Lomagundi College Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence
NESTLED on a 120-hectare piece of land amidst the low-lying hills of the Hunyani Range, eight kilometres west of Chinhoyi, Lomagundi College is a leading co-educational boarding and day school. Lomagundi College, an English-speaking Christian school aspiring to the highest international standards academically, in technical and commercial education, as well as in sporting and cultural endeavours, opened its doors in 1983. The school upholds the best traditions of Zimbabwe’s independent schooling, promoting a respect for others and accountable governance. Lomagundi College recently held its annual speech and prize giving ceremony which highlighted the various activities that took place throughout the year. This year was particularly special for the school as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. Lomagundi College had an outstanding year, recording various achievements including infrastructure development. Internal roads within the school premises were refurbished to improve accessibility and safety for both students and staff members. The school participated in an Interschools Athletics Invitational competition and emerged victorious in many races as pupils showcased their athletic abilities, making the school proud. “In the first term, there were Interschools’ Athletics Invitational Competitions where some superb races were won. This included the senior boys’ 400m hurdles, 200m, 100m and 4x100m,” Mr Dean Seeliger, the school principal said. During the second term, the boys’ rugby team displayed exceptional skills and determination, leading them to victory. The girls’ hockey team also had a remarkable season, securing victories in their respective competitions. These achievements showcased the dedication and hard work put in by both learners and coaches. “In the second term, our boys beat St George’s College in rugby and our girl’s first team hockey won against Chisipite,” said Mr Seeliger. The third term saw further refurbishment projects at Lomagundi College as the reception area and offices were renovated to provide a more welcoming environment. Additionally, the tennis courts were refurbished to enhance sporting facilities at the school. Lomagundi College participated in the Association of Trust Schools (ATS) public speaking competition and emerged as winners. The pupils further excelled in the spelling bee competition, demonstrating their linguistic skills and vocabulary prowess. In addition to these achievements, the school’s cricket team showcased exceptional talent and emerged victorious in several matches. “In Spelling Bee, we have a pupil going to represent Zimbabwe in Ethiopia – Rumbidzai Funani. We also had a clean sweep victory against Hellenic in cricket who have previously beaten us throughout the age’s groups,” said Mr Seeliger. Lomagundi College outgoing head girl Miss Ruva Maya shared her personal journey and experiences during her time at the school.
“Culturally, we dominated where we had three of our ladies participate in the annual Inter-schools Public Speaking competition. They did not cease to amaze and were placed second overall. In all categories of Allied Arts from drama to music to poetry, the girls excelled and received multiple first grades,” said Ms Maya. She highlighted the school’s success in sports, particularly in basketball, hockey, and athletics. “We had Under 16 basketball girls being the team with an unbeaten season. The first team led by the fierce “Guluz” also known as Unami Moyo striving for success and making their way into the league. First hockey girls had an outstanding season and were named Team of the Year. We had our very own Juanita Du Plessis (Sports Woman of the Year) making the national sport teams. The athletics girls shining on the track and having over 20 provincial representatives. Our very own Thelma Manjinjiwa, a Zimbabwean track star, being the very first person to receive Full Colours Cross Country at Lomagundi College,” said Miss Maya. She said the school’s progress was not limited to the classroom and stage, but spread to the development of the pupils' character and values. Miss Maya said the school had groomed her to become a solid individual. She was named the top student in Zimbabwe for Design and Technology, and represented the country in hockey. “An artist has to be allowed to evolve and the College has given me the platform to transcend and grow. I came as a girl now I leave as a lady of excellence and tenacity. My blazer decorated, being named top student in Zimbabwe for Design and Technology and as a two-time Zimbabwe Hockey representative. I have managed to excel to this level because of Lomagandi College, a home away from home, a sanctuary, a magnificent community that continues to produce quality people of character,” she said. Academically, Lomagandi College "A" Level students excelled in their examinations, achieving an impressive 97 percent pass rate in 2022.
This accomplishment is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing quality education and preparing learners for higher education and future careers. The AS-Level and IGCSE pupils also performed exceptionally well, with a significant number of students receiving top grades in various subjects. Lomagundi College outgoing headboy Mr Liam Maingehama said the year 2023 has been nothing but smooth sailing. "The boys set the tone for the year, bringing the brawn with the brains as they delivered superb IGCSE and "A" Level results. The first storm we encountered, otherwise known as first term gave the boys a chance to illustrate our skills by coming second at the Lomagundi College Athletics Invitational, with a special mention to Denzel Ngara who broke a 400m record at the St Georges meet, as well as to the Under 18 and Under 14 4x100m Relay Teams for breaking records at the Gundi invitational. "The voyage continued into second term where the famous first Team Soccer boys (the Panthers) were triumphant over the once-upon-a-time leading Soccer side Gateway High School. Our rugby and hockey teams also did exceptionally well throughout their respective season. In the third term the basketball first team was invited back to the prestigious Super 8 tournament and consistently ranked in the top five at all tournaments attended," said Mr Maingehama. He said the Cricket Vipers continued to dominate with the Under 16’s and 15’s winning the Falcon 6’s tournament. "Throughout the year, the Lomagundi boys have produced 28 national representatives and 12 CHISZ representatives. To add icing on the cake, the boys went on to showcase their incredible acting skills in this year’s production of Shrek the musical with Shrek, Lord Farquaad and Donkey stealing the show," he said. Mr Maingehama was among the top 10 achievers for his IGCSE results and has broken two athletics records. "Savour the moments you have with the ones that you care for the most. Live in the moment. Love in the moment. And never take those special people in your life for granted. Lomagundi College, it has been an honour and privilege being your head boy and as I bid you farewell, I’d like to first of all give Glory to God for bringing us this far; to Lomagundi College for giving me the opportunity to grow and express myself, I hope that you guys continue to find a reason to smile. Thank you to my head girl for helping me carry the weight, for always seeing every situation from a different perspective, for always seeing the good within the bad. Without you I would’ve probably lost my mind. To the Prefect body it’s been an honor to serve alongside you," he said. Lomagandi College has set itself apart as an institution that produces well-rounded learners who are ready to take on the challenges of the world. The school’s emphasis on unity, teamwork, and excellence continues to be its beacon.