Government Warns Schools Against Rejecting ZiG School Fees Payments

Government has warned schools against rejecting Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) school fees payments or charging parents above approved fee structures ahead of the opening of the second school term on Tuesday.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said all schools were required to accept ZiG as full payment without imposing restrictions or demanding conversion into foreign currency.

Speaking during an interview with the SundayMail, Minister Moyo said the ZiG remains legal tender and schools must comply with Government policy on school fees payments.

“The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is legal tender, and Government has directed all schools to accept ZiG as full payment, without restrictions, and at the official scheduled fee levels. No school may refuse ZiG or demand conversion into any other currency,” he said.

He added that authorities were closely monitoring compliance through financial audit teams and a WhatsApp reporting platform where parents can report violations.

Tough Action Against Offending Schools
Moyo said Government would take strict action against schools and administrators found violating the directive.

“Our position is zero tolerance. Any school or administrator found charging fees above the approved amount, charging exclusively in foreign currency, turning away learners for non-payment of fees or levies . . . will face immediate disciplinary action,” he said.

The minister warned that school heads found guilty could be charged under the Education Act, while repeat offenders risk having their schools deregistered.

He revealed that some school heads had already been dismissed over similar violations in the past six months, with prosecutions still underway.

Schools Ready for Second Term
Meanwhile, Moyo said Government’s assessment across all 10 provinces showed that schools were adequately prepared for the start of the second term.

Schools are expected to reopen on Tuesday following the end of the first term break.

*Private Schools Must Teach Indigenous Languages Not Just French & Chinese: Minister On HBC Curriculum*

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.