Back-to-school piracy hits local textbook industry

Harare-based publishers have raised concern over a growing influx of photocopied textbooks being sold on the streets, warning that the practice is undermining legitimate sales and threatening the survival of Zimbabwe's local publishing industry.

College Press, one of the country's leading producers of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education-approved textbooks, said demand for its popular Ventures and Focus series remains strong, but many parents are increasingly turning to the black market for illegally reproduced copies.

A College Press sales representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the market has been flooded with photocopied textbooks in recent weeks.

"These copies violate copyright laws, compromise the quality of learning materials and deprive local publishers of income needed to sustain the production of quality, locally relevant books," the representative said.

Publishers attribute the surge in piracy to heightened seasonal demand, particularly following the rollout of Heritage-Based Curriculum textbooks, which were introduced late last year during the third school term.

While demand has risen, publishers say it has been matched — and in some cases overtaken — by the spread of pirated versions.

Street vendors are reportedly selling black-and-white photocopied editions of popular primary and secondary school textbooks for between US$3 and US$5, compared to about US$15 for original, full-colour copies.

Industry players warn that unchecked piracy could have long-term consequences for educational publishing in Zimbabwe.

"Persistent piracy forces publishers to reduce print runs, which increases unit costs and places further strain on the industry," said the sales representative.

Parents, however, argue that rising education costs are pushing them towards cheaper alternatives.

"The photocopied books are cheaper," said one Harare parent.

"With school fees, uniforms and other expenses, many of us simply cannot afford to buy original textbooks."

Zimbabwe's Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act criminalises the unauthorised reproduction and sale of copyrighted materials, but enforcement remains weak.

Education stakeholders have previously called on authorities to step up enforcement against piracy while also exploring measures to make legitimate textbooks more affordable. Suggested interventions include subsidies, bulk procurement by schools and Government, and improved distribution networks to lower costs for parents.