The Government has launched a recruitment drive to fill vacant positions for school inspectors, heads, and deputy heads in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened 419 school inspector positions, 1,137 school heads, and 843 deputy heads posts.
A Vacancy Circular from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply. Reads part of the notice:
<blockquote>
Reference to the Public Service Commission’s minute referenced G/8/1/638 and dated 7 January 2025. The Public Service Commission has granted authority to advertise the above posts internally and the ministry has since prepared an advertisement for the posts of Heads and Deputy Heads (see copy attached) for use by all Provinces.
In view of the above, you are hereby requested to urgently post the advertisement on your noticeboards. With regards to the posts of Schools Inspectors, you are expected to prepare your advertisements based on the requirements you submitted to Head Office.
</blockquote>
The recruitment drive officially began on 17 February, with candidates required to submit their applications by 7 March.
The masterlisting and shortlisting of candidates will take place between 10 and 12 March, followed by interviews from 24 to 28 March.
The list shows 463 vacancies for secondary school heads, 100 for secondary deputy heads, 674 for primary school heads, and 419 for school inspectors nationwide. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Qualifications and experience include a Degree in Education, a certified University Graduate and a holder of a Primary Secondary Teachers’ Certificate or Diploma.
Applications for ‘A level schools should be holders of a degree with a teaching subject. At least two years- experience as a Senior Teacher.
The candidates must be prepared to reside in the district. A relevant Master’s degree would be an added advantage. Thorough understanding of the Education Act, as amended.
Knowledge of the Public Service and Education regulations and procedures governing the administration of the schools.
They should also have the ability to handle confidential information and good management and leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team plus good communication skills at all levels.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education communications and advocacy director, Taungana Ndoro, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-in-recruitment-of-school-inspectors-heads-and-deputies/">The Sunday News</a> that the nationwide recruitment drive aims to address the issue of numerous positions being filled by acting personnel.
Ndoro explained that appointing substantive personnel would enhance accountability and efficiency in schools, as it is easier to monitor individuals in permanent positions.

Pindula News

The government is looking to hire 419 school inspectors, 1,980 school heads, and deputies for primary and secondary schools. They want more females and people with disabilities to apply. The recruitment drive started on February 17, with applications due by March 7. Interviews will be held from March 24-28. Candidates need a degree in education and teaching experience. They must also know the Education Act and have good leadership and communication skills. The job requires living in the district of the school. The government wants qualified and experienced people to apply for these important roles in schools.

Govt To Recruit 419 School Inspectors And 1,980 School Heads and Deputies

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo announced that 120 new public schools and 300 classrooms will be built across the country this year, following the securing of US$20 million in funding from international partners.
Moyo said this in the National Assembly while addressing concerns raised in the Primary and Secondary Education Parliamentary Portfolio Committee’s report on the state of school infrastructure.
The report highlighted issues such as inadequate infrastructure, a lack of basic amenities, the absence of disability-friendly facilities, and delays in project completion due to funding constraints. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
Resources permitting, the ministry will prioritise building more schools to address these challenges.
I must mention that in the 2025 calendar year, we have secured adequate resources to construct new schools. We are targeting not less than 120 new schools.
These include 30 schools whose funding we have already received from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion through the National Building Society.
So, it is a model that has been used by universities like Chinhoyi University where we have received financial support from the National Building Society to construct 30 schools and these schools will be distributed to all the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Moyo added that, in addition to the 30 schools, the government’s partner, the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), has also provided funding for the construction of new schools. He said:
<blockquote>
So, in the first term, we are going to receive US$20 million towards school construction. The partner is going to provide funding for the construction of 50 schools. Of these 50 schools, 40 will be day schools and 10 are going to be boarding schools.
So, the government on its own is going to construct not less than 100 schools but we also have our partners, these are individuals, corporates, who are going to provide funding for construction of private schools and colleges so that we expect at least 120 schools to be built in 2025.
</blockquote>
Moyo said his ministry will work with Members of Parliament to identify areas in need of new schools.
He also confirmed that funding has been secured for the construction of an additional 300 classrooms to accommodate the growing student population.

The government plans to build 120 new schools and 300 classrooms in 2025. The Education Minister, Torerai Moyo, got $20 million from international partners to help. They want to fix problems like not enough schools and facilities for kids with disabilities. They will build 30 schools with money from the Ministry of Finance and 50 more schools funded by the OPEC Fund. The government will also work with others to build more private schools and colleges. They hope to have at least 120 new schools by the end of the year.

