By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
As the new academic term approaches, the Government of Zimbabwe has taken a decisive stand against school heads engaging in unethical practices concerning fees collection.
Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary, Mr. Moses Mhike, addressed rising parental grievances, offering clear directives to maintain fairness in the educational system.
In a statement, Mr Mhike underscored that no school should force parents to pay fees or levies exclusively in foreign currency.
“Parents are free to pay in any currency of their choice, as Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency regime,” he stressed.
The Permanent Secretary’s remarks come in response to numerous complaints from parents who felt pressured to pay fees in foreign currency, a trend that has become increasingly problematic amid economic challenges rendering parents hard pressed financially.
He also pointed out that schools that set fees in foreign currency are required to allow parents the option to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
Addressing concerns beyond fees, Mr. Mhike reiterated parents’ rights regarding the purchase of school uniforms and stationery, firmly opposing any practices that compel families to buy these items exclusively from designated school providers.
“Heads of schools and responsible authorities are therefore warned to abide by this directive and refrain from mandating parents to buy uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools,” he cautioned.
To ensure adherence to these new regulations, the education ministry has announced the deployment of inspectors who will monitor compliance across schools nationwide.