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Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo has suggested that schools should collectively petition Parliament to make the non-payment of fees and levies by parents and guardians a criminal offence.
Minister Moyo made these remarks while addressing the 2024 National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) annual conference in Victoria Falls on Thursday.
The minister’s proposal stems from concerns that some parents are deliberately exploiting the government’s education policy, which is intended to protect the rights of children, by deliberately refusing to pay school fees and levies.
Parents are aware that schools are not permitted to send learners home or withhold their public examination results for non-payment of fees.
As a result, many are no longer motivated to fulfill their financial obligations to the schools.
In some cases, children have accumulated unpaid fees and levies over several terms or years, and their parents invoke the government’s policy when school authorities raise the issue of outstanding payments.
Minister Moyo said that the failure to pay fees has a detrimental impact on the overall operations of schools.
Responding to issues raised by school heads through their president, Arthur Maphosa, especially over non-payment of school fees, which is crippling schools’ operations, Moyo said:
<blockquote>
Fees and levies should be paid in full before schools open. Parents should show their responsibility and pay fees.
As headmasters you have no right to turn away pupils for not paying and doing so will be violating their rights.
</blockquote>
Minister Moyo expressed concern that some parents were exploiting the government’s education policy by deliberately refusing to pay school fees.
He urged those facing genuine financial difficulties to engage directly with school authorities to negotiate reasonable payment plans instead of using the policy as a pretext to avoid their financial obligations. He added:
<blockquote>
Don’t withhold results. Why don’t you find a way of recovering your money? I told representatives of NAPH and NASH to consider petitioning Parliament to criminalise non-payment of school fees and levies.
</blockquote>
The National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) and the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) are the respective unions representing primary and secondary school heads in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Education Minister Says Schools Can Have Non-payment Of Fees Criminalised

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, said the Government will consider a request by teachers to be paid salaries commensurate with their qualifications and experience and the revival of manpower development leave programmes.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/teachers-demand-salary-hikes-based-on-qualifications-minister-agrees/">Chronicle</a> reported that Moyo met district school inspectors, school heads and other ministry officials from Matabeleland North Province on Thursday.
At the meeting, held at Tsholotsho High School, discussions centred on various issues affecting teachers.
In his presentation, Sicelo Dube, the headmaster of Tsholotsho High School and chairperson of the National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH), said teachers’ salaries should reflect the profession’s duties, responsibilities as well as the individual’s qualifications and experience.
Dube said it was not fair for a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and one with a diploma to be paid the same salary.
He also urged the government to review the manpower development leave programme which allowed teachers to pursue professional development opportunities while on full pay.
The NASH chairman stated that this will enable teachers to improve their academic qualifications while being paid enough to fend for their families.
Dube also requested that secondary schools be allowed to engage substantive deputy heads at the same enrolment level as primary schools.
For primary schools, a designated deputy head position is created when enrolment reaches 200 learners.
Dube said this will alleviate the burden on school heads, who are stretched by administrative duties.
He also pleaded for school heads to be exempted from teaching to concentrate on administration work, saying students lose valuable learning time when teaching heads attend to administration work.
Minister Moyo said he agreed with the idea of paying salaries commensurate with teachers’ qualifications and experience.
He said that he will soon engage the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to consider the issue. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I totally agree that teachers should be paid salaries commensurate with their academic qualifications and experience.
These are labour issues and honestly, someone with a diploma cannot be paid the same salary as a PHD holder, it’s absurd.
Even the number of years one has worked must be considered because that experience is invaluable. I will soon engage with my counterpart Minister Moyo (July) on this.
</blockquote>
He said the revival of the programme was a noble idea that would encourage teachers to improve their qualifications.
During his two-day tour, Minister Moyo visited Tshabanda Adventist High School, Mtshina Primary and Secondary School and Tsholotsho High School.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Demand Salaries Based On Qualifications

Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, announced an extension of the payment deadline for Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees. The new deadline is now the first week of May, instead of the initial date of March 25.
During a Question and Answer Session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 20, Minister Moyo acknowledged concerns raised by legislators and parents.
These concerns are related to their inability to meet the original deadline set by the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC).
As a result, the government decided to extend the payment deadline. Said Minister Moyo:
<blockquote>
The official deadline for the November examination is March 25, 2024. However, because of the request from Members of Parliament, I have consulted the board of ZIMSEC and we have agreed to extend the deadline up to the first week of May. If I am correct, it should be the Friday of that first week.
</blockquote>
Early this week ZIMSEC informed parents and guardians that Ordinary and Advanced Level, Grade 6 and Grade 7 examination fees shall be paid in Zimbabwe dollars at the interbank rate.
Parents who wish to pay in US dollars and the South African rand, could still do so.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Exam Fees Deadline Extended

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, has said the government has employed 2 000 new teachers this term and plans to recruit 5 000 more.
Speaking during a meeting with teachers’ unions and other stakeholders in Harare on Monday, 26 February, Moyo also said there are plans to build 2 800 new schools. Said Moyo (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psc-targets-recruiting-5-000-teachers-this-year/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We decentralised the recruitment of teachers starting from January 2024, so far we have recruited 2 000 teachers, and we are left with 5 000 more teachers.
We are sure that in the second term, we will recruit more. We are also going to address the shortage of schools by building a further 2 800 schools.
</blockquote>
Moyo told trade unionists that when recruiting teachers, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will give preference to those who completed their college studies long back.
He also pledged to ensure that BEAM disbursements are done timeously so that schools operate efficiently and procure materials on time.
Moyo said allowances that were given to teachers should be brought back and that teachers in rural areas deserve hardship allowances.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Plans To Recruit 5 000 More Teachers In 2024 - Education Minister

Most parents who send their children to public schools are no longer paying school fees after the Government warned school heads against sending away learners for non-payment of fees.
This was said by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo while officiating at a clean-up and public consultation meeting in Kwekwe recently. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Most parents are no longer paying fees for their children because of the Government directive. No one should take advantage but you should play your role as a parent and ensure that your child has everything needed for learning.
For those who can, please pay your fees but for those who cannot, the Government has provided safety nets like the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
What we want at the end of the day is for the child to have a proper learning setup without any disturbances hence we should all play our part.
</blockquote>
He bemoaned what he described as massive corruption in the selection of BEAM beneficiaries by school administrators.
Moyo also said the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion has disbursed BEAM funds for onward transmission to schools, with some arrears dating back to 2022.
The Minister urged schools to come up with fundraising projects to avoid overburdening parents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Directive To School Heads Over Payment Of Fees Backfires

The Government plans to set up information technology servers in rural schools to enable them to access textbooks virtually amid concerns that the shortage of reading material, is a contributory factor to a low pass rate.
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) last week released Ordinary Level results showing that only 29 per cent of candidates who sat for the November 2023 examinations acquired five Ordinary Level passes with a Grade C or better.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-textbook-strategy-for-rural-schools/">The Herald</a>, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the Government is concerned with the low pass rate, especially in rural schools. He said:
<blockquote>
Learners have no access to the internet and that has contributed to the low pass rate. We are, however, aiming to improve that.
We have contacted some development partners who are coming on board to ensure that we are going to provide online learning in the rural areas including those remote areas without internet connectivity.
We will provide a server so that every child within a radius of 200 metres has access to notes and e-books from the server.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the 29 per cent recorded last year is not good enough, adding the Ministry expect 50 per cent of the candidates to pass.
He also said the Government in partnership with Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is set to avail US$1.2 million to support the registration of 250 schools that are almost complete in construction. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We are going to disburse US$5 000 this term to those schools that are at least 80 percent complete.
If a satellite school is close to registration, we are going to give it financial support from GPE.
We are targeting 250 schools by the end of the first term to have received, and if we manage to register 250 schools we are going to unlock more funds.
It means the following year we will have 500 schools that are going to benefit.
</blockquote>
Moyo called upon individuals to construct schools and privatise them, saying the country has a deficit of 2 800 learning institutions.
He warned teachers against teaching extra school lessons for money, saying those caught doing so will face disciplinary action.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Plans To Roll Out E-books For Rural Schools

