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Several schools across the country are defying a government directive not to turn away learners over non-payment of fees, a survey by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027239/schools-defy-govt-fees-policy">NewsDay</a> has established.
The government recently issued a circular warning schools not to turn away learners over unpaid school fees.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says school heads should engage parents and negotiate flexible payment plans to ensure uninterrupted learning.
ZINUSH secretary-general, Munyaradzi Majoni, told NewsDay that while their members were aware of the policy not to exclude pupils on grounds of non-payment of fees, parents and guardians should be responsible. He said:
<blockquote>
As the Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH), our members are well aware of the policy not to exclude pupils on grounds of non-payment of levies.
However, all stakeholders have a responsibility to remind parents and guardians about their obligation to pay fees and levies so that schools remain functional.
</blockquote>
However, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that children attend school.
Citing Sections 27 and 75 of the Constitution which state that every citizen has a right to a basic State-funded education, Masaraure said:
The State should declare a moratorium on school fees because of the national drought. Families are seized with procuring food; there is no money to pay for school fees.
Progressive Teachers Union (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said schools should make payment plans with parents and guardians so that children do not lose their learning time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Schools Defy Government Fees Policy

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has commended schools for embracing the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency for school fees payment after there was some resistance to the new currency during the first week of the current 2024 second term.
Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry, Taungana Ndoro, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/schools-comply-with-ministerial-directive/">The Sunday News</a> that parents and guardians should be allowed to pay the whole amount in ZiG at the interbank rate on the day that the transaction is made. He said:
<blockquote>
The Government has always been clear that no school is allowed to refuse ZiG which is our local currency. All schools, Government and non-governmental are supposed to accept it if a parent comes and wants to pay with that currency.
If their fees are paid in United States dollars they should accept the ZiG currency at the interbank rate on the day that the transaction is made.
ZiG is a legal tender in the country and no school is allowed to charge school fees in USD only or to compel parents to pay 50 per cent USD and 50 per cent ZiG. No.
</blockquote>
Ndoro admitted that some schools have been resisting the government directive to accept ZiG and were only accepting USD payments. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
Yes, there were several schools during the first week of opening schools that were refusing to take ZiG and were only taking USD and we issued a directive and had a massive publicity campaign regarding compliance.
What we have noticed is that the response has been very impressive. Parents can pay with ZiG. We have not had as many reports as when the schools opened.
</blockquote>
Ndoro also revealed that the Government and its developmental partners have started rolling out the schools’ feeding programme nationwide.
He said the initial target is to feed three million learners but the number of beneficiaries will likely increase as the year progresses.
Ndoro was speaking at Tjingababili Primary School in Mangwe District during a media tour focusing on the critical linkages between climate change, water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition organised by UNICEF.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools Complied With Ministry Directive On ZiG Payments - Ndoro

The Government has warned schools that withholding results from candidates with school fees arrears will not go unpunished.
Some schools withhold ZIMSEC results from candidates with school fees arrears to force parents and guardians to pay up because in most cases, once candidates get the results, the parents will simply not clear the arrears.
However, the Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Moses Mhike reminded schools that it is illegal to withhold results. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimsec-o-level-govt-warns-schools-withholding-results/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The policy from the ministry is very clear and we have always been saying that when it comes to examinations, the contract is between ZIMSEC and the candidate and there is no way the school comes in, in terms of withholding the results.
As a ministry, we will not tire and we will continue to outline the policy. I am also happy to say that we have been getting a lot of feedback from people who have been telling us names of the schools and we have gone in there to carry out our investigations and we have taken appropriate action.
Even during the tours that we have been doing with the minister, we emphasised that action will be taken against non-compliant schools. We will not fold our hands and we will not tire.
I would urge you to continue to supply us with the information and we will take appropriate action guided by our Statutory Instrument as guided by the Public Service Commission.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) released the November 2023 Ordinary Level results on Monday.
The results for all candidates are available online through the ZIMSEC portal accessed through their website: <a href="https://www.zimsec.co.zw/">www.zimsec.co.zw</a>.
They will be accessible on the ZIMSEC portal for only five days from 3 PM on Monday, 22 January.
Heads of examination centres were advised to collect the results for their respective schools or centres from ZIMSEC’s regional offices beginning yesterday.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said that the percentage pass rate for female candidates was at 30.1 while that of males was at 29.06.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Schools Withholding ZIMSEC O' Level Results

