Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
All is set for the start of the third term this week, with Government affirming its commitment to building the teachers’ capacity for work, ensure compliance with the school fees structure and provide a conducive learning environment for the term.
In an interview, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo said the Ministry is prioritising teacher capacitation to guarantee successful curriculum delivery.
“Intensive training workshops, mentorship programmes and subject-specific panels are being conducted for professional development. Updated syllabuses and digital resources will be distributed to all schools by the end of 2025; so, by now, every teacher is in sync with the heritage-based curriculum.
“There have also been school visits by ministry officials to provide support and ensure compliance, as well as webinars and information-sharing platforms to foster public support for teachers,” he said.
The ministry was engaging the Public Service Commission to assess whether additional teachers are required in certain areas. Districts facing shortages were permitted to recruit locally to address staffing gaps.
“Hard-hit districts can recruit locally to fill vacancies arising owing to attrition. Examples include Gokwe North and South, Binga, Bulilima, Mt Darwin, Mwenezi, Nkayi and Hurungwe,” said the Minister.
“Efforts are also underway to improve infrastructure and provide resources in remote areas,” he said.
The Government was in talks with those in the private sector willing to partner in constructing new schools and upgrading existing facilities.
“We are collaborating with private partners to build new schools and upgrade facilities in rural areas.
“Several initiatives are being implemented, and these include providing land to private players to construct schools and expediting their registration,” he said.
On the issue of school fees, Minister Moyo said the ministry has implemented strict measures to prevent overcharging by schools.
He stressed that all fees must be approved by the Permanent Secretary after consensus with parents.
“Our enforcement measures include district-level monitoring units to address complaints; penalties include having the school head charged for misconduct, among others; schools must display approved fee breakdowns publicly for parents and guardians, and also display the ZiG account number at the administration block,” he said.
Minister Moyo urged parents to report fee irregularities and to work closely with schools in supporting learners through school-based projects.
He also encouraged learners to embrace the heritage-based curriculum and develop practical skills rooted in national identity.
“As for our teachers, your commitment is key; use training and resources to inspire learners. The ministry remains dedicated to transforming Zimbabwe’s education system through the heritage-based curriculum, equitable access and strict enforcement of policies.
“Together, we can build an education system that honours our heritage while preparing our youth for the future,” he said.
As schools reopened for the third term, the education sector stood at a pivotal moment, with students preparing for year-end public examinations.
“Our children are preparing for end-of-year public examinations, but beyond the tests, the broader story is one of transformation.
“This year, we rolled out the heritage-based curriculum, a framework that reshapes education around Zimbabwean identity, practical skills and innovation. The key components of the new curriculum are outlined below.
“Primary education now focuses on six core areas: Indigenous Languages, English Language, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Social Science, and Physical Education and Arts.
“We now have a two-route secondary system: the academic route, which prepares learners for tertiary education; and the vocational route that focuses on practical trades and skills development”.
Minister Moyo told the Senate last week that Government was committed to the provision of education to every Zimbabwean, irrespective of age.
“My Ministry is called the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Non-formal education, which means we encourage everyone to attend school from Early Childhood Education up to adult education.
“We encourage all our schools, whether primary, secondary or tertiary institutions, to offer adult education, including non-formal education,” Dr Moyo said.
He added that any citizen could register for Grade Seven, Ordinary Level or Advanced Level examinations.
“This is happening in our schools countrywide, and as the Government we encourage that,” he added.
The Minister also told the House that Government was working on a Bill to create a Teachers’ Profession Council that will be responsible for, among others, registration of teachers in the country.
The Cabinet has already approved the establishment of the council, which is also expected to enhance the public standing of teachers, improve their professional standards and provide an independent and self-regulated board to promote issues concerning the teaching profession.
“In terms of teachers’ professionalism, we are working on a Teaching Profession Council Bill which will enable the teaching profession to be indeed a professional programme.
“At the moment, without a Council in place, they are like semi-skilled. It means once the Bill has been assented to by the President, some benefits will be appreciated by the teachers because there will be a Council and it will be the duty of that Council to register all the teachers in Zimbabwe and if one is not registered, it means they do not qualify to join the teaching profession,” Dr Moyo said.
