The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a statement reminding schools to allow parents and guardians to pay fees and levies in the currency of their choice. This comes ahead of the commencement of the Second Term on May 7, 2024.

Key Points:

– Schools should not force parents to pay exclusively in foreign currency.
– Fees should only be adjusted with approval.
– The interbank rate should be applied when parents pay fees in Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG).
– No learner should be sent home for non-payment of fees.
– Parents should pay fees on time.
– Schools should not force parents and guardians to buy uniforms and stationery from the school.

Statement from the Ministry:

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education appreciates that the First Term’s school holiday has ended and that pupils were given adequate time to rest and are ready to resume term two schooling tomorrow, May 7, 2024.

As we approach the commencement of the second term, the Ministry would like to advise the nation and reiterate its policy regarding the payment of approved school fees and levies.

The current local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG), is a legal tender of transaction in schools and forms a key basis of transactions in the payment of fees and levies and in procuring of other goods and services.

Parents/guardians must be given an opportunity to pay in the currency of their choice, and not exclusively in a certain currency, especially foreign currency.

The Ministry will continue to work with other Government agencies to ensure compliance. Any school heads that defy this directive will have disciplinary measures taken against them.”

Commitment to Quality Education:

The Ministry remains committed to facilitating access to a relevant, quality, inclusive, equitable, and comprehensive Heritage-Based Education for all Zimbabweans.