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The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has warned school heads who continue to send away learners for non-payment of school fees that they risk disciplinary action being taken against them.
This follows reports that some schools are not allowing learners to attend lessons over unpaid fees while some were reportedly insisting that parents should buy uniforms from the school.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/sending-learners-away-for-unpaid-fees-dont-invite-the-wrath-of-authorities-school-heads-warned/">State media</a>, the Provincial Education Director for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Bernard Mazambane, said:
<blockquote>
I was very furious about that when we had our National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) meeting about two days ago.
These are unscrupulous school heads, otherwise, the regulation is clear and straightforward, but in every group of people, you will find someone with mischief.
But we are sending the same message to their District Schools Inspectors that they must tell their school heads that it is not the child who is paying school fees but the parent.
</blockquote>
Mazambane, however, urged parents and guardians to also play their part in school fees payment. He said:
<blockquote>
On the payment of fees, why can’t parents also pay so that children are not affected, we have to look at two sides of the coin.
</blockquote>
Last week the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education released a statement saying parents were obligated to pay approved school fees and levies as required by the school for them to meet their operational costs and overheads.
It also emphasized that charging fees exclusively in foreign currency is illegal.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Govt Warns "Unscrupulous School Heads"

Tshabili Secondary School in Beitbridge experienced a major setback after unknown people administered poison in a fish pond killing all the fish.
According to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200022008/beitbridge-school-loses-fish-to-poisoning">Southern Eye</a>, school authorities recovered a plastic bag with suspected poisonous leaves used to kill the fish.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chief executive officer Peter Moyo told the publication that the fish project was “life” to the local community. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
This project has been mitigating in terms of protein supply at the school. The proceeds from the fish sales helped to run the learning institution.
Children benefited from harvests when they were given some small allocations and sales in the community answered relish problems. This is disappointing and we hope the culprit is accounted for.
This pond came as a package from one of our partners, World Vision who built this secondary school which reduced the distances children were travelling to access secondary education.
In a village set up like this, projects need to be guarded jealously, they are a life.
</blockquote>
An official from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said the poisoning of the fish was a major setback. Said the official:
<blockquote>
Villagers from Tshaswingo South, Madaula, Lukange and Lukumbwe have been affected by this sad development.
The enrollment itself in a sparsely populated area shows the impact this school has. Feeding improved attendance and the projects supported this.
The school was able to stop Grade 7 dropouts from jumping the border into SA. This is a drawback.
</blockquote>
The fish pond was built in 2019 together with two classroom blocks and two teachers’ cottages with support from World Vision.
The school now has an enrolment of 400, mostly from poor backgrounds.
Tshabili Secondary School is not new to controversy after some female teachers fled from the school in 2023 alleging sexual abuse by goblins
At present, the school does not have a single female teacher after they were all transferred from the school.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Beitbridge School Loses Fish To Suspected Poisoning

The Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) model is set to undergo significant changes to remove the burden on learners, teachers and parents.
This was revealed by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo while addressing education stakeholders in Chinhoyi, on Thursday.
Moyo said CALA was done “haphazardly” adding that changes are set to be implemented as early as February 2024 following the CALA curriculum review exercise that was completed recently. He said (<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/watch-cala-was-done-haphazardly-says-education-minister-concept-to-undergo-changes/">via NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
As a ministry, we got complaints from parents who were saying they were doing assignments for their children.
Theoretically, CALA is good, there is nothing wrong with it but l think it was done haphazardly.
You find a student in Grade Seven doing 27 CALAs, how then (at this rate) do we insist on quality education?
So we are going to see some changes before the end of February in terms of CALA.
Either we reduce the number of CALAs from 27 to two, and at secondary we could say just one CALA…
</blockquote>
Some parents and guardians have demanded that CALA should be scrapped in its entirety saying it is financially burdensome.
Teachers argue that CALA has increased learning disparities between urban and rural learners as most rural schools lack the infrastructure and resources necessary to administer it.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CALA Was Done Haphazardly, Set To Undergo Wholesale Changes - Minister Moyo

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) released the 2023 results for Advanced Level examinations this Friday, 12 January.
According to ZIMSEC, the 2023 pass rate was 94.6 %, up from the 88% achieved last year, translating to a 6.6% increase in pass rate.
Parents and guardians can check their child’s ZIMSEC A-Level results online. You can do this through ZIMSEC’s online portal and here are the steps you need to follow:
<ul>
<li>Visit ZIMSEC’s website with the link <a href="https://dcmv1.zimsec.co.zw/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>If you are not already registered click where it says “register new user”.</li>
<li>You’ll then land on a page where you can fill out the relevant details. (If you are already registered then you can enter your details)</li>
<li>Once registered return to the <a href="https://dcmv1.zimsec.co.zw/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">home page</a> and enter your username and password.</li>
<li>You should be able to see the student’s ZIMSEC A-Level results online.</li>
</ul>
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be accessible at the ZIMSEC portal for five days starting from 3 PM today.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Here Is How To View ZIMSEC A' Level Results Online

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the 2023 results for Advanced Level examinations.
ZIMSEC recorded a 94.60% national pass rate, a significant improvement from the 88% pass rate recorded in 2022.
Last year, 34 437 candidates sat for the examinations. The results will be ready for collection on Monday 15 January 2024.
ZIMSEC board chairperson Eddie Mwenje said the results will be accessible at the ZIMSEC portal for five days starting from 3 PM today.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Releases 2023 A' Level Results

