Schools across Zimbabwe have been warned against forcing learners to attend unauthorised holiday classes.
The government says institutions that ignore the rules could face disciplinary action.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo issued the warning during an interview with ZBC News.
He explained that only examination classes could attend approved lessons during the August holiday.
For 2026, the ministry approved vacation classes for Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 learners.
These pupils are preparing for public examinations scheduled for November.
The approved programme covered 10 days, running from 7 to 20 August.
Meanwhile, the ministry also introduced specific limits for vacation lesson fees.
Grade 7 learners could pay US$2, while Form 4 learners could pay US$3.
Form 6 learners faced a maximum fee of US$5.
Schools could also charge the equivalent amounts using the prevailing bank rate.
Minister Raises Concerns Over Learner Fatigue
Minister Moyo said some schools were ignoring the ministry’s holiday regulations.
He warned that continuous lessons could affect learners’ mental and psychological wellbeing.
“We are disturbed by the developments happening in our schools, particularly during the holidays,” Honourable Moyo said.
According to Moyo, Circular Number Seven of 2026 clearly limits holiday lessons.
The circular allows only November examination candidates to attend August vacation classes.
“We have observed that if students continuously attend classes without any breaks being given, they are likely to be affected mentally and psychologically, and the result is they become so fatigued,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister said the problem extends beyond one particular type of school.
He said both rural and urban institutions had allegedly breached the regulations.
Private schools have also faced allegations of pressuring families to send children to holiday lessons.
“We have observed that most of the schools in both the rural and urban areas are not giving learners time to rest. They are defying government regulations on the importance of learners having time to be with their parents, particularly during school holidays,” he said.
Schools Face Penalties For Breaking Rules
The government has now warned schools that disregard the directive could face punishment.
Minister Moyo stressed that the regulations remain mandatory for all affected institutions.
“We are issuing a directive that any school that is defiant of government policy will be penalised, will be punished,” he said.
He also called on parents to report schools holding unauthorised holiday lessons.
The minister said reports should include institutions forcing younger children into holiday classes.
“The only classes that are supposed to attend holiday lessons only in August are those who are writing their final year examinations,” Minister Moyo said.
Parents can report suspected violations through the ministry’s toll-free number, 317.
They can also approach their local district offices with complaints.
Officials will investigate reported cases and take appropriate action.
The ministry says monitoring will continue throughout the holiday period.
Officials want examination candidates to benefit from lessons without denying other learners essential rest.
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