By Tendai Makaripe
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has capped fees for August holiday lessons, which begin Aug. 7 for Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six examination candidates.
Secretary’s Circular No. 7 of 2026 authorises schools to conduct lessons for Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Six learners preparing for national examinations.
Other learners do not qualify for the programme.
Schools close for the second term on Aug. 6.
The vacation programme will run from Aug. 7 to 20, but schools must limit lessons to 10 teaching days.
The ministry prohibited schools from extending the programme beyond Aug. 20.
“No holiday school shall be conducted beyond August 20, 2026,” the circular states.
Ministry sets maximum fees
Grade 7 learners will pay a maximum of US$2 per learning area.
Form 4 candidates will pay US$3 per subject, while Upper Six learners will pay US$5 per subject.
Schools may accept United States dollars or the equivalent amount in Zimbabwe Gold currency at the prevailing bank rate.
Boarding schools may charge an additional US$5 per learner each day to cover food and other upkeep expenses.
The ministry directed schools to issue receipts for every payment and maintain proper financial records for auditing.
Schools must not demand amounts above the approved limits.
The circular directs schools to allocate 50% of the money they collect, excluding boarding expenses, to teacher appreciation.
Schools must use 30% for utilities and stationery and the remaining 20% for administration.
Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro previously warned that authorities would take disciplinary action against schools that violated the fee limits or extended lessons beyond the authorised period.
Circular contains public holiday error
The circular incorrectly identifies Aug. 11 and 12 as the dates for the Heroes and Defence Forces public holidays.
Zimbabwe’s gazetted 2026 public holiday calendar places Heroes Day on Monday, Aug. 10, and Defence Forces Day on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Cabinet also confirmed the two dates while announcing preparations for the national commemorations.
Schools must suspend vacation lessons on Aug. 10 and 11.
They may use Saturdays, Sundays or both to complete the required 10 teaching days.
However, administrators must consider each school community’s day of worship when arranging weekend lessons.
Ministry emphasises learner safety
The circular requires learners to wear school uniforms and directs teachers to dress appropriately during the programme.
“School administrators must also enforce the ministry’s safeguarding requirements and maintain safe learning environments,” read the circular in part.
Education inspectors, district literacy coordinators and remedial tutors will monitor the programme.
The ministry said the August holiday lessons should help examination candidates complete their syllabuses, continuous assessment activities and school-based projects before their final examinations.
