Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
THE Government has expressed satisfaction with the orderly commencement of the 2026 school calendar across the country following inspections conducted at selected schools last week.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education embarked on a nationwide tour to assess preparedness and ensure a smooth start to the academic year. The inspections, which have become a routine exercise at the beginning of every school term, are aimed at promoting the delivery of quality education in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo visited schools in Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces, while Deputy Minister Angeline Gata toured schools in the Midlands Province to assess conditions on the ground.
Following the inspections, the Government expressed satisfaction with the general level of preparedness, compliance and infrastructure standards at the schools visited.
Minister Moyo said the nationwide tour underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all Zimbabwean children.
“The exercise forms part of routine Government oversight conducted at the start of each school term to identify operational gaps and provide evidence-based feedback to inform policy implementation during the academic year,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the reopening of schools marks not only the continuation of academic learning but also a renewed collective commitment to nurturing the country’s future leaders.
“As we embark on this academic journey together, I am confident that our schools are well prepared to provide safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments,” said Minister Moyo.
He said the ministry has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure, learning materials and teaching personnel are in place to meet learners’ needs.
Minister Moyo said his first stop was St Michael’s Mambo Primary School in Buhera District, where he conducted a comprehensive assessment of teaching preparedness.
“I am proud to report that all teachers have completed their schemes of work for the entire term, which is a clear demonstration of professionalism and dedication. Most encouraging was the fact that lessons commenced on the very first day of the term,” he said.
In support of the Government’s digital learning agenda under the Second Republic, the school received 20 tablets, eight laptops and seven multimedia projectors.
“These tools will enhance the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, in line with the Heritage-Based Curriculum,” said Minister Moyo.
In the Midlands Province, Deputy Minister Gata visited schools in Gweru and Kwekwe, where she said the ministry was satisfied with the manner in which schools opened.
“Generally, the schools we visited were well prepared for the commencement of the term. In addition to assessing operations, we also focused on infrastructure upgrades,” she said.
Deputy Minister Gata singled out Chaplin High School in Gweru for commendation after the school upgraded its practical halls and equipped them with modern facilities.
She said while progress has been made, there remains a need for continued infrastructure development, particularly at newly established schools.
“As Government, we want to see more schools built to reduce walking distances for learners and improve access to education, especially in growing communities,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu