Gifford High School is a government-owned boys-only high school in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The school was founded in 1927 as the Bulawayo Technical School led by Mr Philip Henry Gifford and four teachers, with an enrolment of 39 pupils.
Timeline 1927 - Bulawayo Technical School Established, Philip Henry Gifford appointed Headmaster 1929 - The new School building was opened 1931 - High School status achieved, Founder of the Old Technicians’ Association 1933 - Beit Hall was presented by the Trust 1947 - Henry John Sutherby appointed Headmaster 1953 - Andrew Hart appointed Headmaster, Move to Matopos Road opposite to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Showgrounds 1961 - Donald Robert White appointed Headmaster, The Bulawayo Technical School becomes Gifford Technical High School (GTHS) 1962 - Philip Henry Gifford dies, 1967 - Ivor John McLachlan appointed Headmaster 1974 - Harry Fincham appointed Headmaster, McLachlan Pool named in honour of Headmaster Ivor John McLachlan 1974 - School renamed Gifford High School as a result of its change to a comprehensive high school offering the same range of subjects as other high schools. 1976 - Old South Field renamed the Sutherby Field in honour of Headmaster Henry John Sutherby. Andrew Hart Field is named in honour of Headmaster Andrew Hart 1977 - Jubilee celebrations (50th Anniversary) 1983 - Anthony Menne appointed Headmaster 2003 - Siziba appointed Headmaster 2006 - Moyo appointed Headmaster 2009 - J.T. Nzima appointed Headmaster
Emblems The School's colours are maroon and silver, and the motto is Hinc Orior meaning “from here I arise”, or, more freely, “from these beginnings my formed mind springs.” These colours were registered in 1957.
School Development Association (SDA) The school is administered by the Gifford High School Development Association in terms of Statutory instrument 379 of 1998 – Education (School Development Associations) Government Schools) Regulations [Zimbabwe]
The SDA is composed of parents or legal guardians of pupils enrolled at school and Teachers employed by the school. The affairs of school are administered by an Executive Committee of the SDA which has a minimum of 7 and maximum of 11 members, with a duration of office 1 year (renewable). Office bearers are elected at an AGM by April of each year. SDA meetings are convened by the Executive Committee or at least one third of the members of the SDA. Voting decisions at SDA meetings are by majority or secret ballot if ten (10) or more members request this. Fiscal year is calendar year ending 31 December.
Headmasters
Period Headmaster Comment/Achievements 1927–1947 Philip Henry Gifford Founding Headmaster. School renamed in his honour. Officer of the Order of the British Empire 1947–1959 Henry John Sutherby Founder of the Old Technicians’ Association (1931). Old South Field renamed the Sutherby Field (1976) 1953–1961 Andrew Hart One of the School fields named the Andrew Hart Field 1976 1962–1966 Donald Robert White Consolidating and extending the academic base of the School 1967–1973 Ivor John McLachlan McLachlan Pool name in his honour (1974).Started the School's weekly newsletter, The Bee Hive (1967). Introduced the School's premier award, the Gifford Award 1974–1983 Harry Fincham 1983–2003 Anthony Menne 2003–2006 Siziba 2006–2009 M.K. Moyo 2009–2022 J.T. Nzima 2023–present B dewa
Sports Athletics Basketball Cricket Rugby Soccer Tennis Volleyball
Alumni Gifford High School alumni are referred to as "Old Technicians", the name being derived from the original Bulawayo Technical School name.
Notable alumni include:
Brian Davison, cricketer John Love, racing driver Gary Hocking, motorcycle racing rider Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa,"Oskido" musician Ronnie Hill,. Springbok Rugby player
References
External links Gifford Technical High School Old Boy's Contact List