Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is planning to establish 150 primary and secondary schools nationwide to eliminate an education facilities infrastructure deficit, Primary and Secondary Education Dr Torerai Moyo has said.
Speaking at the commissioning of the privately-owned St Leonard Academy in Harare on Wednesday, Dr Moyo said the new school represented a major investment in Zimbabwe’s future and demonstrated the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding access to quality education.
“The official commissioning of this state-of-the-art educational institution is far more than the opening of a new school. It is the fulfilment of a visionary dream, a significant investment in Zimbabwe’s future and a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to expanding access to quality, inclusive and transformative education,” he said.
The event was attended by Government officials, including Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, Skills Audit and Development Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, the Treasurer- General of ZANU-PF Cde Patrick Chinamasa and other top officials.
Dr Moyo said the Government had reduced the national school deficit from about 3 000 schools in 2020 to 1 800 through sustained infrastructure development.
He said the target for 2026 was to construct at least 150 schools after building 120 last year.
“We are building so many schools because we still have a deficit of 1 800 schools. Government will not tolerate a situation whereby learners travel distances exceeding five kilometres to access education,” he said.
The minister revealed that the government had secured a major private sector partner committed to constructing 1 000 schools across Zimbabwe, saying the initiative would eliminate the national school deficit before 2030.
He applauded businessman Dr Leonard Mukumba, founder of St Leonard Academy, for investing in education and constructing two schools under the academy’s name.
Dr Moyo said the project reflected the Second Republic’s emphasis on public-private partnerships, adding that Government alone could not meet all developmental needs.
“Government alone cannot meet every developmental need, but together with committed citizens, communities, churches, development partners and the private sector, we can accelerate the provision of quality education for every Zimbabwean child,” he said.
He said the new academy would strengthen educational infrastructure while creating opportunities for learners to acquire practical skills aligned with national development priorities.
Dr Moyo also reiterated Government’s commitment to the Heritage-Based Curriculum, saying all examination boards operating in Zimbabwe would be required to assess learners using the new curriculum framework beginning with the 2028 examination cycle.
He said the curriculum was designed to produce innovative, entrepreneurial and problem-solving graduates capable of driving economic growth while preserving Zimbabwe’s heritage and values.
St Leonard Academy founder and businessman Dr Leonard Mukumba said the institution was established to provide world-class education while also improving access to healthcare for the surrounding community.
He said the academy had established a clinic that would serve both learners and residents, with ambulances expected to arrive soon to strengthen emergency medical services.
“The clinic will also be available to the community, and we have ambulances that are on their way to ensure we can respond effectively to medical emergencies,” said Dr Mukumba.
He said the academy currently has 63 learners, supported by 27 teachers and 43 members of staff, and outlined plans to expand the institution across Zimbabwe.
“Our vision is to establish St Leonard Academy schools in every province, develop vocational training institutions and ultimately establish a university that produces graduates equipped to contribute to national development,” he said.