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo has backtracked on his remarks that school heads and teachers’ qualifications will be reviewed so that a PhD will be the minimum qualification for school heads and diploma holders will be deemed unqualified to teach in public schools.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/phds-not-required-for-school-heads/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, 31 January, Moyo said his message was misinterpreted, adding that there were no new requirements on qualifications for school heads. He said:
<blockquote>
I never said that for you to be a headmaster, you need to have a PhD. People misinterpreted the message that I gave to the headmasters.
We were in Bulawayo last week, and my message to teachers and headmasters was that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
I told them that there was a time when holders of ZJC and O’ Levels were teaching without teaching qualifications, and I motivated teachers and headmasters that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
If they have diplomas, they can have a first degree; if they have a Master’s, they can have a PhD. That was the message.
</blockquote>
Addressing heads of primary and secondary schools, district school inspectors and education officials at St Columbas High School in Bulawayo on Thursday last, Moyo said (<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/qualifications-review-for-teachers-school-heads-2/">via The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to encourage you to continuously upgrade yourselves, I started with a Diploma in Education but I had to continue aiming for the self-actualisation stage. I see youthful faces among you who were lucky to be promoted and are headmasters.
There will come a time when we will come up with a circular to say for you to become a headmaster of a high school you must have a PhD, and for you to become a teacher, teaching in our primary schools you must have a degree.
</blockquote>
He also reminded school heads that there was a time when teachers of Grade One were holders of the Zimbabwe Junior Certificate and were later removed.
Ordinary Level certificate holders were allowed to teach early grades but they were later removed as well.
The Minister’s remarks stirred controversy on social media platforms, with some teachers worried they may soon find themselves unqualified to teach in public schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PhDs Not Required For Headmasters | Minister Backtracks On School Heads Qualification Remarks

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, has commended schools for complying with the regulations set by the government in response to the cholera outbreak.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/govt-praises-schools-for-cholera-response/">CITE</a> reported Moyo as saying all the schools that he has toured since the commencement of the 2024 First Term complied with the regulations. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
When schools opened, we were already faced with the pandemic. We requested, through a circular, that all schools ensure they have water at all times at washing facilities, at the gate and outside classroom blocks.
We are glad that at all the schools we have toured thus far in various provinces, there is complete compliance.
I would also like to commend Bulawayo Province for being the best province in terms of output.
Your results have been the best: 80 per cent pass rate in 2021, 86 per cent in 2022, and a remarkable 92 per cent pass rate last year.
This is a great improvement and these are fantastic results.
</blockquote>
School authorities present pleaded with the Government to provide more funds for the construction of classroom blocks.
A representative from the National Association for Secondary Schools (NASH) said that the acute shortage of classrooms was forcing some schools to resort to double sessions.
Moyo acknowledged the challenges faced by schools and assured them that the government intends to allocate at least US$5 000 to 250 schools each towards the development of learning infrastructure.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Education Minister Praises Schools For Cholera Response

The Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) model is set to undergo significant changes to remove the burden on learners, teachers and parents.
This was revealed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo while addressing education stakeholders in Chinhoyi, on Thursday.
Moyo said CALA was done “haphazardly” adding that changes are set to be implemented as early as February 2024 following the CALA curriculum review exercise that was completed recently. He said (<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/watch-cala-was-done-haphazardly-says-education-minister-concept-to-undergo-changes/">via NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
As a ministry, we got complaints from parents who were saying they were doing assignments for their children.
Theoretically, CALA is good, there is nothing wrong with it but l think it was done haphazardly.
You find a student in Grade Seven doing 27 CALAs, how then (at this rate) do we insist on quality education?
So we are going to see some changes before the end of February in terms of CALA.
Either we reduce the number of CALAs from 27 to two, and at secondary we could say just one CALA…
</blockquote>
Some parents and guardians have demanded that CALA should be scrapped in its entirety saying it is financially burdensome.
Teachers argue that CALA has increased learning disparities between urban and rural learners as most rural schools lack the infrastructure and resources necessary to administer it.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CALA Was Done Haphazardly, Set To Undergo Wholesale Changes - Minister Moyo

