Government Raises Concern Over Decline Of Indigenous Languages In Zimbabwean Schools

The Government has raised concern over the growing decline in the teaching of indigenous Zimbabwean languages in some private schools, warning that the trend could threaten the country’s cultural identity and heritage. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo says several private and trust schools are increasingly prioritising foreign languages such as French and Chinese while neglecting local languages, including Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga, Tonga, and Shangani.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Minister Moyo said the Government would enforce the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) across all schools ahead of mandatory Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations set for 2027.

Minister Moyo said the Heritage-Based Curriculum was designed to preserve Zimbabwe’s identity, culture, and history while supporting the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

“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,” said Moyo.

The minister also expressed concern that some 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.”

According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Heritage-Based Curriculum seeks to strengthen local knowledge systems, culture, heritage, and national values while equipping learners with practical skills. Education analysts say the debate reflects wider concerns across Africa about balancing global competitiveness with the preservation of indigenous identity.

Harare-based education consultant Dr Miriam Chikukwa said local languages play a critical role in preserving cultural heritage and social cohesion.

“Language is directly linked to identity, history, and cultural continuity. If indigenous languages disappear from schools, future generations risk losing part of Zimbabwe’s heritage,” she said.

The government says all schools, including private and trust schools, will be required to register learners for ZIMSEC examinations starting in 2027. Minister Moyo said Cabinet had already approved the directive.

“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.”

He said the decision was based on provisions in the Education Act.

“This directive arises from the Education Act, Chapter 25, Section 63, which states that there shall be one curriculum in Zimbabwe.”

The ministry says workshops and consultations are already underway in schools across the country following an engagement meeting held at the University of Zimbabwe in February 2026.

Minister Moyo clarified that the Government had not banned international examination systems such as Cambridge or the International Baccalaureate. However, he said schools offering foreign curricula would first be required to register learners for ZIMSEC examinations under the Heritage-Based Curriculum.

“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.”

The Association of Trust Schools (ATS) says member institutions have acknowledged the Government directive. ATS chairperson Abe Gatsi said schools would work towards compliance.

“We have noted all that has been stated by the Government and will be working to ensure that we implement.”

Government says the Heritage-Based Curriculum will remain Zimbabwe’s primary education framework, while international curricula will continue as optional additions.

Zimbabwe indigenous languages schools