Parents in Bulawayo say they are under growing financial pressure due to what they describe as frequent changes in school textbooks linked to ongoing education curriculum reforms.
They say they are being required to buy new textbooks roughly every two years under the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), a situation they say is becoming unaffordable for many households already struggling with school fees and basic living costs.
In interviews, some parents said they support education reforms but questioned the cost implications and the lack of clarity on why new materials are repeatedly introduced.
“We are trying our best as parents to support our children’s education, but the constant demand for new textbooks is too much for us,” said Nothando Mhlanga.
“Every time we think we have finished buying books, we are told there is a new curriculum or updated material. Some of us are not formally employed, and raising money for fees alone is already difficult,” she added.
Another parent, Sizimisele Ncube, said the repeated changes appeared unnecessary in subjects where core content remains largely unchanged.
“In subjects like Mathematics and Science, the content does not seem to change much, yet we are still told to buy new books,” he said.
“We feel like we are being pushed to spend money without proper explanation. If the knowledge is the same, why can’t the children continue using the textbooks that were already bought?”
Nolukhanyo Mlotshwa said the financial strain was also affecting learners’ confidence and performance in school.
“Children feel embarrassed when they come to school without the required textbooks, and this affects their confidence and performance,” she said.
“We are appealing to the authorities to find a way to make education more affordable and stable.”
However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has rejected claims that the curriculum is frequently changing.
Ministry director of communications and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said the reforms have been overstated by parents.
“It hasn’t changed in 11 years. There is the Heritage-Based Curriculum and the Competence-Based Curriculum,” he said.
“In subjects like Mathematics and Physics, there has not been much change. Competence-Based Curriculum textbooks can also be used in the Heritage-Based Curriculum.”
He added that only limited additions had been made, mainly in Information and Communication Technology subjects.
“The only curriculums that have been added are those to do with ICT, which is not really much of a change,” he said.