Vusumuzi Dube
Freedom Mupanedemo, [email protected]
RESIDENTS in Zvishavane, Midlands Province, have welcomed the Government’s adoption of public private partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector, saying the policy is transforming access to quality education in the mining town.
The approach has attracted increased private sector investment, resulting in the establishment of new schools and colleges that complement Government efforts and ease pressure on public institutions. The development highlights the role of collaboration in advancing education delivery.
Efforts to attain universal education in Africa date back to initiatives spearheaded by the Organisation of African Unity in the 1960s, with Zimbabwe aligning its education policies to these continental goals and taking notable strides through the adoption of PPPs in education.
Community members told Zimpapers that the impact of the policy is already evident, with some pupils now travelling shorter distances to school, allowing them more time to focus on their studies.
“As Zvishavane residents, we commend the Second Republic’s adoption of public private partnerships, which have resulted in the expansion of access to quality education in the town,” said Mr George Ncube.
He said the town had seen the emergence of a number of new schools and colleges that were complementing Government efforts and easing pressure on public institutions.
“This is a good initiative because we have seen quality schools rising, and it gives us hope as parents that our children are in for a better future. If we continue like this for the next three years, the standards of education in this country will be way ahead in Africa,” said Mr Ncube.
Mrs Blessings Bare echoed similar sentiments, saying the growth in the number of both primary and secondary schools owned by individuals and companies was a positive development that enhanced access to education.
“The more the school’s means, the more pupils have access to primary and secondary education. This will help in the teacher-child ratio aspect, a component which is key towards achieving quality education,” she said.
Mr Honest Vangwa, the director of Milestone Junior College, said private investment in education was aligned with national development priorities and aimed at strengthening the overall education system.
“The development of the education sector can only be complete if private players and individuals complement the Government efforts. A school is the centre of progress, and when it grows, the whole area grows with it. We are here heeding the Government’s call – ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’,” he said.
Director of Marians Group of Schools, Mr Piri Mukono, said his organisation remained committed to transforming Zimbabwe’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher development and innovation.
“We want to continue to be aligned with global standards while advancing access to quality, inclusive, and equitable learning,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the development of the education sector could only be fully realised if private players and individuals worked alongside Government.
He said the PPP approach formed part of wider efforts to modernise the education system, with key focus areas including infrastructure development, teacher training, digital learning, and strengthening science, technology and innovation.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter