Govt shuts down more than hundred illegal Harare schools

Harare (New Ziana) – Nearly 150 illegal private schools in Harare will be shut down for failing to regularise their operations despite repeated calls by government for them to do so, an official said on Monday.

Further, proprietors of such schools will be arrested for operating illegally in contravention of the Education Act.

About 435 illegal schools were identified following a blitz conducted by the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Harare in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in early January.

Following the blitz, the government opened a 30 day regularisation window, which was further extended to March 31.

But, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution – Harare Metropolitan Province Office Tafadzwa Muguti said to date, 148 private schools were yet to regularise operations.

“The Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province has repeatedly encouraged private schools operating in the Province to ensure that they fully comply with the Education Act,” he said.

“To date only 287 Schools have successfully applied for licenses and are waiting to be processed by the Provincial Education Directorate.

“It is regrettable that we continue to have some individuals who seek to undermine laws of the land in particular the Education Act. To this effect all schools operating illegally that failed to comply since the 17th of January 2022 shall now be shut down whilst the heads and directors including board members of these schools shall be arrested for contravening the Education Act.”

Muguti said this was being done in pursuit of the Province’s zero tolerance policy towards corruption and lawlessness.

“The full list of all the illegal schools shall be published in the local newspapers and social media,” he said.
New Ziana