Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo has directed prosecutors to remain strictly apolitical and prioritise fairness and efficiency, warning that failure to do so undermines public trust in the justice system. Speaking at a Superior Courts Appeals procedures training in Harare on Monday, Matanda-Moyo said the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe must be guided by the Constitution and public interest rather than political considerations. “We do not represent any partisan interest or political faction,” she said. “We represent the Constitution and the 16 million people of Zimbabwe.” She warned that prosecutors who act otherwise risk eroding confidence in the justice system. “When we fail… when we lose cases we should have won, when we delay justice through ignorance, we do not simply lose a file. We erode public trust. We make a mockery of the scales of justice,” she said. Matanda-Moyo said the training programme is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the quality and speed of prosecutions, particularly in complex cases handled by superior courts. She emphasised the need for preparedness and legal excellence. “I want prosecutors ready to respond immediately, decisively and brilliantly,” she said, adding that delays caused by weak legal arguments or poor preparation will no longer be tolerated. Legal analyst Musa Kika said the emphasis on efficiency is critical. “Delays in prosecution not only affect victims but also weaken the credibility of the justice delivery system,” he noted. The Prosecutor-General stressed that the role of prosecutors is not simply to secure convictions, but to ensure justice is served. “We do not seek convictions; we seek just outcomes,” she said. “The prosecutor must always be right, and the prosecutor must be fair.” She added that both wrongful convictions and wrongful acquittals represent serious failures. “Sending an innocent person to jail is exactly the same moral failure as acquitting a guilty one,” she said. Matanda-Moyo also moved to redefine the relationship between prosecutors and defence lawyers, dismissing the idea of adversarial rivalry. Instead, she said, both sides are officers of the court with a shared duty to uphold justice and the rule of law. The remarks come as the NPAZ implements reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, including intensified training programmes and digitalisation of systems. Judicial reform expert Alex Magaisa said such measures could improve case management. “Digital systems and continuous training can significantly enhance efficiency and transparency within prosecuting authorities,” he said. Matanda-Moyo said the reforms are ultimately aimed at restoring public confidence in Zimbabwe’s justice system. As pressure mounts for accountability and timely justice, her directive signals a renewed push to ensure prosecutors uphold constitutional principles while delivering fair and efficient outcomes. Loice Matanda-Moyo statement

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed speculation surrounding a leaked internal document on the possible renaming of schools in Harare’s Mbare/Hatfield District, saying no decisions have been made. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the document circulating online is part of an early-stage consultation process and should not be interpreted as policy. “We wish to clarify the context to avoid unnecessary speculation. The memo in question is part of a very preliminary, internal information-gathering exercise,” Ndoro said in an interview. “As a Ministry, we routinely undertake consultative processes to gather proposals and justifications from a small selection of schools on a variety of matters.” He stressed that the exercise is not a directive or announcement of changes. “This is simply an initial request for suggestions—nothing more. It is not a decision, a directive, or an announcement of imminent changes,” Ndoro added. Authorities moved to reassure the public that no schools have been renamed and no formal proposal has been submitted to decision-making bodies. “No school names have been changed, and no final proposal has been tabled before the relevant authorities,” Ndoro said. The clarification comes after the alleged leak sparked debate among parents and alumni, particularly in communities around Harare, where school identity and heritage are often closely tied to local history. Ndoro emphasised that any future consideration of renaming schools would follow a structured and inclusive process. “This would involve comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including parents, former students, local communities and traditional leaders,” he said. Education policy expert Stephen Chikozho said such processes are critical in maintaining public trust. “School names carry historical and cultural significance. Any changes must be carefully handled through broad consultation,” he noted. Officials say the ministry regularly conducts internal reviews and consultations as part of ongoing policy development and system improvement. Analysts say the controversy highlights how quickly internal documents can be misinterpreted when shared publicly without context. The ministry has urged the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading unverified claims. As discussions around education reform and institutional identity continue, authorities say transparency and stakeholder engagement will remain central to any future decisions. Zimbabwe school renaming