Twenty-three (23) schools countrywide are accused of turning away learners over unpaid tuition, demanding fees in United States dollars and conducting extra lessons, among other charges.
The 23 schools are Parirewa Primary and Secondary Schools, Kudzanai Primary, Kuredza Primary, Kuwadzana 6 Primary, Allan Wilson High School, Chinhoyi 2 High, Mhanyame Primary, Chirorodziva, Tafara Primary, Helwyn Primary, Biri Primary, Kasimure Primary, Maumbe Primary, Magunje High, Norton Intellect Primary, Strathdon Secondary, Negomo Secondary, Mhuriimwe Secondary, Tendai Primary, Glenview 2 High, Chiri Government and Hatcliffe High schools.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021881/23-schools-in-hot-soup">NewsDay</a> reported that the charges included demanding cash for extra lessons, conducting illegal extra lessons, turning away pupils over non-payment of levies, demanding exclusively US dollar fee payment and hiking fees without approval from the Government.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo visited several schools in Harare on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday.
He visited Oriel Boys High School, Eastridge Primary School and Makomo Primary School in Harare.
Speaking during the tour, Moyo reiterated a government directive that no learner should be turned away over non-payment of school fees.
He also warned schools against withholding examination results for learners’ failure to pay school fees. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The contract for examinations is between the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and learners (candidates), on school fees, the contract is between parents or guardians and the school.
No results should be withheld and no learner should be turned away from school regarding fee payment.
Schools must find other ways to get the tuition fee from parents and guardians. This is not to say parents must not pay school fees.
</blockquote>
Moyo said schools selling uniforms at their premises should not force parents to buy the uniforms if they feel they are expensive. He said:
<blockquote>
I have received reports of some schools forcing parents to buy uniforms from them.
Parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms where they find them cheaper.
If your school is innovative (by producing) uniforms, the price should be reasonable and not by force.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said some schools were defying the Government directive to charge only approved school fees and levies.
The Ministry also said some learning institutions were charging school fees and levies exclusively in foreign currency, forcing parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools and withholding results for Grade 7, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level candidates.
It reminded schools that they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fee adjustments according to Secretary’s Circular No. 1 of 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

23 Schools In Trouble For Conducting Illegal Extra Lessons

The president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Obert Masaraure, has called on Zimbabweans to stage bus stop protests every Monday, demanding free education. He argues that the gazetted tuition fees are retrogressive and unconstitutional. He said every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has the right to basic state-funded education, as stated in the constitution. He called on Zimbabweans to stage bus stop protests every Monday, demanding free education.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, led by Minister Torerayi Moyo, recently announced the fees for government schools, ranging from $5 to $20 per term, depending on the school’s location and density. The fees are specified in US dollars, but parents and guardians are allowed to pay in the local currency at the prevailing exchange rate on the payment date. Some parents argue that the economic situation makes it unfair to increase tuition fees, and they believe the government should have considered the current hardships faced by families. Tatenda Chekai, a parent with a child at Chancellor Junior Primary School in Mutare, spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021625/parents-protest-over-usd-fees">NewsDay:</a>
<blockquote>
We have since paid the tuition fees. There is nothing we can do because at the end of the day it is my child who will be disadvantaged.
It is, however, unfair for the government to increase the tuition fees because of the current economic situation. The increase is retrogressive and this is not expected from our government.
</blockquote>
Concerns have been raised about the burden of high taxes and levies, which were introduced in the 2024 budget, in addition to the increased tuition fees. Parents fear these measures will make their lives more difficult, especially for those living in rural areas affected by challenging weather conditions.
The government previously stated that implementing free education would take time. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube explained that to fully transition to free education, the government needs to carefully assess the requirements, identify any gaps, and plan and implement activities that will ensure education access for every child. He emphasized that this process may take time, but the government is already taking significant steps to improve education access.
In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Education Amendment Act into law. This law mandates the State to provide free basic education as stipulated in section 27 of the Constitution. This means that the government is legally obligated to ensure that every child has access to basic education without cost. Section 27 reads:
<blockquote>
The State must take all practical measures to promote (a) free compulsory basic education for children…
</blockquote>
For years, the government has been promising free basic education but has failed to implement the policy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ARTUZ Urges Zimbabweans To Stage Bus Stop Protests Every Monday Demanding Free Education

