Bulawayo parents complain over rising cost of school textbooks

Parents in Bulawayo say they are facing growing financial strain due to what they describe as frequent textbook changes linked to ongoing education curriculum reforms.

The concerns centre on the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC), which parents claim are forcing them to purchase new learning materials every two years, placing an added burden on households already struggling with school fees and rising living costs.

"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, questioned the necessity of frequent textbook updates, particularly in subjects where the core content appears 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."

Parents also warned that the situation is beginning to affect learners directly. Nolukhanyo Mlotshwa said some children feel embarrassed attending school without the required materials, which in turn impacts their confidence and academic performance.

"We are appealing to the authorities to find a way to make education more affordable and stable," she said.

However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed claims of frequent curriculum changes.

Ministry director of communications and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said the extent of reforms has been overstated, insisting that the core curriculum has remained largely consistent for over a decade.

"It hasn't changed in 11 years. There is the Heritage-Based Curriculum and the Competence-Based Curriculum," Ndoro said, adding that in subjects such as Mathematics and Physics, there have been minimal changes and existing textbooks can still be used.

He noted that adjustments have mainly been limited to Information and Communication Technology subjects, describing them as minor additions rather than a full curriculum overhaul.

The debate highlights a growing tension between education reform and affordability, as authorities push for modernised learning systems while parents grapple with the rising cost of schooling.