Government Plans To Build 120 New Schools And 300 Classrooms In 2025

Raymond Majongwe, secretary-general of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), criticized the government’s decision to allow pregnant learners to remain in school, arguing that it undermines discipline.
This decision is part of a set of regulations gazetted by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo on Friday, 14 February, through Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025.
Section 12 of the regulations mandates that if a girl becomes pregnant, the school must provide psycho-social support to help her through the process. It reads:
<blockquote>
Where a girl who is a pupil at a school becomes pregnant, the school head — (a) shall inform the parents of the girl as soon as possible if they are not already aware of the pregnancy, (b) shall facilitate psycho-social supportive services to the girl and parent, (c) if the girl and her parents so wish, the girl shall be permitted to remain at school for as long as possible before the delivery of her child, and to return thereafter as soon as her health and the health of her child permit it.
</blockquote>
In an interview with <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200038581/teachers-reject-maternity-wards-in-schools">The Independent</a>, Majongwe said that allowing pregnant learners in school is akin to rewarding indiscipline. He said:
<blockquote>
While there are some positive takeaways from the recently gazetted education regulations, such as the protection of the girl child and ensuring that the impregnated girl is not the only one punished by banishing her from attending school while the perpetrator is left free, there are some provisions that raise more questions than answers.
A close look at the document gives the impression of making schools ungovernable. The government is creating a situation whereby it will be difficult to discipline learners. It seems to reward indiscipline.
A learner who gets pregnant is ‘rewarded’ by being given special care rather than emphasising discipline.
The issue of allowing pregnant girls in schools defies logic. If a child engages in sex, it is grounds for expulsion from school, but if they get pregnant as a result of that sex, they are to be given psychosocial support and asked to remain in school.
</blockquote>
Majongwe emphasized the need for proper teacher training to effectively address the complexities introduced by the new regulations. He said:
<blockquote>
Will the government train teachers to handle these pregnant learners, because it requires special skills to deal with such delicate cases? Psychosocial support, as mentioned in the document, is no mean task.
The government has heaped another extra load on teachers, who are already grappling with heritage-based curriculum demands such as school-based projects.
Schools will be expected to create “maternity wards” in order to accommodate those, who may develop complications at school as a result of pregnancy.
</blockquote>

Teachers in Zimbabwe are upset with a new rule that lets pregnant girls stay in school. They think it encourages bad behavior. The rule says schools must give support to pregnant girls and let them stay in school if they want. Schools will need to create special areas for girls with complications. Teachers worry about how to handle the new rules and if they have enough training. They say it will make it hard to control students and make schools chaotic. They don't agree with the idea of "maternity wards" in schools.

Teachers Reject "Maternity Wards" In Schools

The government has implemented new regulations that prohibit schoolchildren from visiting teachers’ quarters without a valid reason.
No student will be denied access to education due to non-payment of fees or levies, the absence of a birth certificate, pregnancy, or low academic performance.
These measures are part of a set of regulations gazetted by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, on Friday, 14 February, through Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025.
The new regulations aim to address societal issues such as drug abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying.
Section 12 stipulates that if a girl becomes pregnant, the school is required to provide psycho-social support to assist her through the process. It reads:
<blockquote>
Where a girl who is a pupil at a school becomes pregnant, the school head — (a) shall inform the parents of the girl as soon as possible if they are not already aware of the pregnancy, (b) shall facilitate psycho-social supportive services to the girl and parent, (c) if the girl and her parents so wish, the girl shall be permitted to remain at school for as long as possible before the delivery of her child, and to return thereafter as soon as her health and the health of her child permit it.
</blockquote>
Section 14 of the regulations prohibits students from visiting teachers’ quarters. It reads:
<blockquote>
14 (1) No pupils must be allowed at the school staff quarters. (2) Every school shall develop guidelines for the pupils to access staff offices and base rooms to ensure safety of the pupils. (3) Subsection (1) shall not apply where the pupil is a child or relative of the teacher or member of staff whose living-quarters he or she enters and resides in.
</blockquote>
Section 18 grants school heads the authority to suspend a student for up to 14 days if they reasonably suspect the student of serious misconduct, allowing time for investigations. It reads:
<blockquote>
No pupil may be suspended from school without first being granted a reasonable opportunity, with the support of his or her parents, to make representations with respect to the proposed suspension.
</blockquote>
Section 20 prohibits the exclusion of students from school due to non-payment of any fees or levies. However, it requires parents and guardians to settle school fees and levies before the start of each new term. Reads the regulations:
<blockquote>
Basic education is compulsory and, if the parents of the pupil cannot afford the tuition fees and levies at a Government school, the State shall assist, within the limits of the resources available to it, in providing that education.
Admission of children into Government schools; No school head shall exclude a child of school-going age from enrolment at a Government school solely on the ground that the child does not have a birth certificate.
No child of school-going age shall be denied admission into basic education in Government schools based on the quality of results he or she possesses.
</blockquote>

