ZOU Celebrates 25 Years with Triumphant National Student Sport Tournament: A Legacy Forged, Innovation Embraced

The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) successfully concluded its highly anticipated 25th National Student Sport Tournament on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Hillside Teachers’ College. The three-day event, which commenced on Thursday, July 4, marked a significant milestone, coinciding with ZOU’s 25th anniversary and embodying the theme “Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Innovation: ZOU@25.”

This landmark tournament brought together students from across the nation for a vibrant showcase of athletic prowess and intellectual agility, fostering camaraderie and celebrating diverse talents. The esteemed National SRC President, Miss J. Madombwe, expertly guided the proceedings. The Director of Ceremonies, Amanda Ranganawa and Finlay Matanda ensured a seamless and engaging experience for all participants and spectators.

The tournament’s official opening was graced with insightful remarks from Mrs. Thandiwe Chivasa, Dean of Students, who eloquently underscored the importance of both enduring values and forward-thinking progress within the university community, aligning perfectly with the tournament’s overarching theme. Following her address, Dr. Trust Nyenya, the Acting Regional Director for the Bulawayo Regional Campus, extended a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all students and officials. Dr. Nyenya emphasized the significance of Bulawayo hosting such a prestigious event, setting an encouraging tone for the spirited days of competition.

Beyond traditional sports, the tournament featured a diverse array of engaging intellectual and creative competitions, including Debate, Poetry, Chess, and Darts, reflecting ZOU’s commitment to holistic student development. The competition was fierce, showcasing the exceptional talent residing within ZOU’s student body.

Tournament Highlights and Results:

The 2025 SRC Sport Prizes were awarded to deserving individuals and teams who demonstrated excellence in their respective disciplines:

Modelling:

Mr. ZOU 2025 – Tawanda Tsuro (Bulawayo Region) being flanked by (Left) Ms Tanyaradzwa Panganai, Secretary for Sports, Clubs & Entertainment and Ms Joyline Madombwe, the outgoing Miss ZOU, while Dean of Students Ms Thandiwe Chivasa look on.

Miss ZOU 2025 –Patience Mutunhayiri (Midlands Region) being flanked by (Left) Ms Tanyaradzwa Panganai, Secretary for Sports, Clubs & Entertainment and Ms Joyline Madombwe, the outgoing Miss ZOU, while Dean of Students Ms Thandiwe Chivasa look on.

1st Prince: Lazaras Madimutsa (Masvingo Region)
2nd Prince: Takudzwa Nyamakawo (Mashonaland West Region)
1st Princess: Tendai Chiwara (Harare Region)
2nd Princess: Euphrasia Nicole (Masvingo Region)

Debate:

1st Place (Ibhiza Team): Amanda Ranganawa, Miranda Wadawareva (Manicaland Region)
2nd Place (Ingulube Team): Jimu Ashar, Mupunwa Passmore (Midlands Region)
3rd Place (Isilwane Team): Tinashe Mubvuyiwa, Lisca Philo (Harare Region)
Best Speaker: Tinashe Mubvuyiwa (Harare Region)
Exceptional Debater: Asher Jimu (Midlands Region)

Drama:

Best Drama Group: Maseko Locadia (Bulawayo Region)

Poetry:

1st Place: Ruth Dube (Bulawayo Region)
1st Place (Joint): Chantelle B Ncube (Bulawayo Region)

Chess:

1st Place: Renniwe Mushaninga (Mashonaland West Region)
1st Place (Joint): Matthew Ferenando (Mashonaland West Region)

Darts (Ladies):

1st Place: Janet Saurombe (Masvingo Region)

Darts (Men):

1st Place: Maxwell Shoko (Masvingo Region)

Quiz (Special Needs):

1st Place: Jabulani Ntuli (Manicaland Region)
2nd Place: Gerald Dandajena (Harare Region)
3rd Place: Trynos Vengedza (Masvingo Region)

The ZOU 25th National Student Sport Tournament not only showcased the remarkable talents of its students but also reinforced the university’s enduring commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are “Rooted in Tradition” and “Rising with Innovation.” The success of this event truly reflects ZOU’s legacy of excellence and its progressive vision for the future.

National Student Sport Tournament 2025 in Pictures