The government has reiterated that schools must accept payment of fees in ZiG and use the official interbank rate, as the second term begins on Tuesday, 13 May.
In guidelines released last week (9 May 2025) for the reopening of schools for Term Two, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said that all pupils, teachers, and staff are expected to return on time to ensure uninterrupted learning.
The Ministry also stressed that the ZiG remains legal tender for school-related transactions, alongside other currencies within the multi-currency system. Reads the statement:
The Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG) remains a legal tender for school transactions, alongside other currencies in the multicurrency basket.
Parents/guardians may pay fees in any currency of choice (ZIG, USD, etc.). Schools must not demand exclusive USD payments, and non- compliance will result in disciplinary action.
The Ministry reiterates the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s directive of 12 March 2025, which explicitly states:
“The exchange rate that is determined in the foreign exchange market by banks is the one that should be used to guide the pricing of all other goods and services in the economy. Therefore, no other business entity (schools included) outside the interbank market should determine the exchange rate.”
Schools must strictly adhere to the official interbank rate for fee conversions. Unilateral rate-setting is prohibited, and violations will be escalated to monetary regulatory authorities.
The Ministry reminded parents and guardians that they are contractually obliged to pay approved fees and levies to support the functioning of schools. It added:
No pupil shall be excluded from classes, exams, or activities due to unpaid fees. Schools must collaborate with families to establish flexible payment plans.
The Ministry also urged all schools to ensure smooth registration for 2025 O-Level and A-Level examinations.
Administrators are directed to assist all eligible candidates without delay up until the closing date for ZIMSEC examinations mop-up registration exercise, which is 16 May 2025. Reads the statement:
The Ministry reiterates that parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms and stationery wherever they find it cheaper in line with the specifications by the schools.
Head of Schools and Responsible Authorities (whether Government or Non-Government) are therefore, warned to abide by this directive and desist from making it mandatory for parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools.
Do you get paid in ZiG Minister Moyo?