By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE – It was a day of brilliance and creativity at Mutare Girls High School on Wednesday where students from across Manicaland gathered for the annual Winter Festival, a dynamic celebration of student talent and intellect.
The event was hosted by Mutare Girls High and organised by Royal Studio Africa, a youth-driven organisation that continues to champion educational and creative platforms across the province.
The festival featured intense competitions in quiz, public speaking, and poetry—drawing participation from both host students and visiting schools. It was a colourful display of youthful confidence, academic strength, and artistic expression.
Quiz Competition – Top 5 Teams
1. Chitakatira High School – Took first place with an outstanding performance
2. Leadermould Team 2 – Showed strong knowledge and strategy
3. Mutare Girls High Team 2 – Represented their school with pride
4. Mutare Girls High Team 1 – Maintained a strong presence
5. Leadermould Team 1 – Completed the top five with commendable effort
Public Speaking – Top 5 Speakers
1. Tatenda Obrey – Delivered a powerful, engaging speech to win the category
2. Vimbai Dhliwayo – Captivated the audience with confidence and clarity
3. Tinashe Mudondo – Spoke passionately and persuasively
4. Tinevimbo Musabora – Shared thoughtful insights with poise
5. Quinton Chikuni – Demonstrated solid argumentation and style
English Poetry – Top 5 Performers
1. Johdel Manyuchi – Claimed first with emotionally rich verses
2. Ngonidzashe Mangezi – Delivered moving, well-crafted poetry
3. Erica Musekiwa – Stood out with lyrical creativity.
4. Brenda Chitambo – Left an impression with vivid storytelling
5. Elshadai Sipeya – Performed a powerful and expressive piece
Shona Poetry – Top Performers
1. Tatenda Chando – Moved the audience with a passionate and cultural delivery
2. Takudzwa Chiyerengo – Earned second with a deeply resonant poem
Speaking after the event, Quiz Master Tanyaradzwa Kufa praised the festival for giving students meaningful engagement after exams.
“After exams every term, we do quiz, debate, public speaking in Shona, English and French, and poetry so that students have something that occupies them,” Kufa said.
Royal Studio Africa which was Founded by David Mamvura, is a youth-focused organisation registered under the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment and Vocational Training. It promotes youth development through ICT, communication, leadership training, and advocacy. The organisation is known for spearheading academic and creative events across Manicaland, including the recent Manicaland Provincial Debate Tournament.
Director David Mamvura says Royal Studio Africa’s mission is to create platforms where young people can thrive intellectually and creatively.
“Our goal is to nurture critical thinking, confidence, and innovation in students. The Winter Festival is just one of many platforms we use to achieve that,” said Mamvura.
With Royal Studio Africa at the helm and schools like Mutare Girls High offering space and support, the Winter Festival proved once again that Manicaland’s students are full of talent, potential, and purpose.
