By Cuthbert Mashoko
Maranda-The Vinga community in Mwenezi, Maranda, showered praises on the retiring Vinga Primary School Head, Mrs Theodola Sayi, during a retirement ceremony held in honour of her distinguished contribution to the school on 31 July at Vinga Primary School.
Chairperson of the Vinga School Development Committee (SDC), Mr Zinyuke Abide, praised Mrs Sayi for transforming the school into a modern academic powerhouse in the district, under very difficult conditions.
“As Madam Sayi leaves this school, she is leaving behind a lasting legacy. She is a woman of faith, a hard worker, and someone who tirelessly championed the development of this school. It is painful to part ways with her,” said Zinyuke before outlining some of the major life-changing developments initiated during her tenure.
He noted that the electrification of the school was achieved during Mrs Sayi’s leadership.
“The electrification of the school took place during her tenure. This enabled the school to acquire computers, and over the years our learners have competed in computer competitions up to district level despite our rural location.”
The SDC Chairperson also commended the retiring Head for spearheading infrastructure development at the school.
“Today we have running water at the school, and this is a major achievement. We thank Madam Sayi for that. She also led the renovation of classrooms, the painting of the school, and the modernisation of the gate area, giving the school an appearance often associated with urban schools.”
He further reflected on some of the challenges encountered during Mrs Sayi’s tenure.
“It was not always easy. Every journey has its ups and downs. We faced challenges with school fees payments, but Madam Sayi successfully engaged local leadership, and I am pleased to say that the community greatly improved in paying fees. She also introduced income-generating projects, through which the school was able to purchase textbooks and furniture,” noted Zinyuke.
Deputy Head Mr Samuel Ndlovu praised Mrs Sayi for being a woman of integrity and transparency.
“Madam Sayi lived by her word and was very transparent in her leadership. Our pass rate improved significantly because of her. Even in sports, we reached national level competitions through her support and leadership. As she leaves office, we wish her well; she remains a mother figure to us,” said Ndlovu.
Village Head Tapera, who represented Chief Mazetese, thanked Mrs Sayi for being a transformative leader.
“As local leadership, we are grateful to Madam Sayi for developing this school. Vakuru vanoti musha mukadzi. We witnessed a mother transforming this institution. I wish her well as she goes to her well-deserved rest,” said Village Head Tapera.
A parent with children at Vinga Primary School, Mrs Stembile Machuve, also praised Mrs Sayi for proving that women are capable leaders.
“It is sad that she is leaving us, but we are proud that she defied the odds and proved that women can lead. In this community, leadership was traditionally viewed as a domain for men, and she demonstrated that women are equally capable of providing effective leadership,” said Machuve