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has warned school heads who continue to send away learners for non-payment of school fees that they risk disciplinary action being taken against them.
This follows reports that some schools are not allowing learners to attend lessons over unpaid fees while some were reportedly insisting that parents should buy uniforms from the school.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/sending-learners-away-for-unpaid-fees-dont-invite-the-wrath-of-authorities-school-heads-warned/">State media</a>, the Provincial Education Director for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Bernard Mazambane, said:
<blockquote>
I was very furious about that when we had our National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) meeting about two days ago.
These are unscrupulous school heads, otherwise, the regulation is clear and straightforward, but in every group of people, you will find someone with mischief.
But we are sending the same message to their District Schools Inspectors that they must tell their school heads that it is not the child who is paying school fees but the parent.
</blockquote>
Mazambane, however, urged parents and guardians to also play their part in school fees payment. He said:
<blockquote>
On the payment of fees, why can’t parents also pay so that children are not affected, we have to look at two sides of the coin.
</blockquote>
Last week the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education released a statement saying parents were obligated to pay approved school fees and levies as required by the school for them to meet their operational costs and overheads.
It also emphasized that charging fees exclusively in foreign currency is illegal.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns "Unscrupulous School Heads"

Bulawayo Polytechnic is reportedly demanding fees from students exclusively in United States Dollars (USD) in violation of the government’s policy that stipulates that goods and services should be paid in local currency or foreign currencies in the country’s multi-currency basket.
A student who requested anonymity fearing victimisation from the institution’s authorities told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/bulawayo-polytechnic-students-protest-usd-fees/">CITE</a> that on 04 January they received a memorandum requiring them to settle their fees in USD. Said the student:
<blockquote>
The memo didn’t indicate the RTGS account details that give us an option of paying in local currency as we were used to. l had already paid part of my fees using the bank rate last year.
But when we went to Accounts this week to clear our arrears, we were informed we were not supposed to pay in RTGS as the fees were now strictly USD.
</blockquote>
The student said the Accounts Department told them to “write an application letter for a refund then pay the fees in USD”.
Bulawayo Polytechnic has not officially informed students to pay fees strictly in USD apart from the accountant’s verbal announcement and the 04 January 2024 memo.
A concerned parent claimed they had already paid fees in Zimbabwe dollars (RTGS) and were told they would be refunded and have to pay again in USD. Said the parent:
<blockquote>
I have a daughter doing a Diploma with Bulawayo Polytechnic. I paid for her school fees last year using RTGS after converting the USD fees using the prevailing exchange rate.
Surprisingly, I received a call from my daughter telling me the school bursar says the fees should be paid strictly in USD.
Forcing a currency is against the government’s practice. Last year the school had a memorandum that said fees can be paid in RTGS using the prevailing exchange rate.
What is worrying us is the school doesn’t want to hear anything from us as the parents.
</blockquote>
Another guardian told CITE they had tried to engage the principal but she refused to entertain them. Said the guardian:
<blockquote>
The principal was not in the mood to entertain us. I wanted to engage her and enlighten her on how unreasonable, unethical and illegal that practice is but unfortunately, she refused.
We then spoke to another Head of Department who said they can only inform us about the policy of the institution.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment by CITE, the institution’s public relations department said that Bulawayo Polytechnic Principal, Chiedza Masanganise, was travelling and would return next Monday.
Zimbabwe officially dollarised in April 2009 and adopted a basket of multiple currencies dominated by the United States dollar and South African rand.
In 2019, the Government announced the Zimbabwean dollar as the sole legal tender in the country through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.
The ban on the US dollar in domestic transactions was reversed with the promulgation of SI 85 of 2020, which allowed consumers to legally pay for goods and services using foreign currency.
In October 2023, the Government extended the multi-currency system, which was supposed to end in 2025, to 2030.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Polytechnic Demand USD Fees

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 Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo on Monday, 18 December gazetted tuition fees for Government schools for 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/2024-school-fees-gazetted/">The Herald</a>, tuition fees for primary schools for next year range from US$5 a term for P3 rural schools, US$10 a term for P2 schools in high-density suburbs and US$20 a term for P1 low-density suburban schools.
The tuition fees are set in US dollars but parents and guardians can pay in local currency at the exchange rate on the date of payment for Zimbabwean learners.
For secondary schools, the tuition fees for S1 schools in low-density suburbs were set at US$40 a term, for S2 schools in high-density suburbs at US$20 a term, and S3 schools in rural areas at US$10 a term.
The tuition fees for next year are contained in Statutory Instrument 240 of 2023, Education (Tuition and Boarding Fees) (Government Schools) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 (No. 1).
Besides the gazetted tuition fees, and the expanded BEAM programme for learners from poor families, many public schools seek a top-up levy from parents through the school development associations (SDAs).
This is allowed, but most parents have to agree and the Ministry has to approve the charges.
Meanwhile, schools charge far more than the gazetted fees and school authorities have over the years devised ways to raise funds from parents.
These “innovative” ways include forcing parents and guardians to buy uniforms only from the school at exorbitant prices, and also organising trips and making learners pay more than the cost of the trip, among others.
In January 2023, a father of 2 minor children engaged the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) to compel the Goromonzi High School headmaster to accept the learners after he had barred them from the school for buying uniforms from shops instead of buying them from the school.
The Government has repeatedly warned schools against the practice but it hasn’t taken action to ensure that parents and guardians are not being exploited by unscrupulous school authorities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2024 School Fees Gazetted

Some parents and guardians of children enrolled at Mlich Primary School in Karoi have accused the school’s headmaster, a Mr Raisi of sending children away from school thereby barring them from attending lessons over the non-payment of fees and are demanding that he be transferred from the school.
Parents who spoke to Pindula News alleged that Raisi had also been sending away learners who are under the the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
BEAM was established in 2001 by the government of Zimbabwe as part of the Enhanced Social Protection Programme (ESPP) the objective was to provide basic education to everyone in Zimbabwe including students that could not afford the school fees such as Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).
The parents raised the matter after Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo recently 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.
However, authorities at the school denied the allegations saying they only asked learners to inform parents with arrears to come to the school to negotiate payments.
One of the parents who spoke to this publication admitted that the school head had indeed asked parents to negotiate payment plans but that was after children had been barred from attending lessons.
It also emerged that Mlich Primary School doubled school fees from US$15 per term to US$30 per term which has resulted in about half of the parents failing to pay fees on time.
Authorities at the school, which has an enrolement of 572, said some parents are yet to pay the first term fees which has negatively affected the school’s operations.
The 176 learners who are under BEAM have never been sent away and are attending lessons as usual according to sources at the school. Said a source:
<blockquote>
No learner under BEAM has been sent away. Even those who are not under BEAM have not been sent home but it was resolved that their parents should come to the school to negotiate a payment plan especially those whose tuition arrears have accumulated over several terms. Payments plans, however, have nothing to do with those under BEAM.
</blockquote>
Another parent with a child at the school said Raisi bragged that he will continue sending the children away saying “nothing will happen to me”.
Responding to legislators in the National Assembly during a question and answer session just over two weeks ago, Minister Moyo said some schools were barring learners under BEAM from attending lessons. He said:
<blockquote>
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>
Moyo 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.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parents Want Headmaster To Be Transferred Over Tuition Arrears Fallout

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.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sending Learners Away For Unpaid Fees A Crime - Govt

University students in Zimbabwe have expressed dismay over the recent hike in tuition and accommodation fees.
Some local universities have withheld the results of students who have failed to pay fees.
Students from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) have filed a High Court application challenging the fee adjustment for the 2023 first semester.
According to the application filed by Chambati, Makata and Makosene Attorneys, the students accused ZOU of failing to advise them of the new fees in advance. Part of the application reads:
From your communications dated June 27, 2023, you intimated the desire to balloon fees as your choice of words does intimate.
<blockquote>
Though we understand that there exists such a hostile stagflationary environment in Zimbabwe; there is no justification whatsoever for you to be unjustly enriched at the expense of the future and legitimate expectations of innocent students.
There should be transparency and accountability in your conduct, actions, acts and omissions within the purview of equity and justice when dealing with the rights of students.
</blockquote>
The students also accused ZOU administrators of sending the students new balances ranging from ZWL$1 million to more than ZWL$4 million.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200015925/tertiary-students-moan-fee-hikes">NewsDay</a> reported ZOU vice-chancellor Paul Gundani as saying the fees were raised due to the country’s hyperinflationary environment.
Zimbabwe National Students’ Union’s Leo Mashonganyika on Monday said the University of Zimbabwe barred students from accessing their results to force them to pay the fees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

University Students Bemoan Fees Hikes

The Government has warned schools, both public and private, against demanding fees exclusively in United States dollars saying the Zimbabwe dollar remains legal tender.
In a press statement released on 12 May 2023, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said parents and guardians should be allowed to pay fees in local currency calculated against the prevailing bank rate. The Ministry said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has noted with concern the demand for school fees and levies in USD by school authorities.
For this reason, all public and private schools must accept all forms of currency payment obtaining in the country for school fees and levies.
Therefore, the demand to receive payment exclusively in USD is not permissible and is contrary to the laws of the land.
For the record, the Zimbabwe dollar is still the legal tender in the country.
Parents/guardians should therefore be allowed to pay fees and levies in Zimbabwean dollars.
Parents/guardians opting to pay school fees in USD or in Rand should be allowed to do so calculated against the prevailing bank rate on the authorized fee and levy structure.
As a matter of fact, no school; public or private should charge fees without the approval of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education remains committed to the education of all pupils at institutions that provide primary and secondary education as we strive to provide quality and relevant education to all Zimbabweans.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe dollar is increasingly becoming unattractive for businesses and services providers as continues to fall rapidly against other countries in use in the country such as USD, Rand and Pula.
As a result, both formal and informal sectors are demanding payments in foreign currency and where the Zimbabwe dollar is accepted, in most cases the black market rate is used which is more than double the official rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Forex Only School Fees Illegal

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dispatched officials to investigate claims some school authorities in Harare were turning away pupils for non-payment of fees.
This was said by Edgar Moyo, who is Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister during the Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Responding to MPs, Moyo said disciplinary action was being instituted against school authorities that were violating the Ministry’s directive that pupils should not be sent home for non-payment of school fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Schools are not allowed to send away students. The contract of school fees payment is between the school and the parents and not the students.
Where schools are sending away children who have not paid fees, there are penalties.
The penalty is a charge that is attracted by that action.
As I speak, yesterday (Tuesday) we got information that some schools here in Harare sent away children who had not paid fees and this morning our officers were in those schools where we expect charges to be preferred against the culprits.
If those cases are reported to us, we take corrective measures.
As I have already indicated, I may not name the schools in Harare where we sent officers this morning to go and interview the children, interview the teachers, the heads, with a view of preferring charges on those headmasters.
When I say charges, I am referring to disciplinary processes where we prefer a charge and say in terms of this section, you have committed an act of misconduct.
</blockquote>
Arguably, the main reason why some parents in Zimbabwe are unable to pay school fees for their children is the prevalence of poverty.
Zimbabwe has a high poverty rate and many families struggle to make ends meet. In such cases, paying school fees may not be a priority for some families.
Moyo also said measures were being taken against schools that were rejecting payment in local currency and accepting payment in foreign currency only.
Schools are allowed to set their fees in US dollars but if a parent wants to pay in Zimbabwe dollars, they use the prevailing interbank rate on the date of payment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

