Online Reporter
Trust Freddy in HARARE and Raymond Jaravaza in BULAWAYO
THOUSANDS of learners countrywide return to school today for the 2026 third term, with Government confirming that schools are ready for a smooth opening after weeks of preparations by parents and guardians, schools and examination bodies.
Most boarders travelled back to their schools yesterday, while others are expected to arrive this morning for the start of the final term.
The third term is particularly crucial for Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six learners, who are preparing to sit for their end-of-year Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations.
Learners in non-examination classes will also sit for end-of-year school-based assessments.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro encouraged schools to balance examination preparation with holistic learner development under the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
“As we look at the third term, this is a period during which we are going to conduct end-of-year summative examinations, including those for Grade 7, Ordinary Level, and Advanced Level,” said Mr Ndoro.
“All schools and examination centres are, therefore, urged to ensure that examination candidates are adequately prepared and supported to sit for their examinations successfully.”
Mr Ndoro said learner safety remained a priority and urged parents and school authorities to carefully select transport providers to minimise the risk of road traffic accidents.
Yesterday, major transport hubs, including Harare’s Robert Mugabe Square, were bustling with activity as parents and guardians accompanied learners to board school buses.
Among the learners preparing for the final stretch was Form 4 learner, Tinashe Muzota, who admitted feeling nervous about the examinations.
“I am a bit scared because I will be sitting for my final exams,” he said.
“We just hope that there will be no incidents or natural disasters that are going to affect our studies.”
Parents expressed optimism about the new term.
Mrs Lian Mazuvanei, whose daughter was returning to a boarding school in Mashonaland East, said parents wanted a peaceful term for learners preparing for examinations.
“We just hope there won’t be any disturbances this term. Our children need to focus and write their exams in peace,” she said.
Mr Ashton Kasirori, another parent who was at Robert Mugabe Square, appealed for stability in school fees.
“We also hope there won’t be top-ups of fees. We are already struggling to pay what was agreed at the beginning of the year,” he said.
However, concerns over learner safety emerged when parents of learners attending St Benedict’s High School in Macheke confronted transport operators over a hired bus they alleged had worn-out tyres.
“Our children should disembark. Look at these worn-out tyres. They want to put our children at risk,” one parent said as learners were ordered off the bus.
Another parent said: “We pay a lot of money for school fees and transport. We cannot allow our children to travel in a death trap.
“The Ministry and police must act.”
A representative of Shalom Travel and Tours, contacted through the telephone number displayed on the bus, confirmed that the company provides hiring services but declined to comment on the incident.
“Yes, we do offer hiring services. However, I do not have a comment regarding this latest incident at the moment. I will call you back.”
Efforts to obtain comment from the school authorities were unsuccessful by the time of going to print.
In Bulawayo, the return to school was equally busy, with hundreds of learners boarding buses to schools in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and other parts of the country.
Families loaded school trunks, groceries, stationery and other essentials before bidding farewell to their children.
For examination classes, the return marked the beginning of the final preparations before national examinations.
Form 4 learner John Ndlovu said the August holiday had given him time to revise and identify areas requiring more attention.
“I feel prepared, although there is still a lot of work to do. The holiday gave me time to revise some of the topics we covered in class and I also attended extra lessons,” he said.
“With the school opening, I want to be more disciplined with my study timetable. I know these are the final weeks before the examinations, so I cannot afford to waste time. My target is to do my best in every subject.”
Upper Six learner Sibonokuhle Dlamini said she was confident but conscious of the amount of revision still required.
“I am fairly confident because we have covered most of the syllabus, but the amount of revision that still needs to be done is a lot,” she said.
“I am planning to focus more on past examination papers and the topics where I am still struggling. At this stage, consistency is important because every day counts.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi encouraged parents, schools, transport operators and motorists to prioritise learner safety.
“As schools across the country prepare to open for the third term on September 8, 2026, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges parents and guardians, school authorities, transport operators, motorists and the public to prioritise the safety and security of learners as they travel to boarding schools throughout the country.
“Some learners will also be travelling home from holiday to prepare for the third term schools’ opening day,” he said.
Comm Nyathi urged parents and school authorities to ensure learners use safe, reliable and roadworthy transport, while discouraging night travel where possible.
“Transport operators and drivers are urged not to overload vehicles or carry learners together with goods and luggage in a manner that compromises their safety.
“Drivers must also avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs.
“Motorists are urged to exercise caution near schools, bus stops, pedestrian crossings and other areas frequently used by learners,” said Comm Nyathi.
He also called for vigilance against criminal activities targeting learners and schools.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police calls upon school authorities, parents and guardians to remain vigilant against criminal activities that may target learners and learning institutions.
“Schools are discouraged from keeping large sums of cash at their premises,” he said.
