By Mthulisi Nxumalo

The National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) has called for urgent interventions to address critical challenges affecting Zimbabwe’s education sector.

These include delays in teacher deployment, funding for the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), examination costs, and issues related to the Heritage-Based Curriculum.

During the NASH national conference, NASH President Mr. Cephas Mutumhe highlighted that school heads are facing a variety of challenges that hinder the effective delivery of education and the smooth administration of schools. Mutumhe expressed the association’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to improve the education system.

However, he urged authorities to address issues that are placing additional pressure on schools.

One major concern is the delayed deployment of teachers, which leaves schools understaffed while replacements are awaited.

“Schools continue to suffer from the late deployment and replacement of teachers. The greatest casualty in such situations is learning time, which can never be recovered,” he said.

NASH also raised concerns about the increasing trend of learners migrating from public schools to private institutions. Mutumhe emphasized the need for closer examination of this trend, warning that while efforts to reduce travel distances for learners are important, this should not become the sole factor for school choice.

“While we encourage parents to partner with us in building more schools, strict guidelines must be put in place to ensure that our children go to safe and conducive places for learning,” he added.

The association called for a review of the numerous workshops and conferences organized for schools, suggesting that some events impose additional financial burdens on already stretched institutions. Mutumhe noted that while capacity-building is essential, greater regulation and oversight are necessary to prevent schools from being exploited as revenue streams.

With regard to BEAM, NASH expressed concern over delays in fee payments by the Department of Social Welfare, which negatively impacts school operations. Some learners have gone without fee payments for as long as four years, forcing schools to bear the financial burden. NASH proposed that authorities consider returning to a system where schools are given budgets and only deserving learners are included in BEAM.

The association also appealed to the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) to include the costs of examination stationery in the overall examination fees, allowing candidates to cover these costs. Furthermore, NASH opposed what it described as blanket measures against school heads based on the actions of a few.

Mutumhe argued that clustering schools imposes unnecessary costs and creates the false impression that all school heads are untrustworthy. “Clustering creates the unfortunate impression that all school heads are untrustworthy, incapable, or prone to malpractice,” he said, urging that school heads, as professionals, be treated with the respect they deserve in managing examinations.

NASH also stressed the need for timely payments for teachers and head service providers, while encouraging ZIMSEC to explore ways to reduce the financial burden associated with examination fees and bank charges.

Regarding the Heritage-Based Curriculum, Mutumhe reiterated NASH’s commitment to its success but called for more engagement with the ministry to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and relevance of the education system to learners’ needs. The association proposed a review of the compulsory subject structure, suggesting that it should effectively consist of English, indigenous languages, and Agriculture. They also questioned why Agriculture is treated as a science subject rather than a practical discipline, given Zimbabwe’s agro-based economy.

“English, indigenous languages, and agriculture naturally fit within the framework of compulsory subjects. This is a conversation that deserves serious consideration,” he stated.

The National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) expressed concerns about the current limitation of nine Ordinary Level subjects, arguing that the cap presents challenges for high-performing learners and those seeking greater flexibility in their academic pathways.

Additionally, the association highlighted issues surrounding the suspension of the BEAM-related fund, noting that while schools were willing to assist the ministry in addressing these challenges, assistance should be requested rather than demanded.

Despite the difficulties, NASH reported progress in sporting activities, with Zimbabwean school teams performing strongly at the 2025 COSASSA Games in Eswatini. According to Mutumhe, Zimbabwe secured gold medals in nearly all disciplines, with the exceptions being athletics, where South Africa triumphed, and girls’ football, where Zimbabwe lost to the host nation.

The association also reported positive developments in sports sponsorship, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and ZIFA, which led to the BancABC/Roots Impact Schools Football Competition and the Munhumutapa Cup.

An additional sponsorship package was secured from Better Brands Holdings for the NASH Under-20 Boys Football and NAPH Under-14 Boys Soccer programs.

The combined sponsorship is valued at approximately US$200,000, with provisions for further review, supporting competitions involving provincial select teams up to the national level.

Meanwhile, NASH Midlands Provincial Chairperson Mr. N. Shumba noted that the province had made significant strides in both sport and academics while acknowledging ongoing challenges facing schools. Shumba mentioned that the province participated in national sporting events and secured gold medals at the recent Prince Edward National Athletics competitions.

Some Midlands schools also excelled academically, with several ranked among the top schools nationally.

However, he pointed out that the province still faced challenges, including a shortage of science teachers and delays in replacing those who had left or transferred.

The provincial chairperson also raised concerns about the impacts of child pregnancies and drug abuse on schools, stating that these issues disrupt the smooth operation of schools and contribute to student dropouts.
Despite these challenges, Shumba emphasized that Midlands remains committed to improving education through collaboration among schools and stakeholders.

He commended the NASH district chairpersons for their support of the association’s activities and thanked stakeholders who attended national conferences, noting that these engagements provide opportunities for school heads to exchange ideas and discuss educational issues.

Both reports underscored the need for stronger collaboration between school heads, the government, and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting education delivery. The conference also provided a platform for school heads from across the country to discuss school leadership, learner outcomes, curriculum development, and the future of education in Zimbabwe.

Mutumhe urged school heads to remain professional and focused on their responsibilities while encouraging them to prepare for life beyond their careers by developing sustainable ventures and investments. “The comfort of today must never blind us to the reality that one day we will leave it. Let us prepare wisely for that day,” he advised.

The conference concluded with a call for continued cooperation between NASH and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.