Bulilima Schools Record Improved O-Level Results: Dombodema High continues to Improve

By Desmond Nleya
BULILIMA District in Matabeleland South Province has recorded a notable improvement in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level results, with schools in the area defying difficult learning conditions to post better outcomes.
The district registered an average pass rate of 49,90 percent, reflecting a 2,58 percent increase from the 47,32 percent achieved in 2024. This performance places Bulilima well above the national O-Level pass rate of 35,26 percent, itself an improvement from 33,19 percent recorded the previous year.
Bulilima District, which borders Tsholotsho and Mangwe districts as well as neighbouring Botswana, has 22 secondary schools, with Tjemahale Secondary School set to present its first batch of O-Level candidates this year.
Among the district’s top performers, Dombodema Secondary School continues to stand out, recording 35 candidates with five Ordinary Levels and above. This achievement is particularly commendable given that the school consistently enrols pupils with comparatively low entry-level results.
Despite these challenges, Dombodema has steadily improved its pass rate over the years, underscoring the commitment of its teachers and school leadership to academic excellence.
Other schools with notable numbers of candidates attaining five O-Levels and above include Thekwane (127), Usher (98), Solusi (75), Sikhathini (39), Madlambudzi (28), Phakama (17), Matjinge (17) Siyaphambili and Tokwana (14).
Several rural schools, despite limited resources, also managed to register positive outcomes, reflecting a district-wide effort to improve learner performance.
Bulilima District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mr Gobile Gobile praised the general upward trend but warned against complacency, particularly for schools that failed to register passes.
“We have experienced an exponential rise in our pass rate as a district — an improvement of about 2,58 percent, bringing us to an average of 49,90 percent, which is well above the national O-Level pass rate of 35 percent,” said Mr Gobile.
However, he expressed concern over Mazwaligwe Secondary School, which recorded a zero percent pass rate.
“We have one school, Mazwaligwe Secondary, that scored zero percent. I promise that is their last zero because I am literally shifting my office to Mazwaligwe this term to ensure that teachers put in the required work,” he said.
Education stakeholders have commended Bulilima schools for performing well under difficult socio-economic and infrastructural conditions, including long walking distances for pupils, limited learning materials and staffing challenges.
The steady improvement, particularly by schools such as Dombodema, is being hailed as proof that dedication, accountability and focused leadership can yield results even in the most challenging environments.
Overall, the 2025 O-Level results mark a positive step forward for Bulilima District, offering hope that continued support and strict supervision will further lift academic standards in the years ahead.
Source: Chronicle