Bulawayo Polytechnic is reportedly demanding fees from students exclusively in United States Dollars (USD) in violation of the government’s policy that stipulates that goods and services should be paid in local currency or foreign currencies in the country’s multi-currency basket.
A student who requested anonymity fearing victimisation from the institution’s authorities told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/bulawayo-polytechnic-students-protest-usd-fees/">CITE</a> that on 04 January they received a memorandum requiring them to settle their fees in USD. Said the student:
<blockquote>
The memo didn’t indicate the RTGS account details that give us an option of paying in local currency as we were used to. l had already paid part of my fees using the bank rate last year.
But when we went to Accounts this week to clear our arrears, we were informed we were not supposed to pay in RTGS as the fees were now strictly USD.
</blockquote>
The student said the Accounts Department told them to “write an application letter for a refund then pay the fees in USD”.
Bulawayo Polytechnic has not officially informed students to pay fees strictly in USD apart from the accountant’s verbal announcement and the 04 January 2024 memo.
A concerned parent claimed they had already paid fees in Zimbabwe dollars (RTGS) and were told they would be refunded and have to pay again in USD. Said the parent:
<blockquote>
I have a daughter doing a Diploma with Bulawayo Polytechnic. I paid for her school fees last year using RTGS after converting the USD fees using the prevailing exchange rate.
Surprisingly, I received a call from my daughter telling me the school bursar says the fees should be paid strictly in USD.
Forcing a currency is against the government’s practice. Last year the school had a memorandum that said fees can be paid in RTGS using the prevailing exchange rate.
What is worrying us is the school doesn’t want to hear anything from us as the parents.
</blockquote>
Another guardian told CITE they had tried to engage the principal but she refused to entertain them. Said the guardian:
<blockquote>
The principal was not in the mood to entertain us. I wanted to engage her and enlighten her on how unreasonable, unethical and illegal that practice is but unfortunately, she refused.
We then spoke to another Head of Department who said they can only inform us about the policy of the institution.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment by CITE, the institution’s public relations department said that Bulawayo Polytechnic Principal, Chiedza Masanganise, was travelling and would return next Monday.
Zimbabwe officially dollarised in April 2009 and adopted a basket of multiple currencies dominated by the United States dollar and South African rand.
In 2019, the Government announced the Zimbabwean dollar as the sole legal tender in the country through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.
The ban on the US dollar in domestic transactions was reversed with the promulgation of SI 85 of 2020, which allowed consumers to legally pay for goods and services using foreign currency.
In October 2023, the Government extended the multi-currency system, which was supposed to end in 2025, to 2030.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Polytechnic Demand USD Fees

The head of Chiwaridzo Primary School in Bindura has been reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for alleged corruption by the School Development Association (SDA).
The headmaster, Edson Chuwe is being accused of flouting procurement procedures, unprocedural hiring of non-teaching staff and suspected falsification of financial records.
The SDA also claims that Chuwe has failed to provide an updated asset register for the school as recommended and agreed in meetings between school administrators and the SDA.
SDA chair Chenjerai Komboya has written a letter to ZACC requesting the organisation to take action.
In the letter, the SDA accuses the school head of coopting other people into the executive committee of the SDA under unclear circumstances and enrolling more learners when the school doesn’t have enough classrooms to accommodate them.
It is further alleged the school head unprocedurally facilitated the construction of temporary structures to accommodate learners he allegedly enrols for a facilitation fee of between US$100 and US$150. Reads part of the letter:
<blockquote>
As we speak the head has single-handedly authorised the erection of what he calls temporary sheds at the school without following the lawful procurement process of putting the matter to the finance committee, the full SDA and the procurement committee.
We strongly believe that the construction of temporary sheds without following the standard procurement procedure constitutes corruption under both criminal and administrative law.
It is our fortified view that this erection of temporary sheds without going through the normal procurement procedure is tantamount to corruption in both criminal and administrative law.
The head tried to unilaterally change the contract of non-teaching staff member Mupamba Mapondera from temporary to permanent basis without the involvement of the parents in the SDA and we raised a red flag about that unprocedural act.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/school-head-reported-to-zacc-over-funds/">The Herald</a>, Chuwe professed ignorance of the allegations. In a brief statement, he said:
<blockquote>
I am not aware of the allegations. We requested a meeting with the SDA committee, but they did not show up.
</blockquote>
SDAs are formed by parents and guardians of pupils enrolled in a school, as well as teachers employed at the school.
Their mandate is to build, develop and maintain school buildings and grounds and support teaching and learning.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

School Head Reported To ZACC For Alleged Corruption

A 16-year-old girl, Tashinga Angel Muzanenhamo, has scored five A’s at Advanced Level in the just released Cambridge 2023 examination results.
Two years ago, Tashinga made headlines by scoring nine A’s in the Cambridge 2021 Ordinary Level examinations.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/whizz-kid-tashinga-muzanenhamo-shines-in-cambridge-exams-again/">The Herald</a> reported that the teenager scored five A’s in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English Language, with A+ in Biology and English Language.
Tashinga is from Zvishavane, Midlands Province, and attended Secondary Education at Arundel School in Harare.
She wrote O’ Level exams at the age of 14 when most of her age mates were in Form Two.
Late last year she sat for the advanced level exams at 16, again younger than most of her peers.
Tashinga’s academic achievement comes at a time when the Government has been challenging learners to take an interest in Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
In Zimbabwe, the STEM programme was launched in 2016 by then-President Robert Mugabe.
The study of STEM subjects is expected to promote the industrialisation of the economy and also create employment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Female Learner, Tashinga Muzanenhamo (16) Scores Five A's In Cambridge A-Level Exams

A Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) bus was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck in Macheke on Monday resulting in the death of the bus driver.
The driver Odreck Ndhlovu, was aged 51.
ZIMTA Chief Executive Officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu confirmed the accident to the union’s <a href="https://www.zimta.org.zw/2024/01/09/zimta-bus-accident-driver-dies/">website</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We report sadly that our ZIMTA bus (Harare) was involved in a fatal head-on collision with a haulage truck in the Macheke area this afternoon (Monday).
It is with great sadness that we lost the driver Odreck Ndhlovu. Ndhlovu was a dedicated worker who lost his life while on duty and we mourn the loss of one of our own.
We grieve with his family which has lost a father, brother, son and breadwinner.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that over 130 deaths were recorded in road traffic accidents between 15th December 2022 and 8th January 2023.
The majority of road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe are attributed to speeding. The country’s poor road network and defective vehicles also contribute to road carnage.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Bus Accident: Driver Killed In Head-on Collision

