Government has released the 2026 school calendar, alongside the introduction of tougher mechanisms to monitor teacher performance, learner attendance and overall school standards nationwide.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo said the new approach will rely on real-time data collection to ensure accountability in schools, with parents granted access to key performance information.
In an interview, Minister Moyo said the Ministry’s oversight will no longer be limited to school opening periods but will extend throughout the academic year.
“We have introduced a Public Education WhatsApp Dashboard, which is accessible through the Ministry’s website. It provides updates on school attendance, availability of teachers, progress on infrastructure projects and performance in national assessments,” he said.
He added that parents, civil society groups and development partners will be engaged through quarterly update meetings, while a comprehensive State of Education report will be presented to Parliament every year.
The announcement comes as parents across the country make last-minute preparations for the new term, with banks, clothing outlets and informal markets experiencing heavy traffic as families scramble to settle fees and purchase uniforms and stationery.
Minister Moyo said schools are adequately prepared for reopening, noting that teachers have already begun capacity-building programmes and are expected to submit their teaching plans at the start of the term.
“All teachers are required to submit their schemes of work to their immediate supervisors, including heads of departments, school heads and inspectors, by Monday,” he said.
He warned that inspections will be conducted countrywide throughout the year to enforce compliance, stressing that the compressed academic calendar demands full commitment from both teachers and school administrators.
“The academic year is shorter than usual, with Grade Seven examinations scheduled for September. There is no room for delays,” said the Minister.
On school charges, Minister Moyo reiterated Government policy on fees and uniforms, cautioning that schools found flouting regulations will face disciplinary action.
He said schools must adhere to the multi-currency system, allowing parents to pay fees using Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), United States dollars, South African rand, British pound or Botswana pula.
“It is unlawful for schools to insist on fees being paid only in US dollars. Anyone who does so will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
The Minister also raised concern over schools directing parents to purchase uniforms from designated suppliers.
“Parents must be free to buy uniforms wherever they choose. Where schools operate uniform enterprises, their prices must be lower than those in the market. Failure to comply will attract sanctions,” he said.
To improve communication and rapid problem-solving, the Ministry has reactivated command and response centres at district, provincial and national levels, allowing parents to report issues directly.
“Our structures are operational around the clock, and any reported challenges will be addressed without delay,” Minister Moyo said.
Responding to concerns over delays in Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) payments, the Minister acknowledged past shortcomings and said corrective steps are now underway.
“We recognise that there have been delays in the past. To resolve BEAM-related operational challenges, we are working closely with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare,” he said.
He added that a joint technical committee has been set up to align data systems and shorten payment processing timelines.
