By SOCCOM Reporter
The Zimbabwe Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg has donated science laboratory equipment valued at R53,000 to St Augustine’s College in Bulawayo, in a gesture aimed at strengthening science education and holistic formation of young people.
A three-member delegation from the community arrived at the school on Monday 26 January 2026 morning to present the donation.
The delegation comprised Mrs Christine D. Nzwere, Vice Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Catholic Community, Mr Charles Chigurah, Head of Welfare, and Thembi, representing the youth.The handover ceremony was witnessed by Archbishop Alex Thomas – the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo – Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference Secretary General – Fr Tryvis Moyo, and members of the school management team, including Head Mr T. Khumalo, Administrator Ms V. Madzivire, and Accounts Clerk Ms B. Maviza.
Following brief introductions, Fr Moyo delivered opening remarks, outlining the history of St Augustine’s College and the Bishops’ Conference’s vision for the institution.
Mrs Nzwere and Mr Chigurah then described the composition and pastoral life of the Zimbabwe Catholic Chaplaincy in Johannesburg, explaining that the donation was raised through contributions from a broad cross-section of Zimbabwean Catholics living in the diaspora.
Receiving the donation, Archbishop Alex Thomas expressed deep appreciation to the Zimbabwe Catholic Community for responding to the Conference’s appeal to support the college.
He noted that the contribution was timely and would have a lasting impact on students’ formation.
In his address, the Archbishop also highlighted the broader challenges facing young people today, particularly drug and substance abuse.
He emphasised that the Church’s educational mission goes beyond academic excellence to include moral and faith formation.
“In its formation of a holistic person, the Church is contributing to the arrest of the so many ills that are bedevilling our world today,” he said, adding that investments in young people help secure a hopeful future for society.
The donated items included five digital microscopes, 40 advanced Bunsen burners, 40 crucible tongs, 40 medium tripod stands, 40 ceramic gauze wires (15 x 15 cm), and measuring cylinders in various sizes (10 ml, 25 ml and 100 ml).
After the handover, the visiting delegation joined the Archbishop and the school management team for a tour of the college to view facilities that will benefit from the new equipment.
St Augustine’s College is a private Catholic high school under the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.