Twenty-three (23) schools countrywide are accused of turning away learners over unpaid tuition, demanding fees in United States dollars and conducting extra lessons, among other charges.
The 23 schools are Parirewa Primary and Secondary Schools, Kudzanai Primary, Kuredza Primary, Kuwadzana 6 Primary, Allan Wilson High School, Chinhoyi 2 High, Mhanyame Primary, Chirorodziva, Tafara Primary, Helwyn Primary, Biri Primary, Kasimure Primary, Maumbe Primary, Magunje High, Norton Intellect Primary, Strathdon Secondary, Negomo Secondary, Mhuriimwe Secondary, Tendai Primary, Glenview 2 High, Chiri Government and Hatcliffe High schools.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021881/23-schools-in-hot-soup">NewsDay</a> reported that the charges included demanding cash for extra lessons, conducting illegal extra lessons, turning away pupils over non-payment of levies, demanding exclusively US dollar fee payment and hiking fees without approval from the Government.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo visited several schools in Harare on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday.
He visited Oriel Boys High School, Eastridge Primary School and Makomo Primary School in Harare.
Speaking during the tour, Moyo reiterated a government directive that no learner should be turned away over non-payment of school fees.
He also warned schools against withholding examination results for learners’ failure to pay school fees. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The contract for examinations is between the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and learners (candidates), on school fees, the contract is between parents or guardians and the school.
No results should be withheld and no learner should be turned away from school regarding fee payment.
Schools must find other ways to get the tuition fee from parents and guardians. This is not to say parents must not pay school fees.
</blockquote>
Moyo said schools selling uniforms at their premises should not force parents to buy the uniforms if they feel they are expensive. He said:
<blockquote>
I have received reports of some schools forcing parents to buy uniforms from them.
Parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms where they find them cheaper.
If your school is innovative (by producing) uniforms, the price should be reasonable and not by force.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said some schools were defying the Government directive to charge only approved school fees and levies.
The Ministry also said some learning institutions were charging school fees and levies exclusively in foreign currency, forcing parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools and withholding results for Grade 7, ‘O’ and ‘A’ level candidates.
It reminded schools that they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fee adjustments according to Secretary’s Circular No. 1 of 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

23 Schools In Trouble For Conducting Illegal Extra Lessons

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has reminded parents and guardians about their responsibility to pay school fees. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the ministry stated that fees are crucial for the functioning of schools. They also warned schools that were violating school governance procedures by charging fees and levies only in foreign currency or imposing unapproved fees and levies. The ministry emphasized that schools should charge approved fees and levies, allow parents to purchase uniforms and stationery wherever they choose, and not withhold results for outstanding fees. The ministry said no child should be sent away from school for non-payment. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>REMINDER ON SCHOOL GOVERNANCE, PROCEDURES</h3>
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education regarding violations on approved and laid down school governance procedures. The following are some of the common violations:
• Defying the Government directive to charge only approved school fees and levies;
• Charging school fees and levies exclusively in Foreign Currency (commonly in United States Dollars);
• Forcing parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools; • Withholding of results for Grade 7, 0 and A level candidates.
1. Schools to Charge Approved School Fees and Levies 
All institutions providing Primary and Secondary Education are reminded that they are bound by the procedures to be followed when making school fees adjustments according to Secretary’s Circular No. 1 of 2023.
The Permanent Secretary shall not approve any increase of fees or levies sought in respect of the next term unless the increase of such fees and levies are justified by reference to some basis other than the application of the consumer price index. Further, the proposal to increase fees or levies must be approved by a majority of the parents at a meeting of the School Parents Assembly attended by not less than twenty per centum of the parents. Once the Permanent Secretary has approved the fees and levies. a copy of the approval letter must be displayed on the school public notice board for all parents and guardians to refer.
2. Charging School Fees Exclusively in Foreign Currency 
In accordance with the Secretary’s Circular No. 10 of 2022, Government policy position is that school fees must be paid in Zimbabwe dollars (ZWL). No school, therefore, must force any parent to pay fees or levies exclusively in foreign currency since parents are free to pay in a currency of their choice as Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency regime. If fees are pegged in foreign currency for value preservation, parents must pay school fees in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate of the day the transaction is made.
3. Purchase of Uniforms and Stationery at Schools 
Pursuant to recent public pronouncement by the Honourable Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cde Torerayi Mayo, 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 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.
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/21/govt-rolls-out-free-education-pilot-project-in-16-rural-districts/">Govt Rolls Out Free Education Pilot Project In 16 Rural Districts</a></li>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/02/09/we-dont-have-enough-resources-to-give-free-education-govt/">“We Don’t Have Enough Resources To Give Free Education” – Govt</a></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
4. Withholding of results for Grade 7, 0, and A-level candidates 
In line with Secretary’s Circular No. 3 of 2019, no school should withhold results for Grade 7. 0 and A level candidates while demanding outstanding arrears for fees and levies. The contract of undertaking public examinations in Zimbabwe is between ZIMSEC and the candidates while the obligation to pay fees and levies remains with the parents and guardians.
Parental obligation on payment of fees and levies 
Parents and guardians are obliged to pay approved school fees and levies as required by the school to meet its operational costs and overheads. No child must be sent away from school for non-payment of fees and levies. In that regard, the contractual agreement on payment of approved fees and levies remains with the parents/guardians and the school.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to strive to provide access to quality, relevant, inclusive, equitable and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans. 
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Parents And Guardians Are Obliged To Pay School Fees And Levies - Ministry Of Education

