Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Debra Matabvu
PERSISTENT rain and gloomy skies failed to dampen the familiar back-to-school buzz across the country yesterday as hundreds of learners made their way to boarding schools ahead of the opening of the 2026 academic year today.
From early morning, major pick-up points were a hive of activity, with buses ferrying learners – some clutching last-minute groceries, others dragging bulky trunks – back to their schools.
In Harare, Robert Mugabe Square was busy from 6am, housing scores of school buses ferrying learners to their schools.
The area was also packed with families carrying trunks, bags and hopeful expectations for the months ahead.
Some learners appeared excited and eager, while others clung to their guardians, clearly anxious about the new term ahead.
In an interview, Ms Rachel Gozho, who was accompanying her Form Two daughter who learns at Ruya Adventist High School, said preparations had gone smoothly.
“We are ready for the first term,” she said.
Aerial view of scenes at the Robert Mugabe Square yesterday as learners headed to their respective schools ahead of the opening of first term 2026. —Picture by Wilson Kakurira.
“We managed to pay our school fees in local currency and we are grateful to Government for monitoring and enforcing the rules across various schools.”
Ms Gozho added that the availability of school requirements in local shops had eased pressure on parents, allowing them to prepare adequately without travelling long distances.
Another guardian, Mr Patson Chihari, said although the school opening period was often financially demanding, parents remained committed to their children’s education.
At the Bulawayo City Hall parking area, a Zimpapers news crew observed dozens of buses queuing as learners boarded to their respective institutions.
Overwhelmed by the large number of boarders, some schools hired private bus operators and even trucks to ferry school trunks, mattresses, groceries and other luggage.
Similar scenes played out at the OK Mart parking area, where buses departed for schools such as Tsholotsho High, Minda High, Gloag High and Usher High, among others.
Entumbane Bus Terminus was also abuzz, with day pupils who had spent the festive season in Bulawayo travelling back to rural areas such as Lupane, Binga and Jotsholo, ahead of schools reopening.
In Masvingo, Mutare, Zvishavane, Gweru and other towns, the situation was the same.
As learners departed, parents and guardians scrambled to complete last-minute preparations. Shops in the city centre recorded brisk business, with uniforms, stationery and groceries flying off the shelves.
Photocopying outlets were already busy by 8am, as parents bought bond paper and duplicated school documents.
Amid the back-to-school rush, Bulawayo police mounted awareness campaigns at major pick-up points, warning parents to remain alert to drug and illegal substance peddlers known to target learners during school opening periods.
Although largely unobtrusive, police officers maintained a visible presence within the crowds, keeping a close watch on suspected dealers.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said cases of learners being caught with drugs at school were on the rise, with the substances often traced back to pick-up points.
“Police were present at various pick-up points to ensure that drug peddlers are nowhere near young children.
“Our message to parents and guardians is simple, not every adult roaming around these areas has good intentions,” she said.
Insp Msebele said some individuals target learners with marijuana and illicit alcohol commonly known as ‘njengu’, selling the substances before the children board buses.
“When learners are caught with drugs or alcohol at school, they often say they bought them from individuals at pick-up points,” she said.
Insp Msebele warned that police would not hesitate to act against offenders, adding that the long arm of the law would eventually catch up with drug peddlers.
Among the parents at City Hall was Mrs Princess Ncube, who was seeing off her daughter to Usher High School for Form One.
“I am financially drained. Form One requirements, whether for a day scholar or a boarder, require a lot of money,” she admitted.
“But I am happy that my daughter is starting secondary school and that she has everything she needs.”
For Mr Mkhululi Ndlovu, whose daughter is starting Form Three at St James High School in Tsholotsho, the burden was lighter.
“Her uniforms are still in good condition. I only had to buy groceries, stationery like books and pens, and a new trunk to safeguard her belongings,” he said.
Education stakeholders have also raised concerns around preparedness.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) president Mr Akuneni Maphosa urged the Government to ensure that textbooks are availed on time.
“We reiterate our position that the Government should fund public education and the procurement of textbooks is very important in the implementation of the new curriculum.
“As Zimta, we acknowledge the increase in the national budget in education but our appeal is for the disbursements of funds to take place so that schools are capacitated,” he said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi National appealed for heightened vigilance to ensure learners’ safety during travel.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges all transport operators taking children to various schools to ensure that their vehicles are duly certified s roadworthy before use and movement on the roads,” he said.
Comm Nyathi urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding, and strictly comply with all road rules and regulations to prevent road traffic accidents.
“School authorities and transporters must ensure that buses and other vehicles used for the transportation of learners are not overloaded under any circumstances,” he said.
The police further advised parents and school authorities to avoid night travel for learners, noting that travelling after dark exposes children to increased risks of road traffic accidents and criminal activity.
Comm Nyathi cautioned learners, parents and motorists against attempting to cross flooded rivers, streams or bridges, either on foot or in vehicles.
He urged school authorities and drivers to closely monitor weather conditions and road accessibility to prevent avoidable tragedies.
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