Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has expressed satisfaction with the smooth reintegration of Zimbabwean children repatriated from South Africa, with learners now being enrolled in schools across the country as Government intensifies support for returning families.
The development comes as Government continues efforts to assist families returning home following anti-migrant violence in South Africa and ensure that affected children do not miss out on their education.
President Mnangagwa recently directed schools nationwide to accommodate children returning with their families to ensure that their learning is not disrupted.
He also instructed the Civil Registry Department to prioritise Zimbabweans returning from South
Africa who require identity documents, as Government steps up measures to facilitate their seamless reintegration into society.
In an interview, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s director of communications and advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said schools across the country were receiving returning learners and ensuring they resumed their studies under the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is proud of the reintegration process that is currently going on as the Government is reintegrating children in both primary and secondary schools across the country after they were repatriated to Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the ministry was encouraged by the response from schools, with many returning learners already benefitting from the education system.
“We are happy that most of our schools across the country are reintegrating learners affected by anti-migrant violence in South Africa. Actually, throughout the country, a lot of pupils who have come from the neighbouring country are being reintegrated into the education system and are fully benefitting from the Heritage-Based Curriculum,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the reintegration programme was designed to ensure that children returning to Zimbabwe could continue with their education without unnecessary disruption.
He said the ministry had also authorised schools to conduct August holiday lessons for examination classes as part of preparations for the 2026 national examinations.
Mr Ndoro said Circular Number 7 of 2026, issued by the Permanent Secretary, granted schools permission to conduct holiday classes for Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six learners.
“The initiative is specifically targeted at examination cohorts and is designed to provide focused academic support in the lead-up to their national examinations,” he said.
The programme is intended to strengthen candidates’ preparedness and address syllabus gaps that may have emerged during the school term.
According to the circular, the authorised lessons commenced on August 7 and will run until August 20.
Schools that observe Saturday or Sunday as their day of worship were advised to utilise either or both weekend days to complete the required 10-day programme, provided it concludes by Thursday.
The ministry said the programme was consistent with its broader emphasis on blended learning, independent study and the use of emerging technologies in education.
To minimise the financial burden on parents and guardians, maximum fees have been capped at US$2 per learning area for Grade Seven, US$3 for Form Four and US$5 for Upper Six learners.
Boarding schools may charge an additional US$5 per day for upkeep.
“All amounts may also be paid in local currency at the equivalent bank rate. Schools are expressly prohibited from charging any amounts beyond these stipulated figures,” read the circular.
Mr Ndoro said all payments must be receipted and schools were required to maintain proper financial records.
Under the approved funding framework, excluding boarding fees, 30 percent of the money collected will be allocated towards utilities and stationery, 20 percent towards administrative costs and 50 percent towards payments for teachers as a token of appreciation.
The programme will be monitored by the inspectorate, district literacy coordinators and remedial tutors under the supervision of the Chief Director for Provincial Education Services.
A comprehensive report on the programme is expected to be submitted to the Permanent Secretary by August 31.
The ministry also stressed the need for strict adherence to the Safe to Learn framework, which requires learners to wear school uniforms while teachers are expected to maintain appropriate professional dress standards.
Mr Ndoro urged schools to work closely with parents and guardians to ensure that all learners, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalised, receive adequate support.
He also called on schools to ensure that school-based project marks are moderated within the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) timeframe so that candidates receive complete results when they are released.
The holiday lessons are expected to provide additional academic support to Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six learners as they enter the final stages of preparation for this year’s national examinations.
The third school term is scheduled to run from September 8 to December 3, 2026.
