Government has directed all private schools to fully implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), making it compulsory across Zimbabwe’s entire education system with immediate effect.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerai Moyo, announced the directive during a meeting with the Association of Trust Schools in Harare on Thursday. He emphasised that the Ministry is empowered by law to set curricula and examinations for all educational institutions in the country.
“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,” Minister Moyo said.
The directive represents a major policy shift for private institutions that have traditionally relied on international syllabi such as Cambridge. While international examinations may continue, they must now complement not replace, the national curriculum.
Minister Moyo underscored that adopting the Heritage-Based Curriculum is both a statutory requirement and a strategic step towards strengthening national identity and aligning education with Zimbabwe’s development objectives.
“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,” he said.
He added that detailed compliance guidelines will be issued to ensure all institutions follow the legal framework governing education delivery. Training programmes for private schools on implementing the HBC are scheduled to begin next week.
Governance and accountability issues also featured prominently in the meeting. The Government raised concerns over irregularities in some trust schools, including unlawful fee increases.
“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 said.
The Association of Trust Schools expressed commitment to complying with the new directive.
“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement,” said Association Chairperson Mr Abe Gatsi.
Government also clarified proper admission and expulsion procedures amid concerns about inconsistent practices in some institutions.
The move marks a decisive step toward standardising education across Zimbabwe, enhancing cultural appreciation, and strengthening regulatory compliance in both public and private schools.