Officials from the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education are set to travel to Zambia to evaluate the quality and credibility of academic programmes, following reports that more than 5,000 Zimbabwean students are studying medicine there. ZIMCHE Chief Executive Officer Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo announced the move during an engagement with students at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), saying the initiative is aimed at safeguarding academic standards. Dzvimbo said the assessment seeks to ensure that Zimbabwean students studying abroad return with qualifications that meet both regional and international benchmarks. “There is a university in Zambia where about 5,000 Zimbabweans are studying medicine, so we want to make sure that when they come back, they will be accepted by the medical profession,” he said. Higher education analyst Dr. Tendai Muchengeti said the move is timely. “With increasing student mobility, regulators must verify the quality of foreign institutions to protect graduates and maintain professional standards,” he noted. Beyond Zambia, ZIMCHE teams are also expected to visit universities in Uganda, Kenya, and Namibia as part of a broader regional quality assurance programme. The initiative aims to harmonise academic standards across Africa and ensure comparability of qualifications. Dzvimbo said ZIMCHE routinely benchmarks degree programmes against institutions locally and internationally to ensure Zimbabwean graduates remain competitive. According to ZIMCHE, universities seeking to introduce new degree programmes must demonstrate how their curricula align with established institutions at local, regional, and global levels. “This involves detailed comparisons with universities across Southern Africa, the continent and beyond,” Dzvimbo said. Programme evaluations are conducted by panels of associate and full professors drawn from Zimbabwe and abroad, including academics working in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Experts say the focus on medical programmes reflects the critical importance of maintaining high standards in health professions. Medical education consultant Dr. Nyasha Maramba said: “If graduates are not properly trained, it has direct implications for patient safety and the healthcare system as a whole.” Zimbabwe has seen a growing number of students pursuing medical studies outside the country due to limited local training capacity and high demand for places. Dzvimbo emphasised that Zimbabwe’s higher education quality assurance system is intentionally rigorous to ensure qualifications are internationally recognised. “The approval process is demanding because we want our degrees to compare favourably with leading universities worldwide,” he said. The planned assessments are expected to inform future policy decisions on recognition of foreign qualifications and help strengthen confidence in Zimbabwe’s higher education system. ZIMCHE Zambia assessment

Two unemployed men from Kadoma have been sentenced to an effective 12 years in prison after being convicted of a string of violent robberies in Chakari late last year. The pair, Ronald Rori (25) and Japhet Maskati (25), both from Destiny suburb, were found guilty by the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on two counts of robbery, including one committed under aggravating circumstances. The court heard that the first incident took place around midnight on November 18, 2025, when the duo broke into a woman’s home in Chakari. Armed with machetes, knives, and torches, the attackers confronted the 28-year-old victim while she slept, threatening to stab her if she did not surrender her valuables. In a violent escalation, one of the assailants struck her on the ankle with a machete. “They were aggressive and threatened her life throughout the ordeal,” a court official familiar with the case said. The pair made off with US$800 in cash, mobile phones, a power bank, and gold, with the total value of stolen items estimated at US$1,810. In a separate incident on December 3, 2025, Rori and Maskati, together with an accomplice still at large, targeted a local gold dealer. Posing as customers, they gained access to the premises before producing a firearm and launching a coordinated attack. The victim was struck on the forehead with an iron bar while his wife was tied up and suffocated in an attempt to force her to reveal the location of cash and valuables. “They used extreme violence to intimidate the victims,” said a source close to the investigation. The gang fled with gold valued at more than US$20,000, along with mobile phones and a pistol with ammunition. Magistrates imposed a combined sentence that effectively keeps the two behind bars for 12 years, citing the severity of the crimes and the use of weapons. Legal analyst Kudzai Mupfumi said the ruling reflects the courts’ firm stance on violent crime. “Robbery involving weapons and physical harm is treated very seriously. Courts are sending a clear message that such offences will attract lengthy custodial sentences,” he said. Authorities say investigations are continuing to track down the third suspect, who remains at large. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged members of the public with information to come forward. The case adds to growing concern over violent robberies targeting both households and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe’s gold-rich areas. Security expert Admire Mare said criminals are increasingly targeting gold dealers due to the high value of the commodity. “These attacks are often well-planned and involve significant violence,” he said. Residents in Chakari have called for increased police patrols and improved security measures to curb crime in the area. Kadoma robbery case

