Government Dismisses Fake School Calendar Circulating on Social Media

By Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed a fake school calendar that went viral on social media, warning parents and guardians against relying on unverified information.

The circulating schedule listed incorrect 2026 school opening and closing dates, causing confusion among some parents preparing for the new academic year.

Bogus Calendar Sparks Concern
According to B-Metro, the fraudulent message claimed that schools would open on 26 January next year and close on 1 May, with similarly incorrect dates listed for the second and third terms.

The message spread rapidly across WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages, prompting some parents to begin making premature preparations.

Also Read: Only 1 in 6 Children Who Finish Primary School in Zimbabwe Can Read Or Do Basic Maths

Official Term Dates Clarified
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo condemned the fake schedule and urged the public to rely only on official communication.

“That can’t be correct. There is no way that schools can open that late. I signed the 2026 calendar two months back and it’s not those dates. Schools are opening on January 13,” said Minister Moyo.

He explained that the first term of 2026 will run for 57 school days, followed by a 34-day holiday break.
The second term will open on 12 May and close on 6 August, making it the longest with 67 school days.
The third term will begin on 8 September and end on 3 December.