The Zimbabwean government has issued a stern warning to school heads engaging in unethical practices, including demanding full fees exclusively in foreign currency, turning away learners over unpaid fees, and soliciting bribes for placements. This directive, aimed at ensuring fairness and accessibility in the education sector, was issued by Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Mr. Moses Mhike following mounting complaints from parents.
Government Enforces Multi-Currency Policy in Schools
Mr. Mhike emphasized that, in accordance with Secretary’s Circular No. 10 of 2022, schools must accept fees in both local and foreign currencies. He stated, “No school should force any parent 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.” While fees may be pegged in foreign currency for value preservation, parents should be allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate on the day of payment.
Crackdown on Exclusive Uniform and Stationery Sales
Addressing concerns over the sale of school uniforms and stationery, Mr. Mhike reminded school authorities that parents are at liberty to purchase these items wherever they find them cheaper, provided they adhere to school specifications. “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 added. Inspectors will be deployed to monitor compliance.
Reports of Unethical Practices Surface
The directive comes amid allegations that some schools are exploiting parents ahead of the school term, set to begin next Tuesday. Reports indicate that certain schools are selling uniforms at exorbitant prices, insisting on foreign currency payments, and sidelining learners benefiting from the Government’s Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM). Parents have inundated local news outlets with complaints, accusing school authorities of predatory practices.
Government’s Commitment to Fair Education
To address these issues, Mr. Mhike assured parents of the Government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and accessibility in the education sector. He reiterated that no learner should be turned away over unpaid fees and that any form of bribery for placements is strictly prohibited.
Call for Timely Fee Payments and Teacher Training
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads Secretary-General Mr. Munyaradzi Majoni stated that preparations for the 2025 first term are in full swing and urged parents to pay fees promptly. “We anticipate a smooth opening of schools next week. Most administrators are finalizing preparations for a seamless transition into the first term of 2025 and urging parents to make every effort to pay their fees in full by the first day of school,” he said. Mr. Majoni also called for workshops to equip teachers with the skills necessary to implement the new heritage-based curriculum syllabus and encouraged media outlets to hold school administrators accountable for any wrongdoing.
Government’s Stance on Corruption in Schools
This directive follows previous incidents highlighting corruption in schools. For instance, in October 2013, reports surfaced of headmasters and teachers writing examinations on behalf of other people for a fee to enable them to secure employment. Such practices undermine the integrity of the education system and highlight the need for continued vigilance against corruption.
Conclusion
The government’s recent directive underscores its commitment to upholding ethical standards in the education sector, ensuring that all learners have fair access to education without undue financial burdens or corrupt practices. Parents and guardians are encouraged to report any violations to the relevant authorities as the new school term commences.