The government made new rules for schools: 

- Kids can't go to teachers' rooms unless it's important.
- No one can stop kids from going to school for not paying fees, having no birth certificate, being pregnant, or doing badly in school.
- The rules help with problems like drugs, harassment, and bullying.
- If a girl is pregnant, the school will help her and let her stay in school as long as possible.
- Students can't go to teachers' homes unless they are related or have permission.
- Schools can suspend students for up to 14 days if they do something very wrong.
- Kids can't be kept out of school for not paying fees, but parents should pay fees at the right time.
- All children should be allowed to go to school, even if they don’t have a birth certificate or if their results are not great.

New Regulations Prohibit Learners From Visiting Teachers' Quarters, Ensure Pregnant Pupils Remain In School

Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Moses Mhike has warned school heads against unethical practices, such as demanding full fees in foreign currency, turning away learners for non-payment, and soliciting bribes for placements.
In response to complaints from parents and guardians, Mhike said school fees must be paid in local currency, in accordance with the Secretary’s Circular No. 10 of 2022. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/stop-arm-twisting-parents-govt-warns-schools/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
No school should force any parent to pay fees or levies exclusively in foreign currency. Parents are free to pay in any currency of their choice, as Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency regime.
</blockquote>
Mhike said if fees are pegged in foreign currency for value preservation, parents must be allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate on the day of the transaction.
Regarding school uniforms and stationery, he reiterated that parents are free to purchase these items wherever they find them cheaper, as long as they meet school specifications. Said Mhike:
<blockquote>
Heads of schools and responsible authorities are therefore warned to abide by this directive and refrain from mandating parents to buy uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools.
</blockquote>
Mhike also said inspectors will be dispatched to schools to ensure compliance with these directives.
Several schools have faced accusations of selling uniforms at exorbitant prices and exclusively demanding school fees in foreign currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is telling schools to stop asking for fees and uniforms to be paid only in US dollars. Parents can pay in any currency. Schools must follow the rules or face consequences. Inspectors will check that schools are doing the right thing. Some schools have been accused of charging too much for uniforms and demanding foreign currency. Parents can buy uniforms and stationery from anywhere as long as they meet the school's requirements. The government wants schools to follow the rules and not be greedy.

Government Sternly Warns School Heads On USD-Only Fees And Uniforms

The Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) is working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to address the issue of schools that require parents to purchase uniforms exclusively from them or selected suppliers.
This follows complaints from parents and guardians about inflated prices for uniforms, as well as concerns from small uniform manufacturers who feel excluded from the market.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/ctc-targets-school-uniform-monopolies/">The Chronicle</a> on the sidelines of World Competition Day commemorations in Bulawayo last week, CTC Mergers and Acquisitions Assistant Director Tatenda Zengeni revealed that the majority of schools are involved in this malpractice. Said Zengeni:
<blockquote>
We found out that they have been contravening the Competition Act and we issued a cease and desist order.
However, we found out that this practice is not unique to Warren Park High, but it was also prevalent in the majority of schools in Zimbabwe. So, we have decided to take a holistic approach.
We are engaging with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to try and come up with some kind of regulation that will be communicated to schools, directing them to stop engaging in this kind of anti-competitive practice.
Many times, you realise that when you go to those schools that force you to buy school uniforms from their tuck-shops or their preferred suppliers, the price will be excessive, so that is against the tenets of competition.
We are hoping that very soon we will reach a point where we agree with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and resolve this issue once and for all.
</blockquote>
As the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in school uniform manufacturing continues to grow, forcing parents to purchase uniforms from specific suppliers creates a significant barrier for these small businesses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Competition and Tariff Commission and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education are working together to stop schools from making parents buy uniforms only from them or selected suppliers. Many parents complained about high prices and small uniform makers felt left out. The CTC found that many schools were breaking the law and issued warnings. They are talking to the Ministry to come up with rules to stop this unfair practice. If parents have to buy from specific suppliers, it hurts small businesses. They want to fix this problem soon.