School Heads Under Probe For Turning Away Learners Over Non-payment Of Fees

The High Court of Zimbabwe has set aside last year’s fees increase by the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
UZ students filed an urgent chamber application in September 2022 seeking an order reversing the 700 percent fee hike.
Undergraduate students were required to pay ZWL$500 000 while Masters students were required to pay a million for each semester.
In their application, the students, who were represented by the UZ Students Representative Council (SRC), said the raising of fees by the institution was unreasonable and irrational since the government had allocated $3.3 billion in the National Budget approved by the Parliament.
They submitted to the court that they could not afford the fees since most of them come from poor backgrounds.
In his ruling, High Court Judge, Justice Tawanda Chitapi, ordered that the fees increase, effected by UZ, be set aside.
Justice Chitapi further ordered UZ to pay the costs of the application incurred during the process. <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/uz-fees-structure-resembles-a-tuckshop/">He ruled</a>:
<blockquote>
The first respondent (UZ Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo) was quite expected to be guided by the University Act which is clear on what powers he has as well as the powers of the Council and Senate.
It was quite astonishing that even the issue of payment of the increased fees was reduced to a tuckshop operation where discounts were given to students depending on the percentage of the total fees due if paid by a given date.
</blockquote>
In a notice dated 01 September 2022, UZ stated that those who were to pay 100 percent of their fees by the 31st of October 2022 were to enjoy a 12.5 percent discount.
It said those who pay 75 percent of their fees by 31 of October will enjoy a 10 percent discount while those that pay 50 percent will enjoy a 5 percent discount.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Rules UZ Fees Structure Resembles A Tuckshop

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that school fees, be it tuition or boarding, to be paid by Lower Sixth classes should be less than the rest who started classes last month.
Lower Sixth classes start today, Monday 13 February, following the release of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) O’Level results last week.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/lower-sixth-classes-begin-today/">The Herald</a>, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said Lower Sixth fees for this term will be paid on a pro-rata basis. He said:
<blockquote>
We do not expect any disruptions on reopening and in the learning process.
Schools must take note that since this group is coming in to join others who started on January 9, their fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
We don’t want our learners idling around aimlessly and falling victim to social ills like initiation into drug abuse.
In view of that realisation, we have decided that they resume their studies this Monday.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said the ministry’s position was that three subjects are enough for Advanced Level learners and in cases where some see the need then they could go for four.
He also reminded teachers that paid-for extra lessons were illegal but in cases where teachers feel the need for extra lessons, they should include the whole class and should be at no extra cost.

SCHOOL FEES: Form Five Learners Must Pay Less Than Other Classes - Ndoro

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says most schools are complying with the laid down fees review and payment guidelines.
Following an outcry by parents and guardians, the Ministry last week sent investigation teams around the country to clamp down on schools that were reportedly charging fees exclusively in foreign currency.
The country’s monetary regulations allow a multi-currency system even though some government services, such as passports, are available exclusively in foreign currency.
Some schools had joined the bandwagon and were charging fees exclusively in foreign currency, with some using an exchange of ZWL$2 000: US$1.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said schools have complied with the guidelines. He said:
<blockquote>
Regarding fees payment, most of the schools have complied with our guidelines.
Headmasters have also complied. They are not compelling parents to buy uniforms from schools’ approved suppliers. Guardians are being allowed to seek alternative suppliers.
</blockquote>
Heads of Government schools who increase school fees without following the guidelines will be deemed to have committed acts of misconduct and will be liable to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal, while private schools risk being deregistered for the same offence. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-comply-with-govt-order-on-fees/">The Herald</a>

'Schools Comply With Govt Order On Fees, Uniforms'

