Tinotenda Hove – The Zimbabwean government has sounded the alarm over what it says is a growing disregard for indigenous languages and practical skills subjects by private schools and elite independent colleges, warning that the trend threatens the country’s cultural identity and national development agenda.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo accused several Association of Trust Schools (ATS) institutions of sidelining local languages in favour of foreign curricula and international subjects.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Moyo said many private institutions were abandoning Zimbabwe’s heritage by prioritising foreign languages such as French and Chinese while ignoring indigenous languages including Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga.
“Our indigenous languages, which include Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Shangani and Tonga, are not taught in many ATS institutions,” said Moyo.

“They are now learning French, Chinese, and no longer learning our local languages.”
The minister also criticised private schools for failing to offer technical and vocational subjects that form part of Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), saying the omission was undermining government efforts to equip learners with practical life skills.

“Most of the independent colleges and private schools do not offer technical and vocational subjects, which are offered by the HBC,” Moyo said.

“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.”

Government, council and mission schools have largely embraced the Heritage-Based Curriculum, while some private and trust schools continue to combine it with the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum.

Institutions such as Harare International School follow the globally recognised International Baccalaureate programme, which is mainly designed for expatriate and diplomatic communities.

Moyo revealed that the government has now ordered all schools in Zimbabwe to introduce Heritage-Based Curriculum examinations administered by Zimbabwe School Examinations Council beginning in 2027, with the exams set to become compulsory.

While clarifying that international examinations such as Cambridge and the IB had not been banned, the minister warned that schools intending to offer multiple curricula would first need approval from the ministry.

A senior education official who spoke on condition of anonymity said government authorities are increasingly concerned that some elite schools are producing students who are disconnected from Zimbabwean culture and national priorities.

“There is growing concern that some schools are creating a generation that can speak foreign languages fluently but cannot communicate in their mother tongue or apply practical vocational skills,” the official said.

The latest warning signals mounting pressure on private schools to align themselves with the government’s education vision, amid fears that Western-oriented learning systems are overshadowing Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and practical education goals.