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is demanding a minimum wage of US$1,260 from the government, expressing concerns that the current monthly pay of US$300 for teachers is jeopardising the smooth opening of schools. The union emphasises that teachers are suffering due to the high inflation rates in the country, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/teachers-table-us1260-minimum-wage-demand-as-schools-open/">ZimLive</a> reported citing the union’s correspondence to government ministries, the Public Service Commission, and the Finance Ministry.
ARTUZ’s secretary general, Robson Chere, urges authorities to prioritize the well-being of teachers and address the challenges caused by the increasing cost of living. Chere said:
<blockquote>
The current cost of living has risen significantly, and it is imperative that our teachers are adequately compensated to ensure their well-being and to maintain the quality of education in our schools.
It is evident that the cost of living has been steadily increasing, with inflation impacting various aspects of daily life.
This includes essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, and healthcare.
Teachers, like many other professionals, are feeling the strain of these rising costs, which is affecting their ability to meet their financial obligations and provide for their families.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ believes that a minimum wage of US$1,260 would be fair and necessary to maintain quality education and invest strategically in the education system, considering the current inflationary trends. They argue that increasing teachers’ salaries would help retain experienced educators and attract new talent to the profession, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education.
The union emphasises that fair wages not only address immediate financial challenges but also boost teachers’ morale and job satisfaction, positively impacting student outcomes. ARTUZ criticises the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) as an ineffective platform for salary negotiations and calls for alternative channels for meaningful dialogue with teachers’ representatives.
The Zimbabwean government faces a big challenge as there is a risk of school disruptions due to unhappy teachers. Today, on January 9th, public schools opened for the first term of 2024. ARTUZ has stated that teacher morale is extremely low. The union said many teachers have decided to take part in sit-ins to express their discontent. They are hoping that the government will announce a salary review soon so that teaching and learning can resume smoothly in schools.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Teachers Are Demanding A Minimum Wage Of US$1,260

The president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Obert Masaraure, has called on Zimbabweans to stage bus stop protests every Monday, demanding free education. He argues that the gazetted tuition fees are retrogressive and unconstitutional. He said every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has the right to basic state-funded education, as stated in the constitution. He called on Zimbabweans to stage bus stop protests every Monday, demanding free education.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, led by Minister Torerayi Moyo, recently announced the fees for government schools, ranging from $5 to $20 per term, depending on the school’s location and density. The fees are specified in US dollars, but parents and guardians are allowed to pay in the local currency at the prevailing exchange rate on the payment date. Some parents argue that the economic situation makes it unfair to increase tuition fees, and they believe the government should have considered the current hardships faced by families. Tatenda Chekai, a parent with a child at Chancellor Junior Primary School in Mutare, spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021625/parents-protest-over-usd-fees">NewsDay:</a>
<blockquote>
We have since paid the tuition fees. There is nothing we can do because at the end of the day it is my child who will be disadvantaged.
It is, however, unfair for the government to increase the tuition fees because of the current economic situation. The increase is retrogressive and this is not expected from our government.
</blockquote>
Concerns have been raised about the burden of high taxes and levies, which were introduced in the 2024 budget, in addition to the increased tuition fees. Parents fear these measures will make their lives more difficult, especially for those living in rural areas affected by challenging weather conditions.
The government previously stated that implementing free education would take time. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube explained that to fully transition to free education, the government needs to carefully assess the requirements, identify any gaps, and plan and implement activities that will ensure education access for every child. He emphasized that this process may take time, but the government is already taking significant steps to improve education access.
In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Education Amendment Act into law. This law mandates the State to provide free basic education as stipulated in section 27 of the Constitution. This means that the government is legally obligated to ensure that every child has access to basic education without cost. Section 27 reads:
<blockquote>
The State must take all practical measures to promote (a) free compulsory basic education for children…
</blockquote>
For years, the government has been promising free basic education but has failed to implement the policy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ARTUZ Urges Zimbabweans To Stage Bus Stop Protests Every Monday Demanding Free Education

Headmasters from government schools in Zimbabwe are demanding to be paid in US dollars starting from the upcoming term. Currently, school heads and teachers earn at least US$300 and about ZWL$600,000, but they argue that the local currency component is being eroded by inflation. The Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) has called for unity among school heads to press for improved working conditions and salaries in hard currency. ZUSH secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021623/headmasters-confront-govt-over-zimdollar-salaries">NewsDay</a> that they believe that their salaries and allowances should be entirely in US dollars to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. He said:
<blockquote>
We take note of the recent monetary statements which are to the effect that the US dollar allowance shall be pensionable come January 2024.
By implication, our members who are retiring from 2024 are expected to get lump sums in USD. We acknowledge this movement by the employer. However, we take this as a case of too little too late. In the shortest possible time, our salaries and allowances must be entirely in hard currency so that we get value for our hard labour!
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been grappling with hyperinflation and a depreciating local currency. The value of the Zimbabwean dollar has plummeted, leading to a steep increase in prices of goods and services. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the local currency, making it difficult for workers to meet their daily needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
Teachers in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of demanding better wages and working conditions over the past few years. Strikes and protests have become common as they seek to address the financial hardships they face. The Zimbabwean government has attempted various measures to address the economic crisis, including introducing a foreign currency auction system and implementing price controls. However, the effects of these measures have been limited, and workers continue to struggle with the devalued local currency. 
In addition to the call for US dollar salaries, the school heads also raised concerns about the government’s decision to pay school fees for teachers’ children. While they acknowledged the introduction of this facility, they criticised the implementation process, describing it as discriminatory and burdensome. They recommended that the facility be accessible to all education sector employees, similar to other sector-specific allowances in different departments.
The demand for US dollar salaries extends beyond the education sector. The Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) supports the call for exclusive US dollar payments, emphasizing that the hybrid system of payment with both US dollars and the local currency causes inconvenience and loss of earnings due to inflation. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe also supports this demand, arguing that the country’s fee structure, which is in US dollars, recognizes the US dollar as the preferred currency and therefore earnings should be in US dollars entirely.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Headmasters Are Demanding US Dollar Salaries Starting From The Upcoming Term

