Minister Says Private Schools Must Prioritise Indigenous Languages
The Government says some private schools are neglecting indigenous Zimbabwean languages while increasingly prioritising foreign languages such as French and Chinese, raising concerns over the preservation of local identity and heritage.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said schools must prioritise languages including Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga under the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), which is now being rolled out nationwide ahead of mandatory ZIMSEC examinations in 2027.
Govt Concerned Over Decline Of Local Languages
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Minister Moyo said several schools were prioritising foreign languages while dropping indigenous ones.
“Our indigenous languages, which include Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga, are not taught in many ATS institutions. They are now learning French, Chinese and no longer learning our local languages.”
The minister also said some private schools were no longer teaching Zimbabwean history.
“Many schools no longer teach the history of Zimbabwe — where we came from and where we are going.”
Minister Moyo said the Heritage-Based Curriculum was designed to preserve national identity while aligning education with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.
“It is important to offer the Heritage-Based Curriculum because it is aligned with the national vision of the President, Vision 2030. The Presidential vision can only be achieved or attained through the power of education, through the HBC.”
Private Schools To Register For ZIMSEC Exams
The Government says all schools, including private and trust institutions, will be required to register learners for Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations from 2027.
Minister Moyo said Cabinet had already approved the move.
“We have given a directive to all schools in Zimbabwe that starting in 2027 it becomes mandatory for them to introduce the Heritage-Based Curriculum examinations administered by ZIMSEC.”
“This directive arises from the Education Act, Chapter 25, Section 63, which states that there shall be one curriculum in Zimbabwe.”
The minister said workshops were already being conducted in schools following an engagement meeting held at the University of Zimbabwe in February 2026.
He said schools wishing to continue offering international qualifications such as Cambridge would still be allowed to do so, but only after receiving ministry approval.
“We have not banned international examinations like Cambridge or Baccalaureate.”
“However, if schools want to offer two curricula — HBC and Cambridge — they must first register for ZIMSEC and then later on register for Cambridge.”
ATS Schools Respond To Government Directive
The Association of Trust Schools chairperson, Abe Gatsi, said member schools had acknowledged the directive.
“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement.”
The Government says the Heritage-Based Curriculum will remain the main framework in Zimbabwe’s education system, while foreign curricula such as Cambridge and International Baccalaureate will become optional additions.
Meanwhile, authorities say the transition is already underway in schools across the country ahead of the 2027 examination cycle.
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