Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
THE Government has given private schools operating illegally a four-month grace period to regularise their operations or face closure.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo announced the ultimatum on Wednesday in the National Assembly, saying from January 2026, non-compliant schools will be shut down.
The decision to provide a grace period was prompted by the need to avoid disrupting students who are currently preparing for or sitting for their examinations.
“We have given illegal schools a grace period of four months because we did not want to close those schools haphazardly, as this disadvantages the learners because, by so doing, we would have violated their fundamental right, the right to education,” Minister Moyo said.
“It is better (for the meantime) we appeal to directors to follow procedures so that they register their schools, and we have given them a grace period until December 31 so that come January, we can invoke our circulars and close those schools.”
The move comes amid widespread concern over the proliferation of illegal private schools, with some allegedly employing unqualified teachers and operating without Government oversight.
derick.khumalo