Parents and guardians claim that some government schools are pegging school fees for the 2023 first term using black markets rates.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education directed that schools should accept both foreign currencies and local currency but the latter should be pegged at the prevailing bank rate when the payment is made.
Currently, the official rate is US$1:$661 but some schools are using rates as high as US$1:$2 000.
A parent whose son is at Seke 3 High in Chitungwiza <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004753/govt-schools-use-parallel-rate">told NewsDay</a> that the school was charging US$40 or $40 000 per term, placing the rate at US$1:$1 000. Said the parent:
<blockquote>
I think it is a method (devised) by school authorities to discourage the RTGS [Real Time Gross Settlement] payment method.
But this is also a big disadvantage for us as parents, especially those of us who earn in the local currency.
The behaviour of these school authorities exposes that government is not serious about the poor accessing education because the working poor are the ones who are receiving salaries and wages in RTGS.
</blockquote>
A parent with a child at Patsika Primary School in Pfungwe, Mashonaland East Province, told the publication that they were paying $15 000 or US$15.
At Hokodzi Primary School in Murewa District, parents are reportedly paying US$15 or $30 000, giving a rate of US$1:$2 000.
At Chemapango Primary School in the same district, fees are pegged at US$25 or $35 000 which translates to US$1:$1 400.
Kotwa Government School in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East province, is reportedly charging $30 000 or US$30.
Meanwhile, the director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Taungana Ndoro said that defying a ministerial directive on school fees was illegal. He said:
<blockquote>
It remains illegal to violate government policy and such schools and their heads risk heavy sanctioning.
</blockquote>

Govt Schools Using Black Market Rates | Report

Teachers’ unions have bemoaned the “paltry” salaries earned by civil servants amid tuition fee hikes by schools ahead of the commencement of the 2023 first term.
Some private schools have reportedly increased school fees ahead of next term, with some of them charging fees exclusively in foreign currency.
This comes as children of some teachers have failed to get their Grade 7 results after school authorities allegedly withheld them to force the teachers to settle school fees arrears.
Arundel School in Harare is reportedly charging over US$1 500 enrolment fees for Form 1 places.
The school has pegged its 2023 school fees at US$2 980 per term for day schoolers, while boarding schoolers will pay US$5 150.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said that the fees charged by some schools show that education has become a “commodity”. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
Government has also given a go-ahead to schools to charge fees in US$ and they have even gone on to say that if parents do not afford it, they should move away from that school.
So, we have a clear ideological position for the government of the day where education is now a commodity on the market. It’s only bought by those who can afford it, those who can’t — tough luck.
This is against the dictates of section 75 of the Constitution where the State is supposed to fund basic free education.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe tweeted:
<blockquote>
Grade 7 results are in; common sense is outside the window. Boarding schools are on average charging US$1 200 for a Form 1 place, including uniforms.
A teacher will need six months to get their Form 1 child into a boarding school. Shocking levels of pauperism in the civil service.
</blockquote>
In a statement, the Educators Union of Zimbabwe said that corruption among school administrators is pushing tuition fees up. It said:
<blockquote>
Those exorbitant fees are symptoms of an educational system rotten to the core.
Corruption is now rife among school administrators who want to fatten their pockets in time before retirement.
We call on the government to address their remuneration and pension issues since these are the major drivers of corruption.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004666/form-1-fees-shocker">NewsDay</a>

Education Now A Commodity On The Market - Teachers

Some private schools have hiked tuition fees for the 2023 first term, citing rising inflation.
Arundel School in Harare has pegged its 2023 school fees at US$2 980 per term for day schoolers, while boarding schoolers will have to fork out US$5 150, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004666/form-1-fees-shocker">reported NewsDay</a>.
According to a circular released by the school, learners will fork out over US$1 500 in enrolment fees for Form 1 places. The circular reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our country’s economic challenges and US$ inflation continue to present difficulties as costs increase in real terms.
Despite this, I assure you that the board remains committed to strategically pursue all avenues to keep costs at reasonable levels without compromising the quality of education offered at the school.
</blockquote>
Last month, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told State media that government will not block schools from charging exclusively in foreign currency if the majority of parents agree on the decision. He said:
<blockquote>
If parents have a consensus we cannot stop them, if they agree as a majority that they want to pay for their children in foreign currency we will not block them.
Yes, we have the policy that says schools cannot charge exclusively in forex, but remember we are dealing with a community of parents and if they collectively decide on something, we will not stand in their way.
</blockquote>
However, speaking to State media on Monday, Ndoro backtracked on his previous remarks, saying if parents have free funds in foreign currency, they can pay but no school must force any parent to pay in foreign currency.
Ndoro added that if schools have pegged fees in foreign currency, parents must be allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate of the day the fees are paid.

