UZ wins 2024 SAYWHAT Quiz Challenge

By Kuda Pembere
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) emerged this year’s champions for the SAYWHAT National Quiz Challenge after a nail biting contest.
It was the sudden death question,the decider, which saw UZ outsmarting and relieving last year’s winners, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
From the 12 schools, trimmed from the semifinal were the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Gwanda State University (GSU), Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) and Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE).
In the semis were debutants Marondera University of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (MUAST) who tussled their way to be amongst the favourites NUST and UZ alongside Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS).
Sweden Ambassador to Zimbabwe,His Excellency Per Lindgarde commended SAYWHAT for coming up with such a challenge which fosters knowledge of SRHR issues amongst youngsters.
“First. May I thank each of our participants for taking part in this event — the quality and calibre of contestants like every other year is outstanding. I believe the passion and dedication which they have demonstrated during this challenge will contribute in shaping our world.
“These platforms that test our Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights knowledge are very important for personal development and to empower and motivate our minds to conceive the good thoughts and ideas and grow our knowledge day by day. Demonstration of knowledge on international and national Commitments is the first step in creating urgency among young people to advocate for accountability,” he said.
SAYWHAT board chairperson Ms Benevolence Taguta noted the challenge forged Sexual reproductive health rights champions for Zimbabwe and the SADC region.
“I am honoured to be part of this special edition of the Quiz Challenge, a special opportunity for young people to learn, to interact, to be heard and cement their critical position as solution bearers to the challenges they face.
“I say this is a beautiful day because nothing excites me more than witnessing young people redefining the narrative, from being listeners in the discourse of SRH, to being champions in shaping the SRH landscape in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region at large,” she said.
SAYWHAT executive director Jimmy Wilford said in the future, the team which comes number four will not go away empty handed.
“This has been an annual event where we bring together students from various universities to compete in a quiz competition that test their knowledge and exposure to public health issues and also the development goals set globally. This is the sixth edition, and it was quite successful. This edition has been won by the UZ and NUST came second,” he said.
The winning team from the UZ comprising of Kevin Bepete and Benhildah Mugwanyu was elated to bring the championship title home.
“The tie breaker was something else. NUST was saying you guys just cant go with the trophy. You need to sweat for it.
“I guess fate eventually took its course. NUST!! I don’t know how to explain it but the hard work did pay off,” they said.