. We have worked to improve the school’s facilities and instill discipline in our students.
“Slowly but surely, we have begun to change perceptions about our school, and parents are now seeing its value.”
Mr Zondo, a teacher at Amhlophe High School, added some historical context to the school’s name stating that,”The name Amhlophe pays homage to the rich legacy of the Ndebele people. Amhlophe was one of the four divisions of the Ndebele army that helped to form the Ndebele Nation.
“The other divisions were Amakhanda, Amnyama, and Igabha. By naming the school Amhlophe, we are recognizing and honoring the important role that these divisions played in our history.”
“The Amhlophe regiment was not just a military unit but a fundamental part of the Ndebele social structure under the leadership of King Mzilikazi during the migration from Zulu land. Gwabalanda Mathe, Oka Mhlongandlovu, led this regiment alongside the Igabha regiment, which was led by Maqhekeni Sithole.”
Zondo said Amakhanda and Amnyama regiments headed north to what is now known as Matabeleland, settling near Intaba ezinduna.
He said It is believed that the name Amhlophe, meaning ‘white,’ derived from either the white hair of the older men in the regiment or the white feathers in their headgear, which were symbols of wisdom, leadership, and resilience.
“The Amhlophe regiment, embodying values of wisdom, leadership, and resilience, was an integral part of the Ndebele people’s migration and establishment of their new homes in Matabeleland. Their story is one of courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of the Ndebele nation.”
Nathan Machiha, who received the award for overall best student at Amhlophe High School’s O-level, shared his thoughts on the significance of the prize-giving ceremony.
“Prize-giving days are important because they give students the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication to their studies.
“Receiving this award is a source of great pride for me, and I am honored to be recognized for my academic achievements. It motivates me to continue working hard and strive for even greater success in the future.”
Nathan further elaborated on the lessons he learned during his journey to academic success.
He asseverated that, “The message of embracing our heritage and being proud of our roots resonated with me. It made me realize that our background does not define us; it is a source of strength and motivation. I put in a lot of effort and dedication, sometimes sacrificing sleep and social activities, and now I can see that hard work truly does pay off.”
“I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from my teachers and fellow students during our group discussions, which helped me reach my full potential.”
Tinotenda Mukurunge, who also received an award at the ceremony, shared her winning formula stating that,”I am elated to have received this recognition for my academic achievements.”
“My strategy for success is simple that every night before I go to sleep and every morning before I go to class, I study.
“I have also found study groups to be incredibly helpful in consolidating my knowledge and understanding of the material. I am grateful to my teachers and fellow students for their support, and I am excited to continue my education and pursue even greater success in the future.”
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