By McGeorge Mbare
THE small livestock, flower and kitchen competitions of the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (NASSAF) are currently underway at Oakleigh House Trust School in Beitbridge.
NASSAF is organized by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and serves as an extracurricular activity aimed at promoting student engagement and creativity across every discipline.
Each of the ten provinces has brought a variety of animals, flowers and plants, showcasing their achievements and which earned them a spot at the national level.
Representing the host province, Matebeleland South, Oakleigh House Trust School is also showcasing small livestock, including pigs and Boer goats.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Oakleigh House Trust School student Thandolwenkosi Luphahla expressed her enthusiasm for her pig exhibit, stating her hopes of winning in her category.
“I am hoping to win for my school and I’m very proud and passionate about agriculture. I love pigs, so I decided to focus on them, as they are a valuable product for business. I aspire to be a farmer who breeds pigs in the future,” Luphahla said.
Matabeleland South’s Oakleigh House Trust School student Anna-Mercy Ziwacha showcased a 26 month old Boer buck and is confident in her chances of winning.
“Our Boer buck is 26 months old and we are exhibiting our goat as a rare and sustainable animal for breeding and business. I am inspired by successful breeders, and here in Matabeleland South, we are known for livestock keeping. I am optimistic that, as the host school, we will excel in the competitions. These goats can also generate revenue for our school if we sell them,” Ziwacha said.
Bulawayo Province also exhibited rabbits among its small livestock, while Matebeleland North brought flowers and other plants such aloe vera
Bulawayo representative Tsepo Blessing Chitonga shared insights about his rabbit production.
“I have chosen Chinchilla and Dutch rabbits to breed because they are easy to manage and good for meat. At our school, Inhlati High School, we keep rabbits as part of our agriculture program and it has become one of our most promising areas. We even sell them,” Chitonga said.
The spectators are currently rating the small livestock, flowers, and plants as the participants wait for their results, which are set to be announced on the final day, Thursday, 23 September 2026.