Minister Moyo Urges Schools to Find Creative Ways to Raise Funds, Warns Against Sending Students Home Over Unpaid Fees
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo has warned school authorities across Zimbabwe against the practice of sending pupils home for unpaid school fees, saying it violates the constitutional right to education.
Speaking to ZBC News during a meeting with school heads from Mashonaland West Province held at Jameson High School in Kadoma, Moyo said the government expects schools to allow all learners to continue their education while encouraging parents to fulfil their financial obligations.
“It is illegal for schools to chase away pupils. As a government, we will decisively deal with school heads who violate learners’ rights,” said Moyo.
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Schools Urged to Explore Income-Generating Options
While acknowledging the financial challenges faced by schools, Minister Moyo urged school administrators to find creative ways to raise income rather than taking unlawful actions against learners.
“Schools should be creative and come up with ideas that create extra income to cover expenses,” he said.
He also condemned the growing trend of schools forcing parents to buy uniforms exclusively from them, calling the practice illegal and uncompetitive.
“Schools should have competitive prices that are informed by market prices.”
School Heads Say Non-Payment Is a Crisis
During the meeting, school heads voiced frustration over the widespread non-payment of school fees, which they say is crippling operations and leaving many institutions unable to pay for basic services and teaching materials.
One head noted the dilemma they face:
“As school heads, we continue to appeal to the Ministry and government at large to put up effective measures that ensure compliance to payment of school fees and levies. We have no power to deal with defaulting parents as all possible measures are illegal.”
Government to Crack Down on Withholding of Results
Minister Moyo also warned schools against withholding examination results from learners due to unpaid fees. He said such practices are against the law and undermine the country’s education system.
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