An opposition councillor from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has taken legal action to compel the Public Service Commission (PSC) to discipline a teacher accused of engaging in active partisan politics. The case, filed at the High Court of Zimbabwe, centres on David Masomere, a teacher at Ndarama High School, who is alleged to have breached constitutional provisions governing the conduct of civil servants. Councillor Denford Ngadziore filed the application under case number HCMSC401/25 on July 16, 2025. The matter is being heard by Justice Christopher Dube-Banda in Masvingo. Ngadziore argues that Masomere’s involvement in political activities linked to the ruling ZANU PF violates Section 200(3) of the Constitution, which requires members of the civil service to remain politically neutral in the execution of their duties. “Members of the Civil Service may not act in a partisan manner or further the interests of any political party,” Ngadziore states in court papers. According to the application, Masomere frequently serves as a master of ceremonies at ZANU PF rallies, including events addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Ngadziore alleges that some of these activities take place during school hours, raising concerns about absenteeism and dereliction of duty. A parent from the school, who declined to be named, said, “We are worried about the quality of education if teachers are not consistently in class. Learners need stability.” Masomere, a Physical Education and Mass Displays teacher, is also accused of failing to report for duty regularly. The court application further alleges that Masomere actively campaigned for ZANU-PF candidate Tsitsi Tawombera during the Glen View South by-election. Ngadziore claims Masomere operates a social media account under the handle @djmasomere1, where he allegedly posted on April 13, 2025, that he had been recognised by ZANU PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as an official DJ for both the party and the President. Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said the case could test the boundaries of civil servants’ political rights. “While individuals have freedoms, public officials are bound by stricter rules to ensure neutrality and fairness,” he said. Ngadziore said he approached the court after attempts to resolve the matter outside litigation failed. He claims Masomere refused to accept a formal letter of demand instructing him to cease partisan political activities. “The letter was sent via courier, but he refused to collect it,” Ngadziore stated in his affidavit. The councillor is being represented by Shava Law Chambers. Legal experts say the outcome of the case could have wider implications for how Zimbabwe enforces constitutional provisions governing the conduct of civil servants. Constitutional lawyer Musa Kika said, “If the court compels the PSC to act, it could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of political neutrality across the public sector.” The PSC has not yet publicly responded to the application. As the case continues, it is expected to draw attention to the balance between individual political expression and the legal obligations of public servants in Zimbabwe. CCC lawsuit Zimbabwe teacher politics

The Emergency Help Group (EHG) has been officially appointed to Zimbabwe’s National Civil Protection Committee (NCPC), marking a significant milestone in strengthening community-based disaster response systems. The appointment, confirmed in a letter dated May 5, 2026, was made under the Civil Protection Act through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The inclusion of the Emergency Help Group in the NCPC grants the organisation formal recognition as a key stakeholder in Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management framework. This status enhances its credibility and visibility, enabling it to engage more effectively with government agencies, development partners, and donors. Disaster management expert Dr. Gibson Mandishona said such integration is critical. “Community-based organisations are often the first responders. Bringing them into national structures improves coordination and effectiveness during emergencies,” he said. As part of the NCPC, the Emergency Help Group will participate in the formulation and review of national disaster preparedness and response strategies. This includes contributing to policies that address risks such as floods, veld fires, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies affecting communities across Zimbabwe. The appointment provides the group with access to vital information and coordination systems managed by the Department of Civil Protection. This includes early warning systems, emergency communication channels, and national response frameworks, which are essential for timely and effective disaster intervention. A member of the group said the development will improve response times. “Being part of the national structure means we can act faster and more efficiently when disasters strike,” they said. The Emergency Help Group will also benefit from training, technical support, and skills development through participation in national disaster risk management programmes. The appointment opens doors to partnerships with local and international organisations, increasing opportunities for funding and resource mobilisation. According to humanitarian analyst Tariro Dube, “Access to partnerships and funding is often the biggest limitation for community groups. This appointment could significantly boost their operational capacity.” The appointment provides the group with formal legal and institutional backing under Zimbabwe’s disaster management laws. This ensures its activities are aligned with national policies while offering protection and structure within the broader civil protection system. The Emergency Help Group is expected to contribute to building resilient communities by reducing risks and improving preparedness at the grassroots level. Chapeyama, who holds multiple qualifications in environmental and disaster management, including studies at the Zimbabwe National Defence University and University of Zimbabwe, emphasised the importance of unity and professionalism in executing the group’s mandate. The NCPC plays a central role in coordinating disaster preparedness and response across Zimbabwe, bringing together government departments, security services, and key stakeholders. The addition of the Emergency Help Group is expected to strengthen grassroots participation in national disaster management efforts at a time when climate-related risks and urban vulnerabilities are increasing. Emergency Help Group Zimbabwe

