By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has condemned a recent directive requiring schools in Gweru to hold mandatory civic days to fundraise for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe.
The directive, which instructed provincial schools to collect up to one dollar per student, was revealed in documents circulating on social media platforms.
According to the instructions sent to the Midlands Provincial Education Director, the funds raised were intended to cover expenses such as regalia, food, and transportation for participants in the national celebrations.
However, the Ministry swiftly responded with an official statement clarifying that adequate budgetary provisions for the celebrations had already been made, deeming the solicitation of additional contributions from schools as a violation of established policies and procedures.
In the statement, the Ministry emphasized that it condemns any efforts to impose financial burdens on learners or educational institutions for national events.
Authorities confirmed that the fundraising initiative launched by the Gweru District Schools Inspector was neither approved nor sanctioned by the central administration.
Consequently, the Ministry has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Gweru official responsible for the unauthorized directive. The inspector has been instructed to provide a formal justification for the controversial decision, with potential consequences to follow based on the Ministry’s protocols.
All school heads have been directed to disregard the fundraising directive immediately, and educational institutions are prohibited from collecting any payments related to Independence Day events.
Parents who encounter pressure to contribute have been encouraged to file formal complaints with Ministry representatives.
Government officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all citizens can participate freely in national celebrations without financial coercion, highlighting that Independence Day events should remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances.