The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the move by authorities ordering all schools in Gweru District, Midlands Province, to hold civic days to raise funds for Independence Day celebrations.
According to a letter dated March 25, 2025, from the Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) addressed to the Provincial Education Director (PED) for Midlands Province, schools are expected to hold a once-off Civics Day, where learners are required to pay no more than US$1 each.
The DSI, T. Mahlokozera, said the funds raised will be used to purchase regalia, food, and fuel for the 205 students, 20 teachers, and 138 heads attending the Independence Day celebrations, which will be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, on April 18.
ARTUZ described the directive as unethical, illegal, and a violation of Section 75 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to provide state-funded basic education. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
It is unethical and illegal for government to force schools to fund the partisan junket dedicated to the violation of the constitution. Zimbabwe’s schools are severely underfunded because of government’s neglect. 
The parents are bearing the burden of funding education in violation of section 75 of the Constitution which mandates government to provide state funded basic education. 
It is cruel for [President Emmerson] Mnangagwa’s government to extract from the incapacitated schools. We urge school heads to refuse to participate in this illegality. We stand ready to defend our schools from abuse.
</blockquote>
The requirement for schoolchildren to fund Independence Day celebrations is unusual, though not surprising, considering that civil servants in rural areas are asked to pay US$2 each, while villagers must contribute US$5 to fund the festivities.
Typically, party activists write down the names of those who contribute, and every villager is therefore intimidated into parting with their money for fear of reprisals.

Pindula News

The teachers union in Zimbabwe is unhappy that schools are being asked to raise money for Independence Day celebrations. The schools in Gweru District have been told to hold a special day where students must pay at least $1 each. The money raised will be used for regalia, food, and fuel for the celebrations. The teachers union says this is not fair because the government should be funding education. They are asking school heads to refuse to take part. This kind of fundraising is not normal, but people in rural areas are also being asked to contribute.

Teachers Condemn Schools' Fundraising Directive For Independence Day

Raymond Majongwe, secretary-general of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), criticized the government’s decision to allow pregnant learners to remain in school, arguing that it undermines discipline.
This decision is part of a set of regulations gazetted by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo on Friday, 14 February, through Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025.
Section 12 of the regulations mandates that if a girl becomes pregnant, the school must provide psycho-social support to help her through the process. It reads:
<blockquote>
Where a girl who is a pupil at a school becomes pregnant, the school head — (a) shall inform the parents of the girl as soon as possible if they are not already aware of the pregnancy, (b) shall facilitate psycho-social supportive services to the girl and parent, (c) if the girl and her parents so wish, the girl shall be permitted to remain at school for as long as possible before the delivery of her child, and to return thereafter as soon as her health and the health of her child permit it.
</blockquote>
In an interview with <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200038581/teachers-reject-maternity-wards-in-schools">The Independent</a>, Majongwe said that allowing pregnant learners in school is akin to rewarding indiscipline. He said:
<blockquote>
While there are some positive takeaways from the recently gazetted education regulations, such as the protection of the girl child and ensuring that the impregnated girl is not the only one punished by banishing her from attending school while the perpetrator is left free, there are some provisions that raise more questions than answers.
A close look at the document gives the impression of making schools ungovernable. The government is creating a situation whereby it will be difficult to discipline learners. It seems to reward indiscipline.
A learner who gets pregnant is ‘rewarded’ by being given special care rather than emphasising discipline.
The issue of allowing pregnant girls in schools defies logic. If a child engages in sex, it is grounds for expulsion from school, but if they get pregnant as a result of that sex, they are to be given psychosocial support and asked to remain in school.
</blockquote>
Majongwe emphasized the need for proper teacher training to effectively address the complexities introduced by the new regulations. He said:
<blockquote>
Will the government train teachers to handle these pregnant learners, because it requires special skills to deal with such delicate cases? Psychosocial support, as mentioned in the document, is no mean task.
The government has heaped another extra load on teachers, who are already grappling with heritage-based curriculum demands such as school-based projects.
Schools will be expected to create “maternity wards” in order to accommodate those, who may develop complications at school as a result of pregnancy.
</blockquote>

Teachers in Zimbabwe are upset with a new rule that lets pregnant girls stay in school. They think it encourages bad behavior. The rule says schools must give support to pregnant girls and let them stay in school if they want. Schools will need to create special areas for girls with complications. Teachers worry about how to handle the new rules and if they have enough training. They say it will make it hard to control students and make schools chaotic. They don't agree with the idea of "maternity wards" in schools.

Teachers Reject "Maternity Wards" In Schools

The government has implemented new regulations that prohibit schoolchildren from visiting teachers’ quarters without a valid reason.
No student will be denied access to education due to non-payment of fees or levies, the absence of a birth certificate, pregnancy, or low academic performance.
These measures are part of a set of regulations gazetted by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, on Friday, 14 February, through Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025.
The new regulations aim to address societal issues such as drug abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying.
Section 12 stipulates that if a girl becomes pregnant, the school is required to provide psycho-social support to assist her through the process. It reads:
<blockquote>
Where a girl who is a pupil at a school becomes pregnant, the school head — (a) shall inform the parents of the girl as soon as possible if they are not already aware of the pregnancy, (b) shall facilitate psycho-social supportive services to the girl and parent, (c) if the girl and her parents so wish, the girl shall be permitted to remain at school for as long as possible before the delivery of her child, and to return thereafter as soon as her health and the health of her child permit it.
</blockquote>
Section 14 of the regulations prohibits students from visiting teachers’ quarters. It reads:
<blockquote>
14 (1) No pupils must be allowed at the school staff quarters. (2) Every school shall develop guidelines for the pupils to access staff offices and base rooms to ensure safety of the pupils. (3) Subsection (1) shall not apply where the pupil is a child or relative of the teacher or member of staff whose living-quarters he or she enters and resides in.
</blockquote>
Section 18 grants school heads the authority to suspend a student for up to 14 days if they reasonably suspect the student of serious misconduct, allowing time for investigations. It reads:
<blockquote>
No pupil may be suspended from school without first being granted a reasonable opportunity, with the support of his or her parents, to make representations with respect to the proposed suspension.
</blockquote>
Section 20 prohibits the exclusion of students from school due to non-payment of any fees or levies. However, it requires parents and guardians to settle school fees and levies before the start of each new term. Reads the regulations:
<blockquote>
Basic education is compulsory and, if the parents of the pupil cannot afford the tuition fees and levies at a Government school, the State shall assist, within the limits of the resources available to it, in providing that education.
Admission of children into Government schools; No school head shall exclude a child of school-going age from enrolment at a Government school solely on the ground that the child does not have a birth certificate.
No child of school-going age shall be denied admission into basic education in Government schools based on the quality of results he or she possesses.
</blockquote>

The government made new rules for schools: 

- Kids can't go to teachers' rooms unless it's important.
- No one can stop kids from going to school for not paying fees, having no birth certificate, being pregnant, or doing badly in school.
- The rules help with problems like drugs, harassment, and bullying.
- If a girl is pregnant, the school will help her and let her stay in school as long as possible.
- Students can't go to teachers' homes unless they are related or have permission.
- Schools can suspend students for up to 14 days if they do something very wrong.
- Kids can't be kept out of school for not paying fees, but parents should pay fees at the right time.
- All children should be allowed to go to school, even if they don’t have a birth certificate or if their results are not great.

New Regulations Prohibit Learners From Visiting Teachers' Quarters, Ensure Pregnant Pupils Remain In School

A Grade 6 pupil at St. Peters Primary School in Mazwi Village, near Bulawayo, has reportedly suffered brain damage after being assaulted by classmates for preventing them from misusing school chalks.
Thirteen-year-old Rackel Muzamba developed pressure of speech—a condition characterized by an intense and rapid speech pattern—after being attacked by six classmates last week. The incident occurred when she intervened while their teacher was away.
The classmates ambushed her in a nearby bush, assaulted her, and left her unconscious. A passing student discovered her and sought help from a nearby village.
Precious Muzamba, the victim’s mother, told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200035943/learner-suffers-brain-damage-after-assault-by-classmates">Southern Eye</a> that she went to the Social Welfare Department and they referred her to Mpilo Central Hospital. She said:
<blockquote>
I engaged the school authorities. They had a meeting with the parents of the children who assaulted her, but they [parents] said they do not have money to help me. I went to the Social Welfare (Department) and they referred me to Mpilo Central Hospital.
</blockquote>
Muzamba said the guardians of the children involved were approached twice by the school head regarding hospital bills, but they claimed they could not afford to help.
She said she chose not to report the incident to the police initially, hoping for cooperation from the parents.
Her daughter was discharged from the hospital recently but has been experiencing confusion and hallucinations, raising concerns about potential brain damage. She is also struggling with basic functions, such as using the toilet.
Muzamba said she doesn’t have funds to purchase prescribed paracetamol and that her husband is deceased.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 13-year-old girl named Rackel Muzamba from St. Peters Primary School was attacked by six classmates after trying to stop them from misusing school chalks. She developed a condition called pressure of speech, which means she talks quickly. Her mother, Precious Muzamba, took her to the hospital but cannot afford the medical bills. Rackel is now out of the hospital but is struggling with confusion and other issues, possibly due to brain damage. The parents of the classmates who attacked her are refusing to help pay the bills. Rackel's mother is asking for help because she doesn't have enough money and her husband is deceased.

Grade 6 Pupil Suffers Brain Damage After Assault By Classmates

The Government has launched a school feeding programme for learners in targeted districts such as Binga, Chivi and Kariba, to combat malnutrition and prevent children from dropping out of school.
The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recently warned that around 580,000 Zimbabwean children are at risk of severe malnutrition.
The Director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, told <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/schools-feeding-programme-resumes-2/">State media</a> that some schools may not be eligible for the scheme.
He said the goal of the feeding programme is to improve children’s nutrition and dietary diversity and prevent wasting. He said:
<blockquote>
These districts were selected due to their high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition among school-going children.
When choosing the eligibility of a school, several factors like poverty rates, food security indicators, malnutrition prevalence and the vulnerability of the school’s catchment area are considered.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in collaboration with other development partners are working tirelessly to ensure that these children are helped and they get the food needed.
</blockquote>
Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF’s representative in Zimbabwe, said that around 580,000 children in Zimbabwe under 5 years of age are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition. He said:
<blockquote>
Food insecurity among Zimbabwean children could further deteriorate in 2024 with the El Nino-induced drought that has caused above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall, with a ‘historic’ mid-season dry spell over the 2023/2024 agricultural season.
It is urgent to address child food poverty today to avoid more children being pushed into a life-threatening status of severe malnutrition.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Launches School Feeding Programme

Three schoolchildren died whilst another learner was injured when a Toyota Fortuner vehicle veered off the road to the left and knocked them down in Penhalonga around 3 PM on Tuesday, 12 March.
The boys were on their way home from school.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Wednesday said the pupils were crossing the road at the 2-kilometre peg along Christmas Pass-Shamu Road when they were hit.
In a statement, Asst Comm Nyathi said the victims were identified by their next of kin as follows: Blessing Chisaria (09) of Grange, Toronto (Chirochangu Plot); Silvian Maponde (13) of Grange, Toronto (Chirochangu Plot); and Strive Maponde (07) of Grange, Toronto (Chirochangu Plot). He added:
<blockquote>
The bodies of the victims were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem whilst the injured pupil is admitted at the same hospital.
Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should be alert and observe stipulated speed limits to safeguard lives.
Above all, drivers are implored to abide by the road rules and regulations in order to curb road accidents.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/new-speeding-vehicle-kills-3-penhalonga-pupils/">The Manica Post</a>, Blessing Chisari was a Grade Two pupil at Beaule Primary, Silvyn Maponde was a Grade Six pupil at St Augustine’s Primary and his sibling Strive Maponde was in Grade Two.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Speeding Toyota Fortuner Ploughs Into Schoolchildren; 3 Killed, 1 Injured

About five hundred thousand (500 000) Zimbabwean children of school-going age are staying at home, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said.
In a statement to commemorate the International Day of Education, UNICEF country representative Tajudeen Oyewale said there is a need for collaborative efforts to find solutions to the challenges that are keeping children out of class. Said Oyewale:
<blockquote>
Only six children out of 10 aged three to five are enrolled in pre-primary education. An estimated half a million children of primary and lower secondary school age are out of school.
This data reminds us to continue to work together under the leadership of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to address the challenges that keep children out of school.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022338/500k-children-out-of-school-un">NewsDay</a> that there is a shortage of schools in the country and the Government is failing to release BEAM funds on time. He said:
<blockquote>
We are facing a lot of challenges as we speak and we don’t have adequate schools while the government would like to cater for the highly marginalised, particularly through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) fund, it has not been able to pay BEAM for quite some time throughout 2023 and up to now.
</blockquote>
Taderera also said teachers are not motivated enough to discharge their duties effectively. He said:
<blockquote>
As we speak, teachers are crying foul because they’re getting something that doesn’t cover their day-to-day living needs.
</blockquote>
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as the International Day of Education to celebrate the role of education in peace and development.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Learning for Lasting Peace”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

500K Zimbabwean Children Out Of School - UNICEF

The South African government says it will not oppose a court application by representatives of children of Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders who are in school.
Some schools in South Africa were preventing the learners from registering due to the uncertain legal status of their parents.
Last week, the ZEP Holders Association (ZEPHA) filed an urgent application in the Pretoria High Court claiming that children of ZEP holders, who had grown up and attended school in SA, were being denied registration at a number of schools in SA.
Cited as respondents were the ministers and departments of basic education and home affairs, as well as Rand Park High School in Johannesburg, one of several schools that has reportedly refused registration to children of ZEP holders. Said ZEPHA in a statement:
<blockquote>
After an exchange of correspondence with the schools and the government, it became apparent that the affected children cannot acquire a study permit, which is a requirement for registration, because their parents are ZEP holders, and the ZEP was terminated on 31 December 2021.
</blockquote>
The state attorney informed ZEPHA’s legal team on Friday that it would not oppose the urgent application, and had instructed Rand Park High School to enroll one of the students denied registration.
The state attorney asked that the matter be removed from the court roll, but ZEPHA has refused.
ZEPHA said it wants the court to make an order that provides blanket protection for all affected students.
Advocate Simba Chitando, who is representing ZEPHA in this case, said:
We’re obviously happy that the government has wisely decided not to oppose this application in court.
<blockquote>
Our instructions are to proceed for an order of court that will assist all affected ZEP children, and not just a few.
Unfortunately, there is widespread xenophobia in South Africa, even in the administrative bodies of academic institutions, coupled with confusion as to the legality of registering students without a study permit, for no fault on the part of the affected children, which is a matter that can only be resolved for the benefit of the public by a binding court order.
</blockquote>
The decision by the SA government not to oppose the urgent application is seen as a major victory for the rights of ZEP holders in SA. | <a href="https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/reprieve-for-zimbabwean-students-denied-school-registration-in-sa/">Moneyweb</a>

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