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has said the number of schools sending away learners for non-payment of school fees has been in decline.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psc-to-recruit-5-000-teachers/">State media</a>, Moyo warned school heads against sending away learners for non-payment of fees, saying those who disregard the directive will be charged. He said:
<blockquote>
We have seen several schools sending away learners for non-payment of school fees. The numbers have declined and it’s a milestone on our part. We have some penalties for rogue schools.
We use Statutory Instrument 1 of 2 000 which a teacher or head can be charged for excluding learners from school on the grounds of non-payment of fees.
We encourage payment plans to be done rather than excluding the learner. It’s not the fault of the learner for failing to pay fees.
It’s the fault of the parent, hence the parent and school authority should sit down and have a working plan.
</blockquote>
Moyo said that rather than sending away learners, schools should use the law and bring in debt collectors on parents refusing to pay school fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Schools can use debt collectors; they are allowed by the law to do that to recover their money. They can use the law to sue the parents. That is allowed.
If parents refuse to pay fees don’t chase away students, but invoke the law, contract debt collectors to cover the debts accrued for non-payment of fees and levies. That is within the confines of the law.
And also some schools can charge interest for delayed payment. They can charge 5 per cent of delayed fee payments instead of sending away the child. They can put interest for delayed payment.
</blockquote>
Some Zimbabwean parents are notorious for not paying their children’s school fees and this forces school authorities to take drastic measures to ensure that parents fulfill their obligations.
The ZANU PF-led Government has in the past made repeated promises to roll out free education at primary and secondary levels but the pledges are forgotten soon after general elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools Allowed To Unleash Debt Collectors On Parents - Minister

The Government has said it will take time to roll out free education as resources need to be mobilised for its implementation.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021384/free-education-needs-resources-minister">NewsDay</a> reported the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo as saying free education will be rolled out in the next few years. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The government indeed has the intention that from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Grade 7, children should have free education.
That is the aim of the President. So, this is not new. It is an issue that we are seriously considering and it will not take us three years to implement.
We need to mobilise the resources so that people benefit. Free education comes in various forms.
There is the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) for those children who come from less privileged parents and they can go from ECD A up to grade 7 for free.
</blockquote>
BEAM is a government programme aimed at providing financial assistance to disadvantaged primary and secondary school learners.
It was established to support children from vulnerable backgrounds, including orphans, children from low-income families, and children with disabilities, to access quality education.
BEAM has, however, been affected by underfunding from the Treasury. In November 2023, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said that the Government has a ZWL$278 billion outstanding bill for BEAM.
Meanwhile, Torerai Moyo revealed that BEAM does not cater for levies for projects that schools require from parents from time to time. He said:
<blockquote>
In underdeveloped areas like my communal home, Muzarabani, Guruve and Kariba, children in those areas do not pay school fees.
They are going to school for free. There is a grant that is being used to cater for their fees.
Those who pay do so because they will have reached an agreement that the school wants to build accommodation for the schoolteachers and levies are going to be paid.
The ministry is approached with proposals and approval is granted.
</blockquote>
In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law the Education Amendment Act which compels the State to provide free basic education as stipulated by Section 27 of the Constitution.
In the run-up to the 2018 and 2023 general elections, the Government promised free basic education but has failed to honour the promises.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Free Education Comes In Various Forms - Minister

