Outline:
Government Grants Extension for Unregistered Schools to Regularize Operations
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe has provided unregistered schools with an extended deadline to regularize their operations, setting a final cutoff date of December 31, 2025. If they fail to comply, these institutions risk closure. This decision was made during a recent parliamentary session, where Minister Torerayi Moyo addressed concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the proliferation of unregistered schools and colleges across the country.
During the Wednesday Question and Answer session, Moyo explained that the government had granted a four-month grace period to illegal private schools and colleges to ensure compliance. He emphasized that authorities were taking precautions to avoid disadvantaging students who had already registered for examinations. The extension aims to protect learners while allowing time for necessary legal adjustments.
Zanu PF legislator George Mashavave questioned whether there was a structured policy in place to monitor and regulate the rapid growth of unregistered educational institutions. Moyo confirmed the existence of such a framework but stressed the need for careful implementation. He highlighted that the grace period was not meant to be a permanent solution, as the ministry would enforce closures after the deadline.
“We have given illegal schools a grace period of four months because we did not want to close them haphazardly, as this would disadvantage learners and violate their fundamental right to education. I want to assure this august House that very soon in November, or perhaps early next year, we may extend to January 2026. Come January, however, those schools still operating illegally and failing to regularise will be closed,” Moyo stated.
Addressing the School Infrastructure Deficit
Moyo also discussed the government’s efforts to address the country’s school infrastructure deficit. According to a 2022 survey, Zimbabwe required an additional 3,000 schools. Since then, over 600 new schools have been constructed, with a target of building at least 200 more this year alone. However, this progress has not fully resolved the challenges faced by many communities, especially in rural areas where access to education remains limited.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Ellen Shiriyedenga raised concerns about the potential link between the school deficit and the rise of unregistered institutions. She questioned how effectively the ministry was addressing the gap, noting that long distances for children to travel to school could be a contributing factor.
Other members of parliament expressed worries about the quality of education offered by unregistered schools and the possibility of exploitation. Zanu PF legislator Clemence Chiduwa asked whether private schools were being monitored to ensure that local languages were taught at the primary level. Moyo responded that registration was essential for oversight, including curriculum adherence and language policies.
Importance of Registration and Monitoring
“The policy is clear: schools must regularise so that we can monitor compliance, including adherence to curriculum and language policy. As it stands, we do not know what is happening in many backyards where illegal schools exist. That is why registration is critical,” Moyo said.
He reiterated that all unregistered schools are operating illegally and warned that the grace period would come to an end on December 31, 2025. After that date, enforcement measures would be implemented, and any remaining unregistered institutions would face closure.
The minister also mentioned that the Schools Psychological Services and Special Needs Education (SPPRS) department is responsible for school registration and providing technical guidance to prospective investors. Circulars have already been sent out to warn directors of illegal schools, and Moyo urged them to take immediate action to regularize their operations.
Conclusion
As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that all educational institutions meet the necessary legal and operational standards. The government continues to emphasize the importance of regulation to safeguard the rights of learners and maintain quality education across the country. With the ongoing construction of new schools and increased monitoring of existing ones, the aim is to create a more equitable and structured educational environment for all students.