The Government says State-run schools can legally attach property from parents who default on fees. However, officials insist this remains an “absolute last resort”.
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata explained the position in Parliament on Wednesday. She responded to concerns about the legality and ethics of school debt recovery.
Gata said the Government strongly supports dialogue first. She stressed that schools should only involve debt collectors after exhausting internal solutions. Schools must also make genuine efforts to reach agreements with parents.
She added that School Development Associations can legally take debtors to court. However, they cannot punish or victimise learners during the process.
“At law, every school in the country is run through a School Development Association”, the Deputy Minister said.
“School Development Associations are legally constituted bodies with the capacity to enter into contracts, manage funds, and, where necessary, enforce their rights through lawful means.
“In this regard, it is legally permissible for such entities to pursue the recovery of outstanding school fees and levies from parents or guardians who are in default, including through the engagement of registered and legally recognised debt collectors.
“Where such actions are undertaken, they must strictly comply with the laws of Zimbabwe governing debt recovery, contractual obligations and the protection of citizens’ rights.”
Schools Urged to Act Fairly
Despite allowing legal action, Gata urged schools to prioritise dialogue and flexible payment arrangements.
“From a moral standpoint, it is generally expected that parents and guardians take responsibility for supporting their children’s education, including honouring agreed school fees and levy obligations.
“This responsibility extends to adhering to payment plans that may be mutually agreed upon with schools.
“At the same time, schools and their governing bodies are encouraged to exercise fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity in handling cases of non-payment, taking into account the socio-economic circumstances of families and promoting dialogue and flexible arrangements where possible.”
Gata said debt collectors may become necessary when arrears grow substantially. Even then, schools must first exhaust all reasonable efforts and remedies.
In limited cases, schools may use debt collectors or formal recovery processes. However, they may only do so as a final option.
Gata also stressed that schools must not send learners home. Furthermore, authorities can only attach property through proper legal channels. She said this step must remain an absolute last measure.
The post Schools Can Now Unleash Debt Collectors On Parents For Unpaid Fees appeared first on iHarare News.
