Beitbridge Private Schools Urge Government to Value Private Sector Contribution

Beitbridge – Private school operators in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province, have urged the government to recognise and support the role played by private players in the education sector. The call comes after private school owners and parents accused authorities of closing several private schools in the district, leaving many learners without access to education. Beitbridge is one of the districts in Zimbabwe facing a serious shortage of government schools, a situation that has forced private investors to step in to fill the gap.

Speaking to this publication, Mr. Tinevimbo Chovere, the Provincial Chairperson of Education Ambassadors for Economic Development (EA4ED), criticised authorities for shutting down schools without prior notice. Chovere acknowledged that some private schools may be operating without all the required documentation but said the process of acquiring the necessary permits is often difficult and bureaucratic.

“Government should come up with a way forward before closing the schools. Every time schools are shut down, pupils are seen loitering in the streets because there is no alternative solution,” said Chovere.A parent, Mrs. Paidamoyo Zaranyika, said Beitbridge has more than 30 private schools operating in the district, some of which are registered under Education Ambassadors for Economic Development.

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She noted that the organisation operates under the patronage of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose development mantra emphasises leaving no one and no place behind.“Policies should be revised to allow private institutions to operate without fear because they contribute significantly to the education sector,” she said. Max Mkandla, a freedom fighter in the province, also called on local authorities to communicate effectively with parents before closing schools and to provide alternative solutions. “When schools are abruptly closed, parents suffer the most as they lose the fees they have already paid and are forced to keep children at home,” he said.

Mkandla added that while issues of sanitation and hygiene in schools must be addressed, authorities should also ensure that learners continue accessing education during such processes.He also urged government to build more schools in the province to ease the growing demand for educational facilities. Meanwhile, political advisor Dr. Abigail Mpambi said the Education Act (Chapter 25:04) makes investment in the education sector extremely difficult in Zimbabwe.

She argued that high registration costs, bureaucratic hurdles and stringent regulatory requirements make it nearly impossible for new private schools to operate. “In the Second Republic, which is guided by the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, lawmakers must create an enabling environment for local investors, particularly in education,” she said.Mpambi added that although the government has repeatedly stated that Zimbabwe is open for business, policies must also support ease of doing business in the education sector.

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