Competition And Tariff Commission Moves To End School Uniform Monopolies

As schools prepare to open for the third term in just a few days, police are urging school authorities to follow the government’s directive to process payments through banks and not keep cash at their premises. This step is crucial in safeguarding schools from armed robbery.
Last term, several institutions suffered significant financial losses after being targeted by robbers during school fee collection from parents and guardians.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/top-stories/schools-warned-against-keeping-large-sums-of-money-at-premises/">ZBC News</a>, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Deputy Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Blessmore Chishaka emphasised the importance of schools taking proactive measures to avoid becoming targets for criminals. He said:
<blockquote>
Our call to the schools and school authorities is that they should actually adhere to the government system, which requires that they deposit school fees using the banking system. The hoarding of cash at schools is not advisable Why? Because schools become targets of criminals.
We also even advise parents that as they pay their school fees, they should use the banking system rather than carry large sums of cash to schools. This attracts criminals would then target them and rob them of their money.
</blockquote>
Last term, a school in Warren Park, Harare, was robbed in broad daylight where an armed gang posed as parents intending to pay school fees.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said:
<blockquote>
Schools must comply with government regulations and use ZiG for all financial transactions.
This imperative step will substantially reduce the risk of armed robberies, ensure a secure educational environment, and support the local economy.
</blockquote>
Lytton Primary School in Harare, Tafadzwa Primary School in Chitungwiza, Widdicombe Primary School in Hatfield, Ngezi Salvation Army Secondary School in Kadoma, Glen Norah 2 High School, and George Stark High School in Mbare all suffered significant financial losses due to armed robberies last term.
In an unrelated development, Assistant Commissioner Chishaka said police are closing in on a suspected armed gang responsible for a robbery at the Fawcett Security Company premises in Chipinge. On Wednesday morning, the gang stole over US$110,000 and more than ZAR 2,000,000.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police are telling schools to use banks for fees. This will stop robbers. Schools got robbed last term so it's important. Police say don't keep cash at schools. Pay fees through banks. Parents should do this too. Some schools got robbed last term. Follow government rules to stay safe. Police are catching a gang in Chipinge. They stole a lot of money. Schools need to be careful. Police are protecting schools from robbers.

Police Advise Schools To Handle Fees Through Banks To Avoid Robberies

The Government plans to set up information technology servers in rural schools to enable them to access textbooks virtually amid concerns that the shortage of reading material, is a contributory factor to a low pass rate.
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) last week released Ordinary Level results showing that only 29 per cent of candidates who sat for the November 2023 examinations acquired five Ordinary Level passes with a Grade C or better.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-textbook-strategy-for-rural-schools/">The Herald</a>, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the Government is concerned with the low pass rate, especially in rural schools. He said:
<blockquote>
Learners have no access to the internet and that has contributed to the low pass rate. We are, however, aiming to improve that.
We have contacted some development partners who are coming on board to ensure that we are going to provide online learning in the rural areas including those remote areas without internet connectivity.
We will provide a server so that every child within a radius of 200 metres has access to notes and e-books from the server.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the 29 per cent recorded last year is not good enough, adding the Ministry expect 50 per cent of the candidates to pass.
He also said the Government in partnership with Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is set to avail US$1.2 million to support the registration of 250 schools that are almost complete in construction. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We are going to disburse US$5 000 this term to those schools that are at least 80 percent complete.
If a satellite school is close to registration, we are going to give it financial support from GPE.
We are targeting 250 schools by the end of the first term to have received, and if we manage to register 250 schools we are going to unlock more funds.
It means the following year we will have 500 schools that are going to benefit.
</blockquote>
Moyo called upon individuals to construct schools and privatise them, saying the country has a deficit of 2 800 learning institutions.
He warned teachers against teaching extra school lessons for money, saying those caught doing so will face disciplinary action.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Plans To Roll Out E-books For Rural Schools

Twenty-three (23) schools countrywide are accused of turning away learners over unpaid tuition, demanding fees in United States dollars and conducting extra lessons, among other charges.
The 23 schools are Parirewa Primary and Secondary Schools, Kudzanai Primary, Kuredza Primary, Kuwadzana 6 Primary, Allan Wilson High School, Chinhoyi 2 High, Mhanyame Primary, Chirorodziva, Tafara Primary, Helwyn Primary, Biri Primary, Kasimure Primary, Maumbe Primary, Magunje High, Norton Intellect Primary, Strathdon Secondary, Negomo Secondary, Mhuriimwe Secondary, Tendai Primary, Glenview 2 High, Chiri Government and Hatcliffe High schools.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021881/23-schools-in-hot-soup">NewsDay</a> reported that the charges included demanding cash for extra lessons, conducting illegal extra lessons, turning away pupils over non-payment of levies, demanding exclusively US dollar fee payment and hiking fees without approval from the Government.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo visited several schools in Harare on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday.
He visited Oriel Boys High School, Eastridge Primary School and Makomo Primary School in Harare.
Speaking during the tour, Moyo reiterated a government directive that no learner should be turned away over non-payment of school fees.
He also warned schools against withholding examination results for learners’ failure to pay school fees. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The contract for examinations is between the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and learners (candidates), on school fees, the contract is between parents or guardians and the school.
No results should be withheld and no learner should be turned away from school regarding fee payment.
Schools must find other ways to get the tuition fee from parents and guardians. This is not to say parents must not pay school fees.
</blockquote>
Moyo said schools selling uniforms at their premises should not force parents to buy the uniforms if they feel they are expensive. He said:
<blockquote>
I have received reports of some schools forcing parents to buy uniforms from them.
Parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms where they find them cheaper.
If your school is innovative (by producing) uniforms, the price should be reasonable and not by force.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said some schools were defying the Government directive to charge only approved school fees and levies.
The Ministry also said some learning institutions were charging school fees and levies exclusively in foreign currency, forcing parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools and withholding results for Grade 7, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level candidates.
It reminded schools that they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fee adjustments according to Secretary’s Circular No. 1 of 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

