HARARE-BASED publishers have raised alarm over a surge in photocopied textbooks on the streets, warning that the practice is undermining legitimate sales and threatening the local publishing industry.
One of Zimbabwe’s leading producers of the Primary and Secondary Education ministry-approved textbooks, College Press, said while demand for its Ventures and Focus series remained strong, many parents were turning to the black market for illegally reproduced versions.
Photocopied textbooks are flooding the market, said a sales representative who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“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 sales representative said.
He added that illegal sales surged in recent weeks as parents resorted to more affordable options.
There has been a significant seasonal rise in demand, likely due to the rollout of Heritage-Based Curriculum textbooks, which were introduced late last year during the third term.
However, this increased demand has been matched by a sharp rise in pirated copies.
Vendors have been seen selling black-and-white photocopied editions of popular primary and secondary textbooks at US$3-$5 per copy, compared with US$15 for the original versions.
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Publishers warned that unchecked piracy could jeopardise the long-term sustainability of educational publishing in Zimbabwe.
Persistent piracy has forced reduced print runs, raising unit costs and further straining the industry.
Parents, however, say high education costs are driving demand for cheaper alternatives.
“The photocopied books are cheaper,” said one parent in Harare.
“With school fees, uniforms and other expenses, many of us simply cannot afford to buy original textbooks.”
The country’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act outlaws unauthorised reproduction and sale of copyrighted works, but enforcement is weak.
Education stakeholders have previously urged authorities to crack down on piracy while exploring ways to make legitimate textbooks more affordable, including providing subsidies, bulk school procurement and expanded distribution networks.
