South Mining Hosts Schools Quiz Competition on Mining and Energy

By Lomqhele Nxumalo from Hwange Chronicles

In a lively and engaging event, the Empumalanga Community Library in Hwange hosted a schools quiz competition to promote learning and national development. The competition was organized by South Mining Company and aimed to help young people discover their potential in Zimbabwe’s important mining and energy sectors.

The event brought together learners, teachers, industry experts, and traditional leaders, all united under the theme “Mining and Energy for a Better Economy.” It encouraged students to learn more about how these sectors contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

The program was designed to build a fun and competitive platform to foster knowledge, interest, and positive attitudes among learners regarding energy and mining. Its core goal was to link classroom theory with real issues in the mining and energy industry, promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of professionals for Zimbabwe.

The event attracted a wide and important group of people, showing the need for teamwork to help the country develop. Those who attended included representatives from South Mining management, traditional leaders led by Acting Chief Shana, and officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Teachers, school heads, and the District Schools Inspector were also present, all coming together to support the learners and the goals of the event. Also present were the Hwange Local Board CEO, Mr. Mdlalose, and the Board Chairperson, Mr. Peterson Ncube, alongside councillors. Approximately 200 learners from various primary and secondary schools participated in the quiz competition.

The initiative was hailed for its role in supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic aspirations. Zimbabwe’s mining sector is expected to contribute not only to economic growth but also to education, skills development, and community engagement through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Guest speaker Dr. Sosten Ziuku, the Director of Conservation and Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, praised the initiative for putting learners at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s future in energy and mining. He highlighted that these sectors are important parts of the economy and play a major role in achieving the country’s Vision 2030.

Supporting the idea of working together, the Managing Director of South Mining, Mr. Chenji Li, confirmed the company’s commitment to the Hwange community. He said that South Mining is not just focused on running a mine, but also on growing with the community by creating opportunities for young people. His words highlighted the event’s success in raising awareness of safe, sustainable, and inclusive power generation and mining as part of national development priorities.

The quiz itself covered age-appropriate content for both primary and secondary school learners. Topics included basic mining concepts, types of mining, major mineral resources in Zimbabwe, and their various uses. The competition served as a recognized way to promote learning, confidence, and teamwork among the participants.

Five primary schools participated in the competition; these included Coalfield Primary, St Mary’s Primary School, Springfield Preparatory School, Sir Humphrey Gibbs Primary School, and Nechibindo Primary School. Coalfield Primary secured first place with an impressive 40 points. St Mary’s Primary claimed second position with 38 points, while Springfield Preparatory School finished third with 34 points.

Hwange High took the top spot with 43 points, with Gebhuza Secondary securing second place with 40 points, and Chilisa Secondary placing third with 32 points.

The South Mining quiz competition was more than just a test of knowledge; it was a valuable learning experience for  Hwange learners who took part. For many of them, it was their first time understanding how important mining and energy are to Zimbabwe’s economy and future.

As Zimbabwe works toward its Vision 2030 goals, events like this show that the country’s best hope for the future is its young people. With companies like South Mining supporting education and community growth, young learners are gaining the knowledge and inspiration they need to understand the country’s key industries and be ready to lead them in the years ahead.