Ministry Orders Schools To Display Fees To Stop Hidden Charges

Schools told to display fees

Schools have been ordered to display tuition fees and school development association (SDA) levies at their administration blocks as the third term of 2025 begins.

The directive, announced on 7 September 2025 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, is meant to stop illegal fee hikes that have been frustrating parents and guardians.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, explained the new rules in detail to the Sunday Mail.

“The ministry has strict measures to prevent overcharging by schools. For a start, all fees must be approved by the Secretary, having been agreed upon by parents. Schools must comply with approved structures,” he said.

“Our enforcement measures include district-level monitoring units to address complaints; penalties include having the school head charged for misconduct, among others. Schools must display approved fee breakdowns publicly for parents and guardians, and also display the ZiG account number at the administration block.”

Monitoring teams deployed

District-level monitoring teams have been deployed to track compliance and to respond to complaints from parents.

According to the ministry, schools are only permitted to charge tuition and levies that have been discussed and agreed upon by parents during official meetings and later signed off by the authorities.

Minister Moyo stressed that parents should not be forced to pay for projects or hidden charges.

“Some schools have been accused of imposing unauthorised fees, forcing parents to fund projects and introducing hidden charges,” he said.

Government calls for transparency

The Government says it wants to ensure transparency in the school system and ease the financial strain on families.

Minister Moyo called on parents to report any cases of illegal charges, saying the command centres at every level are ready to handle complaints.

He said the ministry’s stance is clear.

“Parents are encouraged to report any illegal extra-lesson charges, and our command centres established at all levels will address complaints.”

The announcement comes at a time when many families are preparing for end-of-year examinations and facing increased financial pressure.

Parents have welcomed the move, saying it gives them clarity on what is due and helps them avoid being overcharged.

The directive is part of wider reforms in the education sector, which also include the roll-out of the Heritage-Based Curriculum and teacher capacity development.