Turf War Between Registered Schools and Backyard Colleges Raises Alarm

A growing turf war between registered schools and backyard colleges has raised alarm, with education authorities moving to crack down on unregistered institutions accused of poaching learners and operating illegally (image source)

A turf war is intensifying between registered schools and backyard colleges, with allegations that unregistered institutions are canvassing for learners at established schools, raising serious concerns within the education sector.

The disputes have reportedly affected reputable institutions such as the Herentals Group of Colleges, where former teachers are accused of distributing fliers and persuading pupils to enrol at unregistered colleges they now operate. The trend has been reported in Harare, the Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces, prompting alarm among education authorities over learner safety, education standards and compliance with the Education Act.

Sources in Mutare allege that three former Herentals teachers established a backyard college and are targeting learners from their former employer’s secondary school. In Zvishavane, six former teachers are said to have registered two private colleges in Mandava, while another school has reportedly been opened in Masvingo under the leadership of a former Herentals headmaster. Herentals authorities said the situation was worrying, accusing what they termed “rebel teachers” of exploiting their familiarity with school systems and learners to undermine enrolment.

“We have received worrying reports of our former teachers who are targeting our ever-best enrolment. They are taking advantage of knowing our systems and learners, they are coercing out of our schools,” the institution said. The group’s major concern, it added, is that some of the colleges involved are allegedly unregistered and operating from private homes.

However, those accused have denied the claims. Former Herentals teacher Stewart Garikayi, who confirmed opening Summit Heights College in Mutare with three colleagues, dismissed allegations of coercion. “Yes, we have such a college, but we have not influenced anyone to join our school,” he said. A former Herentals headmaster in Masvingo also rejected the allegations, describing them as false.

The dispute has drawn the attention of government. Taungana Ndoro, director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, described the situation as alarming and said authorities were moving to enforce the law. He said provincial and district education directors had been instructed to intensify inspections and community surveillance to identify unregistered schools.

“We are going to enforce the Education Act where unregistered schools are found. We will take immediate legal steps, issuing closure orders, levying fines and, in persistent cases, working with law enforcement to prosecute offenders,” Ndoro said. He added that the ministry is strengthening public awareness campaigns and upgrading its centralised online database to help parents verify the registration status of schools before enrolling learners. Parents, guardians and community leaders were urged to consult district education offices or the ministry’s official platforms to avoid enrolling children in illegal institutions.