23 Schools In Trouble For Conducting Illegal Extra Lessons

The Government has failed to meet its target to build more schools in the country because of land shortages, an official has said.
According to the 2022 Population Census data, Zimbabwe has a 3 000 school deficit against an estimated 13 000 demand for schools.
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry permanent secretary, Moses Mhike, said that there is a shortage of land to build more expansive schools. He said:
<blockquote>
You need 3.5 hectares to have a primary school and you need 7 hectares to be able to have a secondary school.
You need approximately 30 hectares to build a boarding school but we are saying that land is not going to expand in Zimbabwe.
We need to think outside the box, that’s why I think let’s accommodate the issue of densification.
Let’s build upwards, you can be able to build a good primary school on a hectare and everything can happen.
</blockquote>
However, unions representing teachers have dismissed the claim by the Government that there is a shortage of land in the country to build new schools.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader, Obert Masaraure, said:
<blockquote>
On one hand, the government failed to adequately plan for access to education whenever it allocated residential stands in urban areas.
Local authorities should also prioritise access to education parcelling all the land out for residential purposes is retrogressive since the residents will still need education.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary, Tapedza Zhou, said the government’s failure to build more schools was because of misplaced priorities. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t understand when the government says that there is a shortage of land when the same government has been acquiring land since 2000.
If the government had the will and if it considered education as a priority, it was supposed to channel the funds obtained through corruption and misplaced priorities to build schools on land which is abandoned.
</blockquote>
Thousands of learners in marginalised areas and satellite schools have been learning under trees, in open spaces and barns for years due to a lack of classrooms.
In cities, public schools are always overcrowded also because of a shortage of classrooms.
In the 2024 national budget, education received the highest allocation of ZWL $10.4 trillion, translating to 17.4% which is below the 20% Dakar agreement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Blames "Land Shortage" On Failure To Build New Schools

The Government has deferred the reopening of schools in Harare for the Third Term to Wednesday 6 September 2023.
All schools were scheduled to reopen on Monday, 04 September 2023 and while the date has not changed for the schools in the country’s other nine provinces, the holiday for learners in Harare has been extended by another two days.
The latest development was announced by Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Secretary, Ndavaningi Mangwana, who, however, did not give reasons for the postponement. <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1698308971965063313?s=20">Mangwana tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>
This is to notify that schools in Harare are now opening on Wednesday 6 September 2023.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirmed the postponement via a post on X, formerly Twitter. It said:
<blockquote>
<div class="css-1dbjc4n r-xoduu5">@MoPSEZim would like to notify all stakeholders that the third term opening date for Harare schools has been moved to Wednesday the 6th of September. All other schools open as scheduled on Monday the 4th of September.</div>
</blockquote>
Late last week, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had to refute social media claims that the commencement of the 2023 Third Term had been postponed to 14 September.
In a statement, the Ministry said schools will open on 04 September as planned, adding that any official changes regarding school openings would be communicated through formal channels and not through social media.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools In Harare To Reopen On 06 September

