Minister Says Private Schools Teaching French And Chinese Must Teach Zimbabwean History & Local Languages

Private Schools Teaching French, Chinese Must Teach Zimbabwean History And Local Languages

The Government has directed that private schools in Zimbabwe, which offer instruction in French and Chinese, must now also teach Zimbabwean history and local languages. The move seeks to ensure that learners in all institutions are grounded in the country’s heritage.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo made the remarks while responding to questions during a Senate question-and-answer session on Thursday, 26 February 2026. He expressed concern that some independent schools have prioritised international languages while omitting local ones from their curricula.

‘Our Indigenous Languages Are Not Being Taught’

The minister raised concerns about the current state of language instruction in some private schools during the Senate session. He pointed out that while pupils learn foreign languages, they are not being taught Zimbabwean languages.

“Many schools no longer teach the history of Zimbabwe — where we came from and where we are going,” said Minister Moyo.

“Our indigenous languages such as Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga are not taught in many ATS schools. They are now learning French and Chinese and no longer learning our local languages.”

He indicated that a Bill has been presented to Cabinet addressing this matter. The intention, he said, is not to discourage the learning of international languages but to ensure that national identity and heritage are preserved.

Heritage-Based Curriculum Requirements

The Government has stated that the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) is now a requirement for all learning institutions in the country. This includes private schools, council schools and Government schools.

In a separate meeting held with the Association of Trust Schools (ATS) at the University of Zimbabwe on Thursday, 12 February 2026, Minister Moyo explained the legal basis for this position. He referred to Section 63 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which provides for a standard curriculum across all schools.

“The Education Act explicitly provides the Ministry with the authority to determine curricula and examinations for all schools in Zimbabwe,” said Minister Moyo during the 12 February 2026 meeting.

“The transition to a Heritage-Based Curriculum is not merely a pedagogical shift but a necessary statutory requirement aimed at aligning our educational output with national development goals and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”

“All schools are mandated to implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum, ensuring every child, irrespective of the institution they attend, attains a deep understanding of their national identity and the socio-economic aspirations of our nation.”

According to the Minister, three curricula are currently offered in Zimbabwe. These include the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which is offered in Government, council and church schools. The Association of Trust Schools (ATS) and independent colleges mainly offer the Cambridge curriculum, while international schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Schools that wish to continue offering international qualifications, such as Cambridge examinations, may do so as an additional option. However, the Heritage-Based Curriculum will be the primary framework, and international examinations will serve as an extra qualification. Institutions must seek approval from the Permanent Secretary and outline how they will implement both curricula.

During the Senate session on 26 February 2026, Minister Moyo reiterated this position.

“So, if we are to look at this law, the Bill was presented to the Cabinet, and we said that all the schools in the country are supposed to teach the Heritage-Based Curriculum. To those who want to continue doing Cambridge, they will do it as an option,” said Minister Moyo.

“Heritage-Based Curriculum will be the first, and they will also be doing Cambridge.”

Compliance And Implementation

Mr Abe Gatsi, Chairperson of the Association of Trust Schools (ATS), acknowledged receipt of the Government’s directive regarding the curriculum following the 12 February 2026 meeting. He confirmed that member institutions would work towards compliance.

“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement,” said Mr Gatsi.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has indicated that training sessions for private school educators on the Heritage-Based Curriculum are scheduled to commence. The Government has also addressed fee structures, stating that in accordance with the Education Act, Chapter 25:04, no non-government school may increase fees or levies without prior written approval from the Secretary.

Minister Moyo noted that Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency system, and parents should be able to pay in United States dollars, South African rand, and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). All must be accepted as valid payment methods.