The family of the late national hero Sydney Malunga have launched the Sydney Malunga Memorial Shield for Leadership and Service to honour outstanding learners at Founders High School in Bulawayo.
Six learners in each form who excelled in their academic work and sporting disciplines received shields and cash prizes during the school’s prize-giving day on Friday.
Malunga, a ZAPU stalwart and national hero died in 1994.
His son, Siphosami, who is now the Executive Director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), pledged the honours a couple of years ago after he was invited as a guest of honour at the school’s prize-giving day.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ntokozo Malunga, brother to Siphosami, said the shields are in honour of their late father, who was a teacher by profession and contributed immensely to the education sector.
“The prize money will be used to cater for the school needs of the winners be it stationery, uniforms or any other school supplies. This prize encourages learners to master the importance of ubuntu and serving in the community,” he said.
“When people share a common direction and purpose in the community they work together as a team. They tend to all reach their goals because together as a team, each member achieves more.”
Founders High School headmistress, Dorothea Moyo, expressed gratitude for the shields and encouraged the learners to work hard in order to become responsible members of the community.
She commended those who had excelled for the efforts they made in their school work and in assisting their schoolmates in all ways possible.
Mildred Hikwa, a former teacher at the school also gave out prizes to three learners, Brandon Bhebhe, Kesley Moyo, Ryna Homela for excelling in Basketball while Ryan Phiri scooped an award in the Karate category.
