Parents, former students and teachers have voted to rename Northlea High School as part of consultations aimed at aligning schools with Zimbabwe’s heritage-based education system.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting held at the school on Friday, following communication from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education encouraging institutions with colonial-era names to consider alternatives reflecting local history and culture.
Chairperson of the meeting, Innocent Masina, said the school was opened on 29 January 1952 with just two classrooms and an enrolment of 90 pupils, 37 boys and 53 girls.
“The school was first known as Bulawayo North High School before the name was later changed to Northlea High School,” he told those gathered.
Masina said the ministry had written to the school advising it to begin consultations involving parents, learners and staff.
“We were told to engage all stakeholders so that everyone can contribute ideas on what the school should be called,” he said.
He added that the school’s identity would largely remain intact if a new name is adopted.
“The school uniform will remain the same. The only possible change may be the school badge once a new name has officially been adopted,” he said.
During the meeting, parents and former pupils offered differing views on what the new name should represent.
One parent, Gerald Sango, said the school should adopt a traditional Ndebele name to reflect local culture.
“We need a name that reflects our heritage and identity for future generations,” he said.
Another parent, Aysha Gamurorwa, argued that retaining an English name could help preserve the school’s reputation and international appeal.
“We must think about how the school is viewed globally and the opportunities that may come with that,” she said.
Mkhululi Dube suggested the new name should reflect the surrounding community to strengthen local identification with the school.
Former student, Dr Lulu Brenda Harris proposed the name “Queen Lozikeyi” in honour of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo, the last queen of the Ndebele state.
She said the name would align with Zimbabwe’s heritage-based curriculum and recognise a significant historical figure.
After discussions and a vote by stakeholders, “Queen Lozikeyi” received the highest number of votes.
The consultations come amid wider discussions across Zimbabwe about renaming schools established during the colonial era. In Bulawayo, Milton High School has also proposed changing its name to Bulawayo High School.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said the ongoing discussions are part of a consultation process and do not amount to a final government directive.