Source: Renaming of schools with colonial names clarified – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said an internal working document on the possible renaming of schools in the Mbare-Hatfield District was part of a preliminary consultation process and does not constitute an official decision or directive.
This follows speculation on social media suggesting that the Government had approved or was set to implement school name changes.
In an interview, the Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry, Mr Taungana Ndoro said the document had been taken out of context.
“We have noted the circulation of an internal working document regarding the possible renaming of certain schools in the Mbare/Hatfield District. We wish to clarify the context to avoid unnecessary speculation,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said the memo formed part of routine internal administrative processes aimed at gathering initial proposals and views from selected schools on various policy matters.
“The memo in question is part of a very preliminary, internal information-gathering exercise,” he said.
“As a ministry, we routinely undertake consultative processes to gather preliminary proposals and justifications from a small selection of schools on a variety of matters.”
Mr Ndoro said no school names have been changed and no formal proposal has been submitted for consideration by the relevant authorities.
“This exercise is simply an initial request for suggestions—nothing more. It is not a decision, a directive, or an announcement of imminent changes,” he said.
Mr Ndoro said any future consideration of school name changes would be subject to a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process involving all stakeholders, including parents, alumni, local communities and traditional leaders.
“No school names have been changed, and no final proposal has been tabled before the relevant authorities,” he said.
“Any future consideration of name changes would require a comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement process.”
Mr Ndoro said the Government remained committed to transparency and the preservation of the country’s educational heritage while ensuring that institutions reflect national values.
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