Private School Charges US$1 500 In Enrolment Fees

The children of some teachers have failed to get their Grade 7 results after school authorities allegedly withheld them to force the teachers to settle school fees arrears.
Several schools in Gweru have reportedly refused to release result slips for children of teachers, saying they had not paid up school fees.
In February this year, the Government pledged to pay school fees for up to three biological children per teacher’s family.
The promised figure amounted to $20 000 per child per term.
However, the government has failed to fulfill its pledge, and now some teachers are in a quandary as they cannot apply for Form One places for their children without the Grade 7 results slips.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima, said the government has not changed its position on paying school fees for the children of teachers. He said:
<blockquote>
This is now an administrative matter that the Ministry of Education should pursue with the Treasury.
The policy instruction was given earlier this year by His Excellency, President E D Mnangagwa and still stands.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association of Zimbabwe (Zimta) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said the government should pay the money for school fees directly into teachers’ bank accounts. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
This was a proposal by the workers where we said rather than putting money into the school account, why not put money into the teacher’s account?
We thought it was the best way to go as the school fees payment is concerned.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/teachers-cry-foul-over-withheld-results/">Chronicle</a>

Children Of Teachers Fail To Get Grade 7 Results

The government has changed its position on allowing schools to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency.
Just over a week ago, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/public-schools-can-now-charge-fees-exclusively-in-foreign-currency/">Taungana Ndoro, told State media that schools are permitted to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency</a> as long as the majority of the parents and guardians of learners support the move.
He said the government will not block schools from charging exclusively in foreign currency if the majority of parents agree to the decision.
However, on Monday, <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/school-fees-forex-payment-clarified/">Ndoro was quoted as saying</a> the pegging of school fees in foreign currency is allowed but parents and guardians retain the right to pay fees in the currency of their choice at the prevailing official exchange rate. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
All institutions providing primary and secondary education are reminded that they fall under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Therefore, they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fees adjustments, that is to say, approval must be granted by the ministry before any adjustments are made.
On paying fees in foreign currency, the Government policy position is that fees must be paid in Zimbabwean dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
However, if parents have free funds in foreign currency, they can pay but no school must force any parent to pay in foreign currency and if schools have pegged fees in foreign currency, parents must be allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate of the day the fees are paid.
</blockquote>
This is a clear departure from his previous comments when he said if parents who oppose the move are in the minority, they should take their children to other schools. He said then:
<blockquote>
If parents have a consensus we cannot stop them, if they agree as a majority that they want to pay for their children in foreign currency we will not block them.
Yes, we have the policy that says schools cannot charge exclusively in forex but remember we are dealing with a community of parents and if they collectively decide on something we will not stand in their way.
What we are emphasising is the need for a consensus as in a majority of the parents.
The ministry will come in when we discover that such a decision was imposed and a majority of the parents did not endorse it.
However, if the minority would have been against the decision and feel aggrieved by the decision or that they cannot afford the arrangement of paying exclusively in foreign currency, they have an option of making alternative arrangements like transferring their children to schools where they feel they can afford the fees.
</blockquote>