The Government has warned schools, both public and private, against demanding fees exclusively in United States dollars saying the Zimbabwe dollar remains legal tender.
In a press statement released on 12 May 2023, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said parents and guardians should be allowed to pay fees in local currency calculated against the prevailing bank rate. The Ministry said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has noted with concern the demand for school fees and levies in USD by school authorities.
For this reason, all public and private schools must accept all forms of currency payment obtaining in the country for school fees and levies.
Therefore, the demand to receive payment exclusively in USD is not permissible and is contrary to the laws of the land.
For the record, the Zimbabwe dollar is still the legal tender in the country.
Parents/guardians should therefore be allowed to pay fees and levies in Zimbabwean dollars.
Parents/guardians opting to pay school fees in USD or in Rand should be allowed to do so calculated against the prevailing bank rate on the authorized fee and levy structure.
As a matter of fact, no school; public or private should charge fees without the approval of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education remains committed to the education of all pupils at institutions that provide primary and secondary education as we strive to provide quality and relevant education to all Zimbabweans.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe dollar is increasingly becoming unattractive for businesses and services providers as continues to fall rapidly against other countries in use in the country such as USD, Rand and Pula.
As a result, both formal and informal sectors are demanding payments in foreign currency and where the Zimbabwe dollar is accepted, in most cases the black market rate is used which is more than double the official rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Forex Only School Fees Illegal

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to provide content that will be taught to learners to ensure that they shun corruption from a young age.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zacc-to-take-anti-corruption-lessons-into-classrooms/">The Herald</a>, Justice Matanda-Moyo said the provision of anti-corruption education in schools is a stepping stone towards the realisation of a corruption-free country at all levels. She said:
<blockquote>
ZACC is currently working with the Curriculum Development Unit in the Ministry of Primary (and Secondary) Education to input teachable content in school syllabi.
The establishment of Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools and colleges, and the appointment of Anti-Corruption champions in both urban and rural communities are tools that will be used.
Mainstreaming anti-corruption content in the formal school curriculum is an important preventative tool.
</blockquote>
She said ZACC will work with religious groups in raising anti-corruption awareness and also disseminate anti-corruption information on both electronic and print media.
Matanda-Moyo also said ZACC was working on correcting the public’s perception that it was a useless organisation with no capacity to fight corruption.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Anti-corruption Content To Be Added To School Syllabi

The government has started re-registering and regularising some private schools that it had shut down last year.
This is being done to help absorb thousands of South Africa-based learners likely to join their parents coming back home in the coming months following the expiry of their Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs).
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006997/govt-re-registers-closed-schools-to-absorb-returnees-children">NewsDay,</a> Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said:
<blockquote>
Processes are underway to put in place measures to adopt the learners into local schools.
We have those schools that we call non-governmental or private schools that are in the process of being registered and regularised, and the government is building more schools.
We are also encouraging private players to play their role and make sure we have enough schools to cater for the deficit, particularly in the highly-populated areas.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a student population of six million but has a deficit of 3 000 schools.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said that local schools will struggle to accommodate the children of returnees. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
We will have bloated classes. Resources like chairs, books and others will also be in shortage.
We would have hoped that the government would engage its South African counterpart for a gradual return of our people instead of a once-off flooding of returnees.
We know that an additional number of learners will worsen the plight of learners in schools.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
No doubt those learners will be crammed in classes because already the teacher-pupil ratio was abnormally high.
Teachers are very committed but the government should now take this issue seriously to avoid worsening the situation.
</blockquote>

Govt Says It Will Regularise Deregistered Schools To Absorb Children Of ZEP Holders

Opposition politician Linda Masarira has urged the government to ban the importation of Chinese-made buses by schools, saying they are sub-standard are therefore prone to fatal crashes.
Masarira said American-made buses are safer for schools as they have been developed over the years for that purpose.
This comes after a Higer Bus, made by Higer Bus Company Limited, a Chinese bus manufacturer, was involved in an accident on Friday night in Nyanga resulting in the death of six pupils from Tynwald High School in Harare who were on a trip. Tweeted Masarira:
<blockquote>
The nation is mourning the preventable death of school children because we don’t value the importance of standards. 
This is the greatest difference between Africa and the Developed world. We just do things haphazardly without any standards. When we get pain it hits us hard.
The pain the nation is feeling could have been avoided had we upheld standards.
What is the best standard of the school bus in Zim? Why do all American schools use one bus type when they can afford other expensive elaborate types?
We need to emulate best safety practices! Zimbabwe should stop buying these cheap, useless Chinese buses for schools that have no regard for safety.
Our national vehicle stock will cause more deaths until we understand that we need to do things by standard to ensure the safety of all road users.
The American school bus is yellow (all of them are yellow because yellow is the first colour a human eye can see).
In Zim, any school will paint their bus anyhow. The American school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road.
The way the body is built is different from these cheap buses. It has been in development for decades.
We need to prioritize the safety of all school-going children by ensuring that they have standard buses which are safe in the case of accidents.
</blockquote>