At least 14 people have died after a long-distance luxury coach was involved in a fatal road accident along the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred near Suswe at the 176-kilometre peg, leaving dozens injured and triggering an emergency response from authorities and local communities. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the bus identified as a Malawi-bound BRD Luxury Coach was travelling from Cape Town, South Africa, when the accident occurred at around 1 pm. In an official statement, police confirmed the scale of the tragedy: “The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident which occurred this afternoon at 176 km peg along the Harare–Nyamapanda road near Suswe. A Malawi-bound BRD Luxury Coach bus, which was coming from Cape Town, South Africa, had an accident near Suswe at around 1300 hours. Initial police attendance at the scene indicates that 14 people died.” Authorities said the bus was carrying 63 passengers at the time of the accident, raising concerns that the death toll could rise. Several survivors sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities, including Mutoko District Hospital and Kotwa District Hospital. A local resident who arrived shortly after the crash described a chaotic scene. “There were people crying for help, and others trapped inside the bus. Villagers worked with emergency services to pull survivors out,” he said. Medical personnel at one of the receiving hospitals said some victims remain in critical condition, fuelling fears that the death toll could increase. Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the accident, with early indications pointing to possible driver error or mechanical failure, although officials say it is too early to confirm. Road safety expert Engineer Gift Makarati said long-distance travel poses increased risks. “Fatigue, speeding, and vehicle condition are common factors in such crashes. A full technical investigation will be needed to establish what happened,” he said. The latest tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal road accidents on Zimbabwe’s highways, particularly involving long-distance buses. Transport analyst Tafadzwa Gona said enforcement remains key. “Regular vehicle inspections and strict adherence to driver rest periods are critical in preventing such disasters,” he said. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on busy regional routes linking Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries. As families begin to identify victims and mourn their loved ones, the nation is once again confronted with the devastating human cost of road traffic accidents. Harare Nyamapanda bus crash

CHITUNGWIZA — A Zimbabwean court has ordered the immediate deportation of a 52-year-old Chinese national, Xu Jianguo, after he was found to have remained in the country unlawfully for 278 days following the expiration of his work permit. The court heard that Xu Jianguo arrived in Zimbabwe on June 10, 2024, via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on a single-entry business visa. He was subsequently granted a Temporary Employment Permit on July 22, 2024, which expired exactly one year later on July 22, 2025. Instead of exiting the country or renewing his documentation, Xu remained in Zimbabwe for an additional 278 days. The convict's luck ran out on April 27, 2026, when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chitungwiza received a tip-off regarding an undocumented foreign national living in Kuora Village, Seke. Upon being located by authorities at approximately 12:30 pm, Xu Jianguo claimed he was married to a Zimbabwean national, Rosina Sachiwo. However, a verification of his passport confirmed that he had been without a valid permit since July 2025. Following his initial arrest, he was handed over to the CID Counter Terrorism Unit for further management. Appearing before Chitungwiza Magistrate Batsirai Madzingira, Xu was charged with contravening the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02], specifically for remaining in Zimbabwe without a valid permit. Sentence: Four months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Deportation: The Magistrate ordered that he be deported to his country of origin, China. Evidence: His passport was produced in court as primary evidence of the 278-day overstay. The State’s case was led by public prosecutor Shamiso Charmaine Mwapangira. This case serves as a stern reminder of the tightening of immigration oversight in Zimbabwe as authorities move to crack down on undocumented residents. How do you think marriage to a local citizen should impact the deportation process for individuals who have significantly overstayed their legal permits? Chinese national deported Zimbabwe overstay