The Government has failed to meet its target to build more schools in the country because of land shortages, an official has said.
According to the 2022 Population Census data, Zimbabwe has a 3 000 school deficit against an estimated 13 000 demand for schools.
Primary and Secondary Education Ministry permanent secretary, Moses Mhike, said that there is a shortage of land to build more expansive schools. He said:
<blockquote>
You need 3.5 hectares to have a primary school and you need 7 hectares to be able to have a secondary school.
You need approximately 30 hectares to build a boarding school but we are saying that land is not going to expand in Zimbabwe.
We need to think outside the box, that’s why I think let’s accommodate the issue of densification.
Let’s build upwards, you can be able to build a good primary school on a hectare and everything can happen.
</blockquote>
However, unions representing teachers have dismissed the claim by the Government that there is a shortage of land in the country to build new schools.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader, Obert Masaraure, said:
<blockquote>
On one hand, the government failed to adequately plan for access to education whenever it allocated residential stands in urban areas.
Local authorities should also prioritise access to education parcelling all the land out for residential purposes is retrogressive since the residents will still need education.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary, Tapedza Zhou, said the government’s failure to build more schools was because of misplaced priorities. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t understand when the government says that there is a shortage of land when the same government has been acquiring land since 2000.
If the government had the will and if it considered education as a priority, it was supposed to channel the funds obtained through corruption and misplaced priorities to build schools on land which is abandoned.
</blockquote>
Thousands of learners in marginalised areas and satellite schools have been learning under trees, in open spaces and barns for years due to a lack of classrooms.
In cities, public schools are always overcrowded also because of a shortage of classrooms.
In the 2024 national budget, education received the highest allocation of ZWL $10.4 trillion, translating to 17.4% which is below the 20% Dakar agreement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Blames "Land Shortage" On Failure To Build New Schools

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has reportedly failed to pay some teachers for work done during the August 2023 general elections.
It is not clear why the elections management body paid some teachers and left out others despite them signing the same contracts.
Further, it is alleged that teachers who received their money were paid in RTGS (Zim dollars) instead of United States dollars as per their contracts.
ZEC engaged the teachers as voter educators and inspectors for the voters’ roll inspection between May and June 2023.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021590/teachers-clash-with-zec-over-election-dues">NewsDay</a>, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said ZEC treated teachers unfairly. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
Some were paid, while others are yet to be paid. The delay of payment for teachers means that the value is different because of inflation in Zimbabwe. By the time we reach [2024], that money won’t be buying anything.
We hope that ZEC puts its house in order so that it does not abuse teachers.
They are so reluctant about the payment of the remaining teachers and we have tried to engage ZEC but it’s not forthcoming.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Tapedza Zhou, told NewsDay that paid teachers were still owed about 20% of their dues.
ZEC deputy chairperson, Rodney Kiwa, said that he was not aware that the teachers were yet to be paid for electoral duties. He said:
<blockquote>
About that, I wouldn’t know. We employ thousands of people during elections.
The teachers should provide their proof of employment, identification documents and so on.
Let them communicate with those people. That’s the only way I can help.
</blockquote>
Kiwa then referred NewsDay to ZEC chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana who has previously said he cannot discuss contractual issues between ZEC and those recruited for electoral duties.
State institutions and agencies, such as ZEC, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), and the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council  (ZIMSEC), are notorious for paying contracted workers late.
The institutions usually contract civil servants, especially teachers for specific programmes such as during elections, to conduct the national census, or marking public examinations, whatever the case might be.
However, in most cases, those contracted complain about late payments, with the money coming as late as six months after they rendered their services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Fails To Pay Teachers For Voter Education

The Government has postponed the opening of schools for the 2024 First Term by one day, from the initial 8 January date to Tuesday, 9 January to give parents more time to prepare for the opening of schools.
Addressing a Press Conference in Harare on Wednesday, 27 December, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo, <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-defers-schools-opening-date-to-9-january/">said</a>:
<blockquote>
It (new dates) gives parents adequate time to prepare for the opening while Form Ones going to boarding schools are likely to go on Sunday 7 January so that they have ample time to go through orientation and induction at their respective schools.
</blockquote>
Moyo also warned school authorities against forcing parents to buy uniforms from schools, saying the practice was illegal. He said:
<blockquote>
Another important point I want to raise is that there are schools that are forcing parents to purchase uniforms at those schools, it remains illegal for any school to demand students or parents to purchase uniforms from those schools, our parents are free to buy from any shop of their choice.
</blockquote>
The Minister said schools must accept payment of school fees in both the local currency and foreign currencies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2024 Schools First Term To Commence On 09 January

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has said the number of schools sending away learners for non-payment of school fees has been in decline.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psc-to-recruit-5-000-teachers/">State media</a>, Moyo warned school heads against sending away learners for non-payment of fees, saying those who disregard the directive will be charged. He said:
<blockquote>
We have seen several schools sending away learners for non-payment of school fees. The numbers have declined and it’s a milestone on our part. We have some penalties for rogue schools.
We use Statutory Instrument 1 of 2 000 which a teacher or head can be charged for excluding learners from school on the grounds of non-payment of fees.
We encourage payment plans to be done rather than excluding the learner. It’s not the fault of the learner for failing to pay fees.
It’s the fault of the parent, hence the parent and school authority should sit down and have a working plan.
</blockquote>
Moyo said that rather than sending away learners, schools should use the law and bring in debt collectors on parents refusing to pay school fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Schools can use debt collectors; they are allowed by the law to do that to recover their money. They can use the law to sue the parents. That is allowed.
If parents refuse to pay fees don’t chase away students, but invoke the law, contract debt collectors to cover the debts accrued for non-payment of fees and levies. That is within the confines of the law.
And also some schools can charge interest for delayed payment. They can charge 5 per cent of delayed fee payments instead of sending away the child. They can put interest for delayed payment.
</blockquote>
Some Zimbabwean parents are notorious for not paying their children’s school fees and this forces school authorities to take drastic measures to ensure that parents fulfill their obligations.
The ZANU PF-led Government has in the past made repeated promises to roll out free education at primary and secondary levels but the pledges are forgotten soon after general elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools Allowed To Unleash Debt Collectors On Parents - Minister

The Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) has demanded that the Government should pay retired school heads’ pensions in United States dollars, instead of in “useless” Zimbabwe dollars.
In a statement, ZINUSH secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said retired school heads are wallowing in poverty even though they once made their pension contributions in hard currency. Said Majoni:
<blockquote>
We noted that this problem was caused by the model where salaries were in RTGS and only allowances were paid in US dollars and we sent our recommendation to the employer lobbying for the dumping of payment of salaries in RTGS (Zimdollars).
We raised concerns about why our retiring members were getting retirement packages in useless RTGS terms even though these members once made their pension contributions in hard currency.
</blockquote>
Majoni said teachers were demanding an urgent review of the pensions to ensure pensioners live dignified lives. He said:
<blockquote>
Our recommendation, as was espoused in our May Day statement to the employer, was that we start with converting the US dollar allowance to a salary so that pension emoluments could be in a more stable currency.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, announced in his 2024 budget statement that United States dollar allowances for civil servants will now be taxed to ensure they receive part of their pension in foreign currency.
Majoni acknowledged the development but said it was a case of too little too late. He said:
<blockquote>
However, we take this as a case of too little too late. In the shortest possible time, our salaries and allowances must be entirely in hard currency so that we get value for our hard labour.
</blockquote>
When contacted for comment by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021418/dollarise-pensions-govt-urged">NewsDay</a>, Public Service Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga noted the concerns of the teachers. He said:
<blockquote>
It is a PSC [Public Service Commission] issue. They house the government pension fund.
</blockquote>
According to the PSC, a member may retire from service upon reaching the pensionable age of 65 years. Upon retirement, a member is entitled to a lump sum payment and a monthly pension calculated based on his or her pensionable emoluments and service of at least 10 years.
It also says a member may retire from service upon or after having attained the age of 55 years. Upon retirement, a member is entitled to a lump sum payment and a monthly pension calculated the same way as for normal retirement.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

School Heads Demand USD Pensions For Retirees

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is set to recruit 5 000 teachers in 2024 as the Government seeks to reduce the teacher-to-pupil ratio from 1:45 towards the target of 1:35.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psc-to-recruit-5-000-teachers/">The Herald</a>, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo said the Government doesn’t have the financial capacity to recruit all unemployed teachers sitting at home. He said:
<blockquote>
We wait for allocation from the fiscus as the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion looks at the Budget for a particular year and he can tell us how many teachers are going to be absorbed.
From next year, we are going to recruit 5 000, but we can’t absorb all of them who are at home.
Let’s do domestic mobilisation. Then the national cake when it expands more people will be recruited, but now we are limited by resources, that’s the limiting factor.
</blockquote>
Unemployed teachers are supposed to register with the PSC and their districts.
In September this year, the Government recruited 2 500 teachers, but this was not enough to meet the demand as the country has a shortage of 25 000 teachers.
Speaking during the 2024 pre-budget presentation in Parliament in September, Moyo said the Ministry plans to decentralise the recruitment of teachers to the provincial and district levels, with the approval of the Public Service Commission.
Zimbabwe has a deficit of 2 800 schools, and Moyo said they are looking for public-private partnerships to fund the construction of new schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt To Recruit 5 000 Teachers In 2024 - Minister

Parents and guardians should ignore unauthorised school fees for the 2024 First Term, a senior government official has said.
Reports indicate that some schools have already communicated new tuition fees to parents and guardians that have not yet been approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/schools-inflate-prices-of-uniforms/">The Sunday News</a>, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary, Moses Mhike, warned school heads who unilaterally increased school fees that they will face disciplinary action. Said Mhike:
<blockquote>
Our position is very clear, it’s a total no. There should be a parents’ assembly where they vote on the matter and that information is submitted to the Ministry through our structures, that fee must be approved by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and once that approval is done it will be communicated to the parents.
We have been getting so many complaints from the parents and we have investigated a majority of these issues.
Soon we will be issuing a Press statement where we will be saying, no to school authorities that continue to charge school fees without the approval of the Ministry.
The punitive measures are very clear as per our Acts, when it comes to public schools, it is misconduct. We will take action against all heads who allow this to happen.
It is also a chargeable offence that can result in imprisonment and as a Ministry, we don’t want to go there because the statutes are very clear and easy to follow.
</blockquote>
However, in the past, schools have disregarded Government directives and unilaterally increased school fees.
Schools also force parents to buy school uniforms exclusively from the school. The schools inflate the prices of the uniforms.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parents Complain Over Unilateral School Fees Hikes

The Government has reportedly failed to pay State University workers their December salaries.
Zimbabwe Universities Allied Workers Union (ZUAWU) secretary-general Jabulani Mpofu told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021291/govt-fails-to-pay-university-workers">NewsDay</a> that their members were yet to be paid their December salaries. He said:
<blockquote>
Salaries have not been disbursed for State university workers. We have been trying to get an audience from the ministry over the matter, but they have not furnished us with any details.
Workers are worried that they are going to the festive season without salaries, there is no festivity for them.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe State Universities Lecturers Association secretary-general Givewell Munyaradzi said:
<blockquote>
We continue to wonder why they are treating us like this every year. We complained to councils and even the ministry.
The ministry said the money comes from the Ministry of Finance. Almost more than half of the country’s State university workers have not received their salaries.
</blockquote>
In March this year, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/universities-responsible-for-lecturers-salaries-murwira/">Amon Murwira said the Government was paying block salary grants to all State universities</a> just as a baseline upon which their income should be built.
Murwira said lecturers and other staff at State universities are not hired by the Government but by the universities themselves.
He said universities should be innovative enough to generate their income to augment the block salary grants they get from the fiscus.
Murwirwa also said it was absurd for university staff to complain about poor conditions of service to the Government instead of directing their concerns to their university councils which have the overall authority and financial powers to raise money.
Meanwhile, this year, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200019440/govt-awards-chiefs-hefty-bonuses">the Government awarded traditional leaders a 100% bonus</a> as a “performance reward”.
Political commentators said the Government rewarded traditional leaders for playing a key role in mobilising their subjects to vote for ZANU PF during the August 2023 general elections.
Chiefs, headmen, village heads and their messengers were awarded the bonuses both in United States dollars and in local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Fails To Pay University Workers