Masarira Urges Govt To Ban Chinese Buses From Schools

Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Amon Murwira has challenged college graduates to be innovative and start to establish their own schools as the country is short of between 3 000 and 4 000 schools.
Murwira made the remarks while speaking during a graduation ceremony at the United College of Education (UCE). He said:
<blockquote>
What we lacked was the framework under which our graduates can start schools and be facilitated to do so.
It’s normally a matter of policy direction and resources being poured towards that policy direction.
That’s where the discussion is, not whether we have enough jobs or not. We don’t have enough schools; we don’t have enough teachers and we don’t have enough people with the expertise that you have.
I told you about the deficit of schools. So why are we stuck? Why are we not building schools?
Who said we cannot build schools? Who said we should work for the Public Service Commission?
Section 75, Sub-section 2 of the constitution says you can be the founder of your own schools.
Anybody can start their own school but when you look at most of the private schools, except for the Mother Touch group of schools which was started by a student from Seke Teachers’ College, they belong to people that are not even trained in teaching.
We have to start forming groups of our students to start their own schools and we fund them so they start those institutions.
Why was it not possible? It was not possible because we did not have Education 5.0. Now we have changed the law so that it is now possible to do so.
We changed the National Planning and Development Act so that it can fund school start-ups.
We are starting to operationalise that we have said to every college that at the end, they must spend some time with a graduating class forming these consortiums so we can have, for example, the UCE group of schools or whatever other name you might want to call them. Let’s start with one or two examples next year.
</blockquote>
During the graduation ceremony at the United College of Education, 707 graduands received diplomas. 618 were female while 89 were male. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/start-your-own-schools-government-urges-teachers/">The Sunday News</a>

Govt Tells Teachers To Establish Own Schools

Health experts have expressed that schools may be superspreaders of measles, with the disease spreading rapidly countrywide since it was detected in Mutasa District on 10 April this year.
As of 6 September 2022, the Ministry of Health and Childcare had recorded 6 551 cumulative cases, including 4 633 recoveries and 704 deaths across the country.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo told <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/health/article/200000173/measles-outbreak-looms-in-schools">NewsDay</a> that there is a high chance of measles spreading like a wildfire in schools. He said:
<blockquote>
There is no guarantee for safety, especially in rural areas and other children where they are crowded.
What it means is that the chances of them spreading to each other are very high, especially considering how virulent it is.
So we have no guarantee that this is not going to spread. People should be vaccinated to avoid the chances of hospitalisation and death.
</blockquote>
Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said:
<blockquote>
We want to continue encouraging parents and guardians to have all children vaccinated against measles in order to avoid schools becoming the epicentre or hotspot for measles.
</blockquote>
Westview Clinics boss, Dr Johannes Marisa, said the government should educate people on the importance of being vaccinated against the disease. He said:
<blockquote>
We are worried that schools have opened while the situation is like this where measles is spreading like veld fire.
So at this juncture, we should fight vaccine hesitancy by removing all myths around measles.
Disinformation and misinformation surrounding issues of measles are contributing to the law uptake of the vaccines.
</blockquote>
Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that measles had been progressing quickly and the case fatality was relatively higher when compared to other recent outbreaks.

Schools May Become Hotspots For Measles - Health Experts

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu, says parents whose children have been turned away from school for failing to pay school fees in foreign currency should report the schools to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Responding to questions from senators in Parliament on Thursday, Ndlovu said government policy does not obligate payment of school fees in foreign currency.
Senator Tichinani Mavetera (ZANU PF), asked Ndlovu to clarify the government’s policy on the payment of school fees. In response, Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
The policy is very clear; our local currency can be used to pay fees.
We have a challenge as seen on social media which have decided to come up with their own policies. We, as the ministry, call upon school heads to accept local currency fees.
Our population continues to break the law.
We have instructed our law enforcement agent ZACC to check all those schools demanding fees in local currency.
I call upon all parents to resist the school heads’ outrageous demands and report them to ZACC.
</blockquote>
However, Mavetera asked Ndlovu whether it is the duty of ZACC or the Minister of Education to bring order to the schools. Ndlovu responded:
<blockquote>
… the police force resides in another portfolio (Home Affairs ministry). I am serving the nation as my mandate.
Maybe the Senator can advise on the methodology I can use to control the situation.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that most schools countrywide were refusing to accept the Zimbabwe Dollar and instead demanding the United States Dollar before they enrolled learners for the third term which commenced on Monday. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/i-dont-control-the-police-says-education-minister-as-senator-presses-her-on-schools-demanding-fees-in-usd/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Parents Must Refuse To Pay Schools Fees In USD - Minister Ndlovu

