Muchaneta Chimuka
PRIMARY and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has warned unregistered schools to comply with the law, saying all non-governmental educational institutions must operate within the country’s approved regulatory framework.
He was speaking at the official opening of Makumbe Hilltop College in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East, on Wednesday, where he commended private players for complementing Government efforts to expand access to education by establishing more schools across the country.
“As we encourage the growth of private educational institutions, I wish to emphasise that this growth must be accompanied by strict adherence to the policies and regulations governing the provision of education in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“All non-governmental schools must ensure that their registration status is in order and that they operate within the approved regulatory framework,” he said.
He said registration was essential for protecting learners and parents while safeguarding the integrity of the education system.
“Registration is not merely an administrative formality; it is an important safeguard for learners, parents and the integrity of the education system.
“It assures the public that an institution is recognised and is accountable to the relevant education authorities. Of particular importance is the administration of public examinations.”
He said the country is encountering challenges involving some non-governmental institutions where examination fees have been collected without the necessary registration being secured.
“Such practices compromise the welfare of learners, undermine parental confidence and threaten the credibility of our national assessment system,” he said.
“No child should lose an examination opportunity because of administrative negligence, financial mismanagement or the failure of an institution to fulfil its obligations.”
Minister Moyo called upon school administrators to ensure that learner enrolment, examination registration, the handling of examination funds and all related processes are conducted transparently, accurately and within prescribed deadlines.
He said schools must communicate clearly with parents and ensure that every eligible learner is properly registered and prepared to sit for examinations.
He encouraged provincial and district education structures to strengthen monitoring and supervision of all non-governmental institutions, from school registration and learner enrolment through to examination registration and the actual writing of examinations.
“Early identification of irregularities, timely intervention and accountability are essential to protecting the interests of our learners,” he said.
“Let it be clearly understood that the expansion of private colleges must strengthen, rather than compromise, public confidence in our education system. Every institution, irrespective of ownership, has a duty to uphold the law, protect learners and maintain the highest standards of professional and administrative integrity.”
He said schools should be places where every learner feels safe, respected, supported and free to pursue knowledge without fear and that educational excellence cannot flourish where children are exposed to violence, intimidation, exploitation or harmful social practices.
He urged Makumbe Hilltop College to establish a strong culture of learner protection, with clear reporting mechanisms and appropriate responses to any form of abuse.
“We must maintain zero tolerance for bullying, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and all forms of conduct that violate the dignity and rights of children,” he said.
“We must also intensify awareness of the dangers of drug and substance abuse, which threatens learners’ health, judgement, academic progress and prospects.”
“Schools, parents, communities and law enforcement agencies must work together to prevent substance use and ensure that affected learners receive appropriate guidance and support. Early and child marriages remain serious challenges because they can disrupt schooling and limit opportunities.”
He commended Mr Fungai Bernard Mutizwa and his wife, the brains behind Makumbe Hilltop College, for responding to our country’s educational needs and encouraged them to expand this vision to other provinces, particularly communities where access to quality educational facilities remains limited.
Mr Mutizwa said private investment is key in education, and he promised to make further investments that deliver the greatest value, bringing quality education and integrity, inclusion, and a genuine commitment to learner development.
“We are equally proud that the opening of this institution comes at an important stage in Zimbabwe’s educational transformation through the Heritage-Based Curriculum, anchored in the philosophy of Education 5.0. Our curriculum places the learner, our heritage and the needs of our communities at the centre of teaching and learning. Education 5.0 advances the interconnected missions of teaching, research, community engagement, innovation and industrialisation,” he said.
Makumbe Hilltop College, a boarding school situated on the top of the mountain in Domboshava, is expanding academics and facilities.
The college offers all secondary school programs and is accredited with both Cambridge and Zimsec, and it also teaches four local languages, including Portuguese, to broaden learners’ communication skills.
