By Cuthbert Mashoko
Mwenezi-Mwenezi District’s Vinga Primary School Head, Mrs Theodola Sayi, bade farewell to the education fraternity at a colourful yet emotional retirement ceremony held at Vinga Primary School on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Scores of people from all walks of life attended the event, including the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) Executive, school heads, education partners, representatives from Bubye Valley Conservancy (BVC), teachers, members of the business community, and traditional leaders.
They gathered to celebrate Mrs Sayi’s 32 years of distinguished service to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Guest of Honour, Maranda High School Head Mr Desire Mbiza, praised Mrs Sayi for her servant leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming lives through education.
“Every journey has its last day. Today, we are here to celebrate an achiever whose contribution can best be summed up in three words: Dedication, Integrity, and Service,” said Mbiza.
Mabiza highlighted the remarkable achievements that characterised Mrs Sayi’s tenure at Vinga Primary School.
“During the 15 years that Madam Sayi served at Vinga Primary, she transformed the school into an academic giant. The impressive pass rates speak for themselves. For the past ten years, the school has consistently ranked among the district’s top ten performing schools.”
Turning to infrastructure development, Mbiza acknowledged Mrs Sayi’s outstanding contribution.
“A conducive teaching and learning environment is a key pillar of quality education. It is heartening to note that Madam Sayi worked tirelessly to modernise the school through the renovation of classroom blocks, construction of ablution facilities, and the provision of classroom furniture.”
He also commended her for improving water security at the school.
“It is pleasing to note that as she leaves office, she has ensured that the school now has running water. This milestone has finally addressed the long-standing water challenges that had affected the school for many years. Equally significant were the electrification of the school and the introduction of internet connectivity, which now play a central role in the teaching and learning process.”
Mrs Sayi was further applauded for initiating income-generating projects that enabled the school to purchase furniture and computers.
“As an administrator, I believe we can all learn from the way things were done here. Let us think outside the box. Schools should not rely solely on levies. School projects are an important source of fundraising and can make a significant difference,” Mbiza noted.
Mwenezi East NAPH Chairperson and Head of Machena Primary School, Mr Solomon Dube, described Mrs Sayi as a distinguished asset to Mwenezi District.
“Madam Sayi served as the District Head in Charge of Academics. Through her leadership and insights, the district pass rate improved significantly. She organised workshops on syllabus interpretation, which helped teachers adapt to the evolving demands of the education sector.”
Dube added: “As you go to your well-deserved rest, we will miss you. We will continue to knock on your door for advice.”
Speaking on behalf of Bubye Valley Conservancy (BVC), Agriculture Projects Officer Mr James Hanyani, representing Community Education Engagement Manager Mr Collete Sayi, highlighted the strong partnership between Vinga Primary School and BVC.
“As Bubye Valley Conservancy, we are honoured to be part of this occasion celebrating a woman of outstanding character. BVC remains committed to supporting the school. Currently, we are fully funding school levies for ten learners. Just a few weeks ago, we partnered with the school to improve its sports grounds, and this ongoing project will continue to ensure better facilities for learners.”
Addressing Mrs Sayi directly, Hanyani added:
“Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter. With the wealth of experience you have gained over the years, you are now an advisor and mentor. Continue sharing your knowledge with others, spend quality time with your family and loved ones, and remain a source of wisdom and value to your community.”
On behalf of the Ziki family, Mrs Sayi’s brother, Mr Ziki Abiude, thanked everyone who attended the ceremony.
“I would like to honour everyone gathered here today for celebrating my sister. Your presence is testimony to the positive impact she made in this community. I strongly believe that her success was also made possible through the unwavering support of her husband, for behind every successful woman is a wise and supportive man.”
Mrs Sayi trained as a teacher at Bondolfi Teachers’ College and joined the teaching profession in 1994.
She began her career at Rutenga Primary School before attaining a Bachelor of Education degree from Solusi University in 2000.
She was appointed substantive head of Vinga Primary School in 2011, where she served for 15 years until her retirement. At the time of her retirement, she was serving as the NAPH Mwenezi West Vice Chairperson.
