A fire broke out at the Brethren in Christ Church-run Matopo High School in the early hours of Friday, July 5th, but fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries.
In a statement, the school authorities stated that the fire, the cause of which could not be immediately determined, had erupted in the boys’ dormitory, resulting in the destruction of property. The school said:
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We regret to inform the public of a devastating fire incident that occurred at Matopo High School in the early hours of Friday, the 5th of July 2024.
The fire broke out in the boys’ dormitory, resulting in the complete destruction of property. The dormitory houses 52 learners.
Everything including 52 school trucks, 52 beds, their uniforms and extra clothing was burnt to ashes.
Fortunately, due to the swift action of our students and staff, no lives were lost. All learners managed to escape safely.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Fire Brigade and ZESA, but we are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability.
Our thoughts are with the affected learners, their families and the school during this difficult time.
We express our gratitude to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) fire brigade department, and The Ministry of Primary And Secondary Officials who promptly arrived at the scene to offer their hand.
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The school added that ensuring the safety and well-being of learners is its utmost priority, and it will implement all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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52 Learners Lose Trunks, Beds And Uniforms In Dormitory Fire At Matopo High School

The Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) plans to open a university, Matopo University, in Mtshabezi, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province.
This will bring to three the number of universities in the largely rural province.
Already there is Gwanda State University (GSU) and Solusi University in Bulilima District.
Matopo University plans to open its doors in August with an initial enrolment of 400 students.
The university will operate from the church’s Mtshabezi Mission Bible College. 
University of Matopo Trust (UMT) chairperson Professor Henry Sibanda said the idea was mooted more than four decades ago.
UMT needs to raise a minimum of US$30 000 required for Matopo University to be registered under the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).
In an interview with State media, Prof Sibanda said they intend to raise the money during this weekend’s church service.
Prof Sibanda said BICC has vast tracts of land in the Matabeleland region.
He said their plan is to have the faculties spread across three of their institutions, which are Mtshabezi, Wanezi and Matopo Missions. Said Prof Sibanda:
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Each of these missions will take certain faculties. The idea is to open the university to students by either July or August this year.
We have a bible institute at Mtshabezi, our largest mission station, which established in 1906 and can take up to 400 students.
The church has got four high schools that is Mtshabezi, Wanezi, and Matopo, all in Matabeleland South as well as Pumula Mission in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, which all have A-Level classes.
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He said they decided the name the university “Matopo University” for sentimental and historical reasons because Matopo is the oldest of the church’s four missions. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-varsity-on-the-cards-in-matabeleland/">Chronicle</a>

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