Govt Backtracks On Payment Of School Fees Exclusively In Foreign Currency

The government has given the green light to schools to charge fees exclusively in foreign currency as long as the majority of the parents and guardians of learners are in favour of the move.
This comes amid reports that some School Development Committees (SDCs) have pushed that school fees be paid exclusively in foreign currency from next term.
The SDCs argue that some parents deliberately delay paying fees, only paying after the money would have been eroded by inflation.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, told State media that the government will not block schools from charging exclusively in foreign currency if the majority of parents agree to the decision.
Ndoro said parents who would oppose the move, if they are in the minority, should take their children to other schools. He said:
<blockquote>
If parents have a consensus we cannot stop them, if they agree as a majority that they want to pay for their children in foreign currency we will not block them.
Yes, we have the policy that says schools cannot charge exclusively in forex but remember we are dealing with a community of parents and if they collectively decide on something we will not stand in their way. 
What we are emphasising is the need for a consensus as in a majority of the parents.
The ministry will come in when we discover that such a decision was imposed and a majority of the parents did not endorse it.
However, if the minority would have been against the decision and feel aggrieved by the decision or that they cannot afford the arrangement of paying exclusively in foreign currency, they have an option of making alternative arrangements like transferring their children to schools where they feel they can afford the fees.
</blockquote>
Several schools countrywide, including Government and council-run institutions, have already advised parents that they will charge fees exclusively in United States dollars, without the option of paying in local currency.
However, other schools have directed parents and guardians to pay at least half of the fees in foreign currency. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/government-okays-forex-only-school-fees-move-subject-to-parents-consent/">The Sunday News</a>

Public Schools Can Now Charge Fees Exclusively In Foreign Currency

A senior government official has defended the recent increase in tuition fees by higher learning institutions.
This comes after the government granted polytechnics and universities the green light to increase their fees for this year.
Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister Raymore Machingura told Parliamentarians on Thursday that an increase in the price of fuel, food and data will inevitably result in fees adjustments.
He was responding to Zanu PF Senator Alice Dube who had pleaded with the government to reconsider the decision considering that most people’s incomes have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Machingura said:
<blockquote>Our fees are in two phases. We have what we call tuition fees and there are other fees which are called ancillary which are for your child’s upkeep and maintenance of the school.
What happens is that if fuel, food and data go up, all that will lead to an increase in fees.
We have tried to avoid an increase in tuition fees but when the ancillary fee goes up, all fees go up.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/govt-defends-varsity-fees-hike/">Daily News</a></h4>

Government Digs In On Varsity Fees Hikes

University of Zimbabwe MBA students have written a letter to the University’s vice-chancellor demanding to know why the University of Zimbabwe Graduate School of Management informed them that their fees for the January/February 2020 semester are now pegged at ZWL$18 081.00.
This comes when the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation and Technology Development while speaking on the radio indicated to the whole nation that the Tuition fees for all Universities were to be pegged at a maximum of ZWL$5 000.00.
Minister Murwira reiterated the point that the ZWL$5 000.00 was applicable across all levels and all programs.
<a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/UNIVERSITY-OF-ZIMBABWE-MBA-STUDENTS-PETITION-AGAINST-FEES-HIKE...pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE FULL PDF DOCUMENT HERE</a>

DOWNLOAD: UZ MBA Students Question Education Minister's Sincerity After Exorbitant Fee Hikes

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) said that it will push the government to reduce tuition fees at tertiary institutions which were recently hiked to astronomical levels.
Speaking during an interview with NewZimbabwe.com soon after handing over a petition to Higher and Tertiary Education Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amon_Murwira" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amon Murwira’s</a> offices on Thursday, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Students_Union" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZINASU</a> president Takudzwa Ngadziore said:
<blockquote>We are here to make it very clear to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education that the students are coming for him, he has declared war upon the students and they (students) will react.
Where there is injustice, the students will stand for themselves and what we want is education for all because it is not only for the privileged according to section 75 of our own 2013 amendment in the constitution.</blockquote>
ZINASU bemoaned the fees hikes effected at a time when most workers, especially those in the public service, are earning less than $1 500 per month.
Earlier this month, Minister Murwira said universities are not allowed to charge tuition fees exceeding $5 000 per semester.
Murwira also assured tertiary students that the government has set aside $90 million for student loans.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/students-group-dares-mnangagwa-over-fees-hikes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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