Mqabuko Shines at Inaugural ZICOUFA Competitions

The Zimbabwe Colleges and Universities Festival of Arts (ZICOUFA) competitions recently took place at the Masvingo Civic Centre, bringing together talented students from across the country. The event, held from October 23rd to 25th, 2025, saw 48 students from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic participate in various categories, including Drama, African Folk, Electric Band, Culinary Arts, Modeling, and Cosmetics. Under the theme “Preserving our cultural heritage through arts,” students showcased their exceptional skills and talents, with Mqabuko scooping numerous awards. The college’s outstanding performance earned them: Platinum awards in: - Beverages and Culinary Arts - Modeling (with a student walking away with a $40 USD award) - Drama Gold awards in: - African Folk - Live Cooking - Preserved Foods - Electric Band The students who participated in the competitions expressed their joy and gratitude, stating that they gained and learned a lot from the experience. The lecturers who trained the students were also thrilled with the results, highlighting the hard work and determination that Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic students exhibit both in and out of the campus. “We are proud of our students and lecturers for their dedication to excellence in the arts,” said Mrs Nyangwayira, the Executive member and JMN ZICOUFA Representative. “This achievement is a testament to the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural heritage.” The inaugural ZICOUFA competitions provided a platform for students to showcase their talents, share ideas, and learn from one another. Mqabuko’s impressive performance is a reflection of the college’s strong arts programs and its commitment to developing the next generation of artists and creatives. Congratulations to our students and lecturers on this outstanding achievement!