Education Minister Wants Maths & Physics To Be Taught In Shona, Ndebele & Other Local Languages

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Torerai Moyo, says plans are underway to introduce the teaching of technical subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Geography and Accounts in vernacular languages like Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, and others — a proposal that has sparked debate in Parliament and on social media.

Speaking during a Senate session on 18 July 2025, Hon. Moyo said the move is aimed at improving comprehension and pass rates, particularly in scientific subjects.

“So, if we can get such a recommendation from the Senate and National Assembly, recommending Mathematics be taught in Shona, Physics be taught in Kalanga or vernacular, that will help them pass,”
said Minister Moyo.

“The reason why sometimes they do not pass at 100% is that they are taught those subjects in English. Maybe they may not be able to understand those languages.”

He added:

“The reason why in China learners quickly pass is that they are taught in Chinese from ECD to university.”

Ministers Say Language Barrier Hurts Science Learning

The proposal followed a question from Hon. Sen. Chief Nechombo, who asked:

“What is the Government policy with regard to the curriculum of subjects like Science, Geography and Accounts to be taught in local languages? Does the Government have such plans?”

Hon. Moyo responded that, although no official policy currently exists, Cabinet submissions are being prepared.

“At the moment, we do not have such a programme but we are working on documentation to submit to Cabinet. For such a programme to be put in place, it is supposed to be a directive from the Cabinet,” he said.

He encouraged senators to recommend a formal Bill to Parliament:

“My request is, may Senators put such request and recommendations. It will be made as a recommendation for a Bill so that it goes all the way to the President to sign.”

Hon. Moyo said the goal aligns with the Government’s heritage-based curriculum, which emphasises indigenous knowledge systems and ubuntu/unhu. He also confirmed that students from ECD to Grade Two are already being taught in their mother tongues under the Zimbabwe Early Learning Policy (ZELP).

“It is mandatory for students in the infant school to be taught in their mother language,” he said.

Senators Say Minor Languages Being Left Behind

Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa raised concerns that minority languages were being marginalised in early education.

“Where I come from Hon. Minister, we have isiKhalanga, isiXhosa, isiSotho… We only have Ndebele as a medium of communication. The other smaller groups are saying they also want their children in the lower grades to be taught in their mother languages.”

In response, Hon. Moyo acknowledged the gaps but pointed to existing initiatives.

“We have identified 16 officially recognised languages in Zimbabwe. If you go to Binga, students in their infant school are taught in Tonga… We have a teacher’s college in Hwange to train Tonga teachers,” he said.

However, he admitted that some local languages remain uncovered and urged stakeholders to help identify such gaps:

“That is the duty of the Hon. Senator to identify those languages or cultures which have not been identified… so that those gaps are filled.”

Social Media Users React With Mixed Views

The idea quickly triggered reactions on X, with some applauding the minister’s vision and others raising eyebrows.

One user, @mangwiron, wrote:

“Their kids will be at private schools learning in English.”

Another, @phineassimbara1, said:

“How are you going to teach differentiation and stoichiometry in vernacular?”

An educator using the handle @teacherchikopo responded in Shona:

“Tinotenda. Asi hondo yacho hamuikunde nechikonzero chekuti, chirungu chakapinda chikatyokera.”
(We thank you. But you won’t win this battle because English has become deeply entrenched.)

Others argued the Government should prioritise economic issues before revising the curriculum.