The Government says it will weed out all undeserving beneficiaries of school fees disbursed under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) after it emerged that some schools have all their learners receiving the grants.
BEAM was established in 2001 by the Government as part of the Enhanced Social Protection Programme (ESPP) the objective was to provide basic education to everyone in Zimbabwe including students who could not afford school fees such as Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
However, there has been widespread abuse of the BEAM funds as some parents and guardians who are able to pay tuition for their children are benefitting from the grant.
Speaking at the National Association of Primary Heads national conference in Mutare recently, Primary and Secondary Education Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Torerayi_Moyo">Torerayi Moyo</a> said:
<blockquote>
This thing called BEAM is a very good thing. It helps make every citizen access basic education.
In my constituency, there is a school where all 400 learners are under BEAM.
Given the late disbursements of BEAM funds, how do we surely expect the school to operate?
Here we are saying we must not give BEAM and grant-in-aid-of-tuition facilities to every student in Zimbabwe.
Let the few deserving students be offered those facilities. The majority of learners whose parents can afford should pay. That is our declaration…
The sad thing is that we have parents and guardians who do not want to pay school fees for their children.
We really have to go out and embark on a drive to urge all parents and guardians to meet the financial demands of their dependents.
We want to come up with a declaration that we will popularise as we seek to make every parent and guardian responsible by paying for their child’s school fees.
</blockquote>
Early this month, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said that the Government has a staggering ZWL$278 billion outstanding bill for BEAM.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parents Abusing BEAM Facility, Says Education Minister

The Government has warned school authorities that sending away learners for non-payment of fees is a criminal offence and those who do so risk being prosecuted for violating children’s right to education.
Responding to legislators in the National Assembly during a question and answer session on Wednesday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Torerayi_Moyo">Torerai Moyo</a> said:
<blockquote>
It is true that most students, despite being on BEAM (Basic Education Assistance Module), were being sent away from school.
We have now put in place a law that ensures that anyone who sends a child away from school because of fees, whether on BEAM or not, will have committed a crime.
They will have breached the children’s right to education. Our Constitution does not allow pupils to be sent away from school.
We are using a Statutory Instrument of 2000 which imposes penalties for sending children away from school.
The school head can be charged for breaching the children’s right to education.
Should anyone hear of any school still sending children away from school, please quickly let us know.
</blockquote>
He said that instead of sending away learners over the non-payment of school fees, Moyo said authorities should first engage parents and guardians.
Moyo also implored parents and guardians who can afford to pay fees to do so for the smooth running of the institutions.
The Statutory Instrument of 2000, commonly referred to as the Education Act, is specifically the Education (Amendment) Regulations of 2000.
Among other changes and updates to the education system in Zimbabwe, the regulations addressed the issue of school fees and provided guidelines on acceptable fee structures for different types of schools.
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Sending Learners Away For Unpaid Fees A Crime - Govt

Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, said that there is nothing wrong with learners doing the Continuous Assessment of Learning Activities (CALA).
He, however, said the manner in which is it being conducted by teachers has to be improved by capacitating them on how to manage projects conducted by learners.
Moyo made the comments while speaking to journalists after taking his oath of office at the State House on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/nothing-wrong-with-cala-problem-is-how-its-handled-says-newly-appointed-education-minister/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> quoted Moyo as saying:
<blockquote>
There is nothing wrong with CALA but the manner in which it is handled is a problem.
Our teachers must go for in-service training so that they manage projects that students are doing.
Also, we need to consider whether the students have resources at their disposal because CALA involves a lot of research and do they have laptops, iPads, or smartphones so that they are able to conduct CALA.
I think the general sentiment among parents is that they want CALAs to be reduced.
So we are going to look at the recommendations that were made by stakeholders then we come up with a position.
</blockquote>
CALA is a departure from the traditional knowledge-based final examination model whereby learners only focus on passing Grade Seven, O-Level and A-Level examinations to a model that takes into account candidates’ practical and behavioural skills which are assessed continuously.
Arguably, the majority of parents and guardians have been pushing the government to scrap CALA saying it is burdensome and expensive.
In June this year, when he was the chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Moyo said the number of subjects pupils are learning under CALA should be reduced. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/reduce-cala-subjects-say-mps/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
From the submission from the ministry, skills which were supposed to be inculcated through CALA are almost the same skills to be done in other learning areas called subject areas.
You talk of innovation, industrialisation and knowledge it is almost the same skills. I do not think it is necessary to labour learners with numerous learning areas, more than the subject areas themselves, it is not proper because it is not scientific.
We know there is specialisation, division of labour. There is no point in having a student doing many Calas per learning area or in every subject.
Somebody is just supposed to take probably one Cala be it in sciences, commercials or arts.
</blockquote>
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Nothing Wrong With CALA, Says New Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo

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