Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has directed all private schools to implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), making it mandatory across Zimbabwe’s education system with immediate effect.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerai Moyo, announced the position at a meeting with the Association of Trust Schools held in Harare on Thursday, underscoring the Ministry’s statutory authority to determine curricula and examinations for all schools.
“The Education Act explicitly provides the Ministry with the authority to determine curricula and examinations for all schools in Zimbabwe. The choice to sit for international examinations should serve as an addition to, not a replacement of, the national standard,” said Minister Moyo.
The directive marks a significant policy shift for private institutions that have traditionally prioritised international syllabi such as Cambridge. While international examinations may continue, they must now complement the national curriculum rather than substitute it.
Minister Moyo described the transition to the Heritage-Based Curriculum as both a legal obligation and a strategic move aligned with national development goals.
“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. The Ministry will issue guidelines on compliance to ensure adherence to the supreme legal framework governing our educational system,” he said.
Training for private schools on the Heritage-Based Curriculum is set to commence next week as part of the implementation process.
Governance issues also took centre stage during the meeting, with Government raising concerns over irregularities in some trust schools.
“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. We are operating under a multi-currency system, and therefore parents should be able to pay in USD, Rand and ZiG,” Minister Moyo added.
The Association of Trust Schools acknowledged the directive and pledged to comply.
“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement,” said Chairperson of the Association of Trust Schools, Mr Abe Gatsi.
Government also clarified acceptable admission and expulsion procedures following concerns over unclear policies in some institutions.
The move signals a firm policy stance aimed at standardising education delivery, strengthening national identity and ensuring regulatory compliance across both public and private schools in Zimbabwe.