One of Zimbabwe’s most ecologically significant wetlands, Monavale Wetland, is facing renewed pressure after reports that 23 Members of Parliament were allocated residential stands within the protected ecosystem. Also known as Monavale Vlei, the wetland is one of only seven sites in Zimbabwe designated under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance, a status meant to safeguard it from development. Human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart said the land allocations raise serious environmental and governance concerns, particularly given Zimbabwe’s leadership role in the global wetlands treaty framework. “It is deeply concerning that such allocations are being made on a protected wetland, especially at a time when Zimbabwe is expected to uphold international conservation standards,” Coltart said. The alleged allocations form part of a broader 2025 government programme in which the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works distributed around 70 residential stands to legislators across Harare, Goromonzi, and Zvimba. Local authorities, including Harare City Council, were reportedly instructed to identify low-density land in affluent northern suburbs such as Borrowdale, Marlborough, Greystone Park, and Mabelreign. Environmental experts warn that any development on Monavale could have far-reaching consequences for Harare’s water security. The wetland forms part of the Manyame catchment basin, which supplies water to the capital and surrounding towns. “Wetlands act as natural water filters and reservoirs. Disturbing them compromises both water quality and supply,” said environmentalist Farai Maguwu. According to the Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO), which has managed the wetland since 2005, Monavale plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and flood control. In response to the allocations, COSMO, together with the Harare Wetlands Trust and concerned residents, lodged formal appeals with the Minister of Environment on 17 December 2025. The groups argue that allocating residential stands on a protected wetland violates both national environmental laws and Zimbabwe’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention. Environmental lawyer Sharon Hofisi said the case could set a precedent. “If developments are allowed to proceed on a Ramsar site, it undermines the entire legal framework protecting wetlands in Zimbabwe,” he said. Monavale is not the only wetland under threat. Rapid urban expansion in Harare has seen several wetlands degraded or converted into residential and commercial developments. Urban planner Percy Toriro said enforcement remains a major challenge. “We have strong environmental laws on paper, but weak implementation. Political interference often overrides planning regulations,” he said. Residents in nearby suburbs have also raised concerns about increased flooding and water shortages linked to wetland degradation. Conservationists are now calling for full disclosure of the allocation process and immediate suspension of any developments on Monavale. They argue that protecting wetlands is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for long-term urban resilience. As pressure mounts, the government faces a critical test: balancing housing demands with its environmental commitments at both national and international levels. Monavale Wetland Zimbabwe

SANYATI — A 76-year-old war veteran and ex-combatant, Timothy Tivoro, is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle to save his six-hectare farm in Mashonaland West following the discovery of lucrative gold deposits on the property. The dispute has pitted the elderly farmer against a former employee in a case that highlights the growing friction between agricultural land rights and mining interests in Zimbabwe. Tivoro has resided at Easterlea Farm since 1999, after being resettled from another farm in Sanyati to facilitate dam construction under a presidential scheme. He was allocated Plot 1, Village A, where he has farmed for over two decades. The farmer's troubles began in 2018 when gold was discovered on the land. While Tivoro was granted a special mining permit (SG7660), he alleges that an employee he hired for manual work, Lawrence Kazungu, attempted to seize control of the operation. Tivoro claims that Kazungu, who previously operated a nearby chrome mine, colluded with officials from the Ministry of Mines to encroach on his land and illegally alter the farm’s coordinates. "I was relocated... to pave the way for dam construction under a presidential scheme," Tivoro told NewsDay. "But all my problems started when I employed one Lawrence Kazungu to do manual work." According to Tivoro, the officials involved in the alleged coordinate changes have since been dismissed. Lawrence Kazungu has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that he possesses all necessary legal paperwork for his claims. In a sharp rebuttal, Kazungu challenged Tivoro’s status as a war veteran, describing the farmer's claims as an attempt to "create a dispute." The dispute previously reached the highest levels of government. In a letter dated July 16, 2018, the former Minister of Mines, Winston Chitando, upheld the cancellation of the Phoebe 49 Mine license held by Kazungu. The Minister cited that the mine had been pegged in contravention of the Mines and Minerals Act and without the consent of the landowner. Despite this prior intervention, the matter remains unresolved and is currently before the courts as Tivoro appeals for government protection to halt his eviction. How do you believe the government should balance the rights of long-term farmers with the national interest of extracting newly discovered mineral wealth? Sanyati farm eviction gold dispute

