Ministry Denies Approving Renaming Of Schools Following Social Media Storm
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has moved to calm growing outrage and speculation over reports that several schools with colonial-era names could soon be renamed. Officials say no final decision has been made and that the circulating document was only part of an internal consultation process.
The clarification comes after social media platforms were flooded with reactions following reports that schools in the Mbare-Hatfield District were being considered for renaming. Some users claimed Government had already approved the changes, sparking heated debate online.
According to the state-controlled The Herald, ministry officials insist the leaked document was never meant to be viewed as an official directive.
Ministry Says Memo Was Taken Out Of Context
Speaking to the publication, the Ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro, said the document had been misunderstood.
“We have noted the circulation of an internal working document regarding the possible renaming of certain schools in the Mbare/Hatfield District. We wish to clarify the context to avoid unnecessary speculation.”
Mr Ndoro explained that the ministry regularly conducts consultations and gathers opinions from schools on various issues.
“The memo in question is part of a very preliminary, internal information-gathering exercise,” he said.
“As a ministry, we routinely undertake consultative processes to gather preliminary proposals and justifications from a small selection of schools on a variety of matters.”
He stressed that the process had not gone beyond preliminary discussions.
“This exercise is simply an initial request for suggestions — nothing more. It is not a decision, a directive, or an announcement of imminent changes.”
No School Names Have Been Changed
The ministry also dismissed claims that any schools had already been renamed.
Mr Ndoro said no proposal had yet reached the relevant authorities for approval.
“No school names have been changed, and no final proposal has been tabled before the relevant authorities,” he said.
The ministry added that if any future renaming process were to happen, communities and stakeholders would first be consulted.
“Any future consideration of name changes would require a comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement process.”
The ministry said parents, alumni, local communities and traditional leaders would all be involved before any decisions are taken.
Social Media Debate Intensifies
The issue triggered strong reactions online, with some Zimbabweans supporting the idea of removing colonial-era names while others argued that long-established school identities should remain untouched.
Others questioned how the internal document found its way onto social media before any formal process had been completed.
The ministry, however, maintained that no immediate changes are on the table and said its focus remains on balancing national values with the preservation of educational heritage.
“The Government remains committed to transparency and the preservation of the country’s educational heritage while ensuring that institutions reflect national values,” Mr Ndoro said.
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