332 COVID-19 cases with the majority of them being asymptomatic, have been reported in both primary and secondary schools in Zimbabwe since schools were reopened on 28 September.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa while briefing the media during a post-cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday. She said:
<blockquote>In the learning institutions, a total of 332 COVID-19 cases were reported and the majority of these are asymptomatic, isolated and being monitored by Rapid Response teams in the respective provinces.
Cabinet also wishes to reassure the public that the total number of infected learners and teachers out of a population of 4,5 million and 121 272 respectively, is very low.
The environment at schools will continue to be monitored as previously undertaken. We continue to urge the need for responsible reporting in this regard.</blockquote>
Some stakeholders in the education sector have called for the immediate closure of schools saying pupils and teachers are being made guinea pigs as coronavirus cases have spiked in recent weeks.
However, speaking over the weekend, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said there is no chance that non-examination classes could close early unless there is an incredibly explosive rise of COVID-19 cases in schools.

Zimbabwe's Schools Record 332 Coronavirus Cases To Date

The government of Zimbabwe has given schools and parents the go-ahead to use a pro-rata system to determine the amount parents should pay for the none writing classes who will go back to school in 2 phases on 26 October and 9 November. The Sunday News reports.
This was revealed by the Director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr. Taungana Ndoro who said this to the publication:
<blockquote>That is the procedure, schools and parents come together and agree the pro-rata system, once they agree on the amount the classes will pay, they then forward to us for approval.</blockquote>
Mr. Ndoro also shed more light on some problems that are mushrooming as schools get ready to receive more students:
<blockquote>The problem is that some schools are now taking advantage to demand too much. We have heard that some schools want to have a thermometer for every class but no pupils must be screened when they are getting into class but at the gate so there is no need to be buying thermometers to cater for every classroom.</blockquote>
Ndoro also repeated Education Minister’s <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/07/enough-29-teachers-have-been-reporting-for-duty-mathema/">remarks last week that 29% of teachers reporting</a> for duty are enough:
<blockquote>About 27-30 percent of the teachers are reporting for duty and remember not all classes have been opened so using these figures each teacher is catering for 23 students which is commendable.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/fees-for-non-exam-classes-slashed/">The Sunday News </a>

Govt Allows Schools To Pro-Rate Fees For Non Writing Classes

The government has not yet set the dates for the reopening of schools, contrary to social media reports claiming that schools will reopen for exam classes in three weeks.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will make an announcement in due course and the reopening dates will be determined by the progress that will have been made in fighting coronavirus.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Tumisang Thabela, on Wednesday dismissed a schedule falsely stating schools will reopen next month. She said:
<blockquote>Only the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and the Permanent Secretary can make an announcement on the dates for the reopening of schools.
We have realised that a message is circulating on various platforms with supposed dates for reopening of schools, but let us stand guided as a sector that we have spokespersons for the ministry. Anything else should be ignored.
There has been some understandable anxiety on the part of parents and children when schools will open again.
The opening date will be determined by the progress that we make as a nation in fighting the coronavirus.</blockquote>
Thabela was speaking at the launch of the Manicaland Chapter of the COVID-19 Schools Response Plan at Old Mutare Mission.
Her remarks come after a schedule purportedly from the Ministry has circulated widely on WhatsApp.
The schedule falsely states that examination classes will go back to school on June 23, while Grade Six, Form Three and Form Five classes would go back on July 14 with the rest of the classes going back on July 28.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-opening-dates-for-schools-yet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt Dismisses 'Schedule' For Schools Reopening

Schools will likely open in 4 weeks time, Open Parly reports. This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Ms Thumisang Thabela who was presenting the School Reopening Strategy to the Parliament Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.
Ms Thabela said schools will reopen in phases:
<blockquote>Schools will be opened in phases. First phase will see exam classes going to school. This phase needs about four weeks to put in place.
Phase two will see those writing next year going to school these are learners in Grade six, form three and Lower Six.
Phase three will see Grade three, four and five returning to school. Forms one and two will also do the same.</blockquote>
Ms Thabela also said they will try to maintain social distancing even in schools and some learners will have to learn in tents when learning starts:
<blockquote>As we get to phase three we are very sure at that time classrooms will be used up. We will be using tents, mobile classrooms one day classes. There is a lot of infrastructure that might be called up. The infrastructure and human resource will be stretched at this point</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZIMSEC June exams are expected to start on 22 June 2020.
More: <a href="https://www.openparly.co.zw/govt-some-pupils-will-have-to-learn-from-tents/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=govt-some-pupils-will-have-to-learn-from-tents&amp;utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=govt-some-pupils-will-have-to-learn-from-tents">Open Parly</a>

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