PRETORIA — Prominent Zimbabwean opposition figure and former Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court in Tshwane on Monday, May 4, 2026, to face charges of possessing illegal explosives. Sikhala appeared alongside his 78-year-old uncle, Alex Thema, in a case that he claims is a politically motivated attempt to keep him out of Zimbabwe. Represented by Attorney Bongani Dee of Mabuza Attorneys, Sikhala has served a formal notice to the South African state. The defense maintains that if the prosecution fails to complete its investigations by the next court appearance on August 3, 2026, the case must be withdrawn. Currently, the state cites several outstanding investigative components, including: Detailed cellphone records. The processing of 205 witness statements. The analysis of DNA evidence. Sikhala, a registered legal practitioner in Zimbabwe, has vocally dismissed the charges as a "creation of enemies" from his home country who allegedly pursued him into South African jurisdiction. He emphasized that the legal proceedings are causing significant personal and professional prejudice. "I can’t leave this jurisdiction until my name is cleared on these allegations," Sikhala stated, noting that he is a father of 11 children who needs to return to Zimbabwe to resume his legal practice and political work. Presiding Magistrate Lesetja Mphahlele postponed the matter to August 3, 2026, granting the state additional time to finalize its investigation. Sikhala remains in South Africa pending the outcome, asserting that the delays are a strategic move to prevent his return to the Zimbabwean political landscape. Job Sikhala South Africa court case

The Zimbabwean government has directed that all learners, including those currently following the Cambridge curriculum, will sit national examinations under the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council by 2027, in a major policy shift aimed at standardising the country’s education system. The directive, clarified on May 5, 2026, affects current Form 3 and Lower 6 learners on the Cambridge pathway, who will now transition to ZIMSEC examinations at their final stage. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the timeline was designed to avoid disrupting learners already progressing through the system. “For learners currently in Form Three and Lower Six who are on the Cambridge route, the 2027 timeline is deliberate and fair. These learners will sit ZIMSEC O Level and A Level examinations respectively when they reach their final examination year,” Ndoro said. This means current Form 3 pupils will write ZIMSEC O Levels in 2027, while Lower 6 learners will sit ZIMSEC A Levels, ensuring a structured transition rather than an abrupt mid-course change. Education analyst Stephen Chikozho said the phased approach is critical. “Shifting examination systems midstream can disadvantage learners. A planned transition helps preserve academic continuity,” he said. Authorities made it clear that after 2027, all schools will be required to register candidates exclusively through ZIMSEC for national qualifications. Ndoro said the directive, issued by Education Minister Torerayi Moyo, is legally binding. “After 2027, compliance will not be optional. All schools will register candidates solely through ZIMSEC for the national examinations that confer the national qualification,” he said. He added that the move is grounded in the Education Act, which mandates a unified national curriculum. “This is not a policy choice; it is a constitutional and legal imperative. Section 63 mandates a single national curriculum, which can only be assessed with integrity by a single national examinations board,” Ndoro explained. While ZIMSEC will become the primary examination authority, the government says Cambridge examinations will still be permitted under tightly controlled conditions. Schools wishing to offer both ZIMSEC and Cambridge Assessment International Education must submit formal applications demonstrating how learners will manage both syllabi without compromising performance. “Any school that wishes to offer Cambridge alongside ZIMSEC must justify how learners will cope with both systems,” Ndoro said. Officials say the policy aims to eliminate disparities between learners following local and international curricula. “This reform dismantles a long-standing, unjust two-tier system that has falsely divided our children along socio-economic lines,” Ndoro said. Education expert Ranga Mberi noted that perceptions around qualifications have long influenced parental choices. “There has been a belief that international exams are superior, but local qualifications are widely recognised and can be strengthened through consistent policy support,” he said. Government officials emphasised that ZIMSEC qualifications are recognised by universities and employers both locally and regionally. The reform also aligns with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum and broader national development agenda under Vision 2030. Parents and school administrators have been urged to prepare for the transition ahead of the 2027 deadline, as authorities move to fully integrate all learners into a single, standardised examination system. ZIMSEC compulsory Zimbabwe