All in Place for Smooth School Opening: Govt

SCHOOLS countrywide open for the third term tomorrow, with the Government assuring parents and guardians that preparations have been made to ensure a smooth start to the final term of the 2026 academic year.

Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said the Government had conducted rigorous pre-term inspections at schools countrywide, while directives have been issued to protect instructional time and ensure compliance with national regulations.

“As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education warmly welcomes all pupils, teachers, school heads, administrators and education personnel back for the third term commencing on September 8, 2026, we do so with great optimism and thorough preparation, fully aware that this is one of the busiest and most important periods on the school calendar,” said Mr Ndoro.

“Our readiness is underscored by the rigorous pre-term inspections and clear directives to safeguard instructional time.”

Mr Ndoro urged parents and guardians to settle approved school fees and levies on or before opening day, while reminding schools to comply with Zimbabwe’s currency and fiscal laws governing payments.

“We appeal to parents and guardians to pay approved fees and levies on or before opening day to ensure smooth operations, while firmly reiterating that payments must align with Zimbabwe’s fiscal and monetary laws,” he said.

He also warned schools against forcing parents to buy uniforms and stationery from specific suppliers or school shops.

Some parents were yesterday making last-minute preparations ahead of the start of the new term, while uniform and stationery shops and vendors were busy selling their products.

One of the parents, Mrs Rumbidzai Mutsvairo, said: “We are ready for the new term, but the costs can be high for families with several children.

“It is important that schools stick to approved fees and do not introduce unnecessary charges.”

Another parent, Mr Tendai Chirwa, urged schools to communicate requirements clearly before demanding payments.

“We want our children to learn without disruptions. Schools should tell parents exactly what is required and give us reasonable options to buy uniforms and stationery. We also welcome the reminder that we should use the approved currency channels,” he said.

With schools opening tomorrow, parents and guardians have also been urged to ensure learners report for lessons on time and are adequately prepared for the term. *Herald*

*”Chivhayo Claims US$9billion Contracts Across Africa”*
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has claimed he holds contracts worth “US$9 billion from across Africa” along with partnerships with Western conglomerates, which he says finance his extravagant lifestyle.

The Intratrek Zimbabwe boss made the assertions during a recent appearance on local podcast TheDennyJ Show, amid growing attention on his relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has publicly praised the tycoon’s philanthropic efforts.

“I have got contracts from across Africa worth well over US$9 billion, mainly in infrastructural development, and I am in partnership with some European conglomerates and from China,” Chivayo told the podcast.

He added: “In all the important African countries that I would want to do business, I am well in touch with the leadership and key people, but now want to expand my western footprint, particularly in America.”

Chivayo’s business portfolio reportedly includes the rumoured US$2.9 billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion tender in Kenya, alongside other deals in Eswatini, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, and several other nations.

The businessman has increasingly positioned himself within the country’s political landscape, with some observers describing him as Mnangagwa’s “de facto political commissar and special envoy” due to his socio-political activities and regional engagements with continental leaders.

“Connections are very important in any business, but competency is also required because if you get a contract you gotta deliver on it,” Chivayo said.

The IMC Communications owner has drawn comparisons to international celebrities like Oprah Winfrey for his car-giving sprees, which he says will continue following Mnangagwa’s endorsement of his charitable activities.

Chivayo claims to have donated nearly US$200 million, earning recognition from Fortune Africa Magazine as one of the continent’s top philanthropists.

His personal fortune has grown alongside acquisitions including a Gulfstream 550, Bombardier Challenger 300 private jets, and mansions in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandhurst and Cape Town’s Clifton suburb.

His network of connections now reportedly includes African presidents such as Mnangagwa, Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Nigeria’s Ahmed Tinubu.

Regarding the Gwanda solar project tender reinstated by local courts, Chivayo said he would “put in his personal money not only to clear my name, but ensure the project goes ahead for my children’s legacy and name.” *NewsDay*