The government of Zimbabwe has threatened to deregister private colleges that are violating the Education Act. This could result in students enrolled at backyard private colleges being unable to attend lessons when schools reopen for the first term in January 2024. The Education Act mandates that independent colleges must register with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
In recent years, there has been a rise in backyard colleges in Zimbabwe, as parents seek alternatives to public schools that suffer from teacher and textbook shortages. However, many of these private colleges have been operating without the necessary licenses. Last year, when the government ordered the closure of unlicensed private schools, approximately 22,000 learners in the capital city were unable to attend classes.
Moses Mhike, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, expressed the ministry’s willingness to engage in dialogue with private colleges to ensure their compliance with regulations. He told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021255/govt-threatens-to-shut-down-unregistered-colleges">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
When you have partners you work with in the education sector and you do not dialogue, the majority of the time you then drift apart.
As the ministry, we have been issuing out circular directives and we then thought it was going to be very wise for us to be able to engage our independent colleges.
It is not that as a ministry we do not want to apply the rules and regulations, but we believe if we are going to be dialoguing, we are going to get results that will favour everyone and contribute to quality education in the nation.
Come 2024, we are going to be rolling out a programme where we are going to be engaging these independent colleges so that they regularise.
The other issue we have observed is that they have not been coming to the ministry for them to be able to have their levies and fees approved because the Education Act and attendant regulations are very clear that that should be sorted from the ministry and then things go accordingly.
</blockquote>
It is estimated that as of 2022, around 22,569 students were enrolled in illegal institutions.
To register a school in Zimbabwe, the requirements include completing an application form, being a legal entity, having appropriate infrastructure and qualified staff, offering an approved curriculum, having a clear fee structure, meeting health and safety standards, having access to educational resources, paying a registration fee, and undergoing inspection by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Government Of Zimbabwe Has Threatened To Deregister Private Colleges Violating The Education Act

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) are worried about the ongoing “repression” and “mistreatment” of students in Zimbabwe. They are urging the government to ensure that students can exercise their fundamental right to academic freedom and other associated rights. In a statement reported by Pindula News, the lawyers are calling on the government and university authorities to allow students to freely elect their representatives without any interference or influence from the authorities. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>ZLHR CONDEMNS REPRESSION AND PERSECUTION OF STUDENTS</h3>
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is concerned by the systematic repression and persecution of students in Zimbabwe and calls upon government to allow them to enjoy their fundamental right to academic freedom and associated rights.
In recent years and months, ZLHR has noted several incidents and cases, where students particularly those at universities and other tertiary institutions have been targeted and this has at times seen students being arrested, detained, assaulted, tortured and prosecuted. 
The targeting of students is meant to constrain students from organising and to neutralise their participation in politics and in the governance affairs of their communities and country.
In addition, authorities have attempted to weaken learners’ participation in the activities of students representative bodies and barring them from contesting as candidates in elections to choose leaders of student representative councils.
All this assault and violation of students rights and freedoms have been taking place despite the important role, which tertiary and university students play as social and political activists.
Student activists in their capacity as human rights defenders, and as members of academic communities, should be protected from any violations of their rights.
Section 75 of the Constitution emphasises the sanctity of the right to education while section 61 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, which includes academic freedom.
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of expression and opinion and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are considered key to student participation and the flourishing of activism in both social and political processes. 
These rights including academic freedom are also protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is a binding document, and the Zimbabwean government, as a signatory to the Covenant, has a responsibility to uphold these rights.
In addition, as human rights defenders, students are also protected by the safeguards contained in the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
As such, ZLHR calls upon government and university and tertiary authorities to;
• Cease the arrest, detention, harassment, victimisation, assault and the needless prosecution of students under unscrupulous and frivolous charges;
• Allow students to elect representatives of their choice without any form of interference from the authorities;
• Immediately cease the use of violence upon students and thus play a role in fostering a culture of non-violence in Zimbabwe;
• Respect, protect and promote the rights of students and safeguard them as human rights defenders;
• Acknowledge, appreciate and respect the rights of students to freely express themselves in all matters that affect them and allow them to exercise and enjoy their right to academic freedom and thus immediately cease impeding these fundamental rights.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, student politics often reflect national politics because political parties provide funding to students to influence their decisions. There are two major student unions: the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZICOSU/">Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU)</a>, which is aligned with the ruling ZANU PF party, and the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Students_Union/">Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)</a>, which is connected to the opposition. These unions play a significant role in shaping the political landscape on campuses and advocating for the interests of students.
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Human Rights Lawyers Worried About "Repression" And "Mistreatment" Of Students In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said that the Government has set in motion plans to introduce a curriculum on corruption, ethics and integrity in the country’s education system from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to university level.
Matanda-Moyo said this while addressing delegates at the 10th session of the conference of State parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Georgia, the United States, recently.
According to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-govt-to-introduce-corruption-studies-in-school-curriculum">The Sunday Mail</a>, Zimbabwe signed the convention in February 2004 and ratified it in March 2007. Said Matanda-Moyo:
<blockquote>
As a State party to these conventions and protocols, Zimbabwe affirms that corruption is a serious problem that needs to be tackled and commits itself to fighting the scourge.
Zimbabwe has, therefore, undertaken to put in place measures and mechanisms that eliminate corruption.
ZACC, in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, has commenced nationwide consultations to introduce a curriculum on corruption, ethics and integrity in schools and universities starting from early childhood learning.
</blockquote>
Article 13 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption recognises the importance of education for preventing corruption.
UNCAC urges State parties to promote active participation in anti-corruption efforts through education programmes in schools and universities.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), in primary and secondary schools, anti-corruption education could be in the form of extra-curricular activities such as expert guest lectures, interactive learning approaches (such as debates and simulations), special events (competitions, fairs, exhibitions), and child-friendly tools (like comics and colouring books).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Corruption Studies To Be Introduced In School Curriculum - Justice Matanda-Moyo

