Munali Secondary School
| Munali Secondary School | |
|---|---|
| Great East Road, Lusaka, Zambia Zambia | |
| Type | Government secondary school |
| Established | 1938 (as Central Trade School); 1947 as Munali Secondary School |
Munali Secondary School is a landmark government secondary school located on the Great East Road in Lusaka, Zambia. Founded initially as Central Trade School in 1938, it became the country’s first secondary school for black Zambians in 1947.
History
Originally established in 1938 as Central Trade School, the institution was formally rebranded as Munali Secondary School in 1947 with about 40 students. It moved in 1953 from the "Old Munali" location at the David Kaunda campus to its current site on the Great East Road.
After 1994, female students were admitted to the junior section, and in 2001 the Munali Girls Secondary School formally split off. It later reverted to Munali Secondary with separate branches: Munali Boys Secondary, Munali Girls Secondary and Munali School for the Deaf and Blind.
Reputation and performance
Munali has consistently ranked among the country’s top-performing schools. In 2006, it recorded an impressive 88 % pass rate in public examinations. The school motto is: “Only the best is good enough for Munali.”
Academic and extracurricular life
Munali offers a wide curriculum, including subjects such as English, Mathematics, French, Sciences, Technical Drawing, Computer Studies, Commerce and Expressive Arts. The school also hosts a variety of clubs, including debate, scripture union, anti-AIDS, drama, ZICTA and others.
The debate society, especially, is one of the oldest in the country, historically led by students such as Jackson Ngoma, Mwanza Daka and Simon Ngoma.
Facilities and infrastructure
In May 2020, Sport In Action (SIA), supported by the Norwegian Olympic Committee, refurbished two volleyball courts and supplied sporting equipment to enhance athletic development at the school.
Notable alumni
Many of Zambia’s early political leaders and public figures are alumni of Munali Secondary School, including:
- Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first President
- Sikota Wina, first Health Minister
- Reuben Kamanga, first Vice-President of Zambia
- Mainza Chona, former Prime Minister and Secretary-General of UNIP
- Alexander Grey Zulu, senior Cabinet Minister
- Elijah Mudenda, Zambia’s second Prime Minister
- N’gandu Magande, former Finance Minister and ACP leader
- Peter Amos Siwo, pioneering civil servant and businessman.
Land and community preservation
In 2019, the Zambian government ordered demolition of illegally built structures encroaching on the school’s land. Pupils have since regularly backfilled dug foundation holes to protect the premises. The issue has been raised in court and monitored by Ministry officials.