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), which is reportedly the largest union representing teachers, has implored the government to increase teachers’ salaries to at least US$700 to improve their living standards.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021104/teachers-demand-us700-salary">NewsDay</a>, ZIMTA secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said that the Government should improve their salaries before schools open next year. He said:
<blockquote>
Right now, we know that we are supposed to be getting upwards US$1 000, but teachers have not been able to get even half of that.
We hope that this time around, the government will meaningfully improve our salaries by giving us at least US$700.
Our last proposal was US$800 and we appreciate how the government involves us during social dialogue.
We hope the government (continues) to prioritise social dialogue that will yield positive results.
</blockquote>
Taderera said that they have written to the government requesting to be invited to the negotiating table but they haven’t received any response as yet.
The Government has repeatedly refused to meet teachers’ salary demands citing resource constraints.
Teachers currently earn less than US$100 in local currency and US$300 in COVID-19 allowances per month.
The Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube announced in the 2024 National Budget that the allowance will be converted to a pensionable salary.
The pay dispute between the Government and teachers goes back to October 2018, when the Government stopped paying teachers in United States dollars, switching to the reintroduced Zimbabwean dollar.
The pre-October 2018 salaries for civil servants was US$540.
The new currency has steadily lost value, effectively reducing teachers’ wages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands US$700 Salary For Teachers

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo on Monday, 18 December gazetted tuition fees for Government schools for 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/2024-school-fees-gazetted/">The Herald</a>, tuition fees for primary schools for next year range from US$5 a term for P3 rural schools, US$10 a term for P2 schools in high-density suburbs and US$20 a term for P1 low-density suburban schools.
The tuition fees are set in US dollars but parents and guardians can pay in local currency at the exchange rate on the date of payment for Zimbabwean learners.
For secondary schools, the tuition fees for S1 schools in low-density suburbs were set at US$40 a term, for S2 schools in high-density suburbs at US$20 a term, and S3 schools in rural areas at US$10 a term.
The tuition fees for next year are contained in Statutory Instrument 240 of 2023, Education (Tuition and Boarding Fees) (Government Schools) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 (No. 1).
Besides the gazetted tuition fees, and the expanded BEAM programme for learners from poor families, many public schools seek a top-up levy from parents through the school development associations (SDAs).
This is allowed, but most parents have to agree and the Ministry has to approve the charges.
Meanwhile, schools charge far more than the gazetted fees and school authorities have over the years devised ways to raise funds from parents.
These “innovative” ways include forcing parents and guardians to buy uniforms only from the school at exorbitant prices, and also organising trips and making learners pay more than the cost of the trip, among others.
In January 2023, a father of 2 minor children engaged the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) to compel the Goromonzi High School headmaster to accept the learners after he had barred them from the school for buying uniforms from shops instead of buying them from the school.
The Government has repeatedly warned schools against the practice but it hasn’t taken action to ensure that parents and guardians are not being exploited by unscrupulous school authorities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2024 School Fees Gazetted

Lozikeyi Primary School, located in Bulawayo’s Nguboyenja suburb, is facing criticism for withholding the final Grade 7 results of a high-achieving student, Thandeka Ncube. Thandeka scored a perfect six points in this year’s Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams. Instead of celebrating her success, her family is now concerned that she may not be able to enrol in Form One (the next level of education) because the school is withholding her results.
Bulawayo’s deputy mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, shared Thandeka’s situation in a residents’ WhatsApp group, seeking donations to help settle outstanding tuition fees and support her enrollment in Form One. Residents expressed their frustration with the school’s leadership, including the School Development Committee (SDC), for their lack of consideration and indifference towards Thandeka’s predicament. Many believe that the school’s actions could hinder her academic journey and prevent her from reaching her full potential.
Taungana Ndoro, the Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/lozikeyi-school-withholds-whizkids-grade-7-results-over-outstanding-fees/">CITE</a> that no school is permitted to withhold Grade 7 results for any reason and advised affected candidates to seek recourse at the District office. He is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
No school is allowed to withhold Grade 7 results for whatever reason. The affected candidates should approach the District office immediately for recourse.
</blockquote>
Although the practice of withholding results over unpaid fees is against government policy, the government often fails to address the issue, forcing parents and guardians to enter into payment plans with schools to secure their children’s results. An anonymous law expert told CITE that if this fails, legal action against the school and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education may be pursued, although this can be a lengthy process that hampers the student’s academic pursuits.
Schools sometimes justify withholding exam results by claiming that the fees they collect are necessary for running the school smoothly. They believe that by holding back results, parents and guardians will be motivated to pay their outstanding fees. However, parents and guardians argue that the current economic situation makes it challenging for them to pay the fees on time.
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Bulawayo School Criticised For Withholding High-achieving Student's Results Over Fees

A Grade Five learner at Angels Island Private School wrote the 2023 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations and got distinctions in all her six subjects.
PraiseGod Chapepa (12) wrote English, Mathematics, Agriculture, Science and Tech, Shona, Social Science and Physical Education and Arts and obtained a distinction in each subject.
The Chitungwiza-based learner told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/grade-5-genius-gets-distinctions-in-grade-7-exams/">H-Metro</a> that aspires to be a neurologist or a lawyer because of her passion for helping the vulnerable. She said:
<blockquote>
I was supposed to be in Grade 6 next year and I wrote my Grade 7 exams where I scored six units. I felt like I could make it and I did.
I had confidence since I wanted to pursue my profession in seven years, and that’s why I decided to skip [grades].
I want to be a neurologist or a lawyer since I want to help those who are vulnerable.
I have been getting some prizes for academics, spelling, mathematics and good handwriting.
I am my role model, I love singing and I also enjoy writing scripts.
</blockquote>
PraiseGod’s mother, Melissa said she was not surprised by her daughter’s success. She said:
<blockquote>
Since she was born, we saw that she was exceptional since she is someone who always wanted to argue.
She would want everything she wanted to be done in her favour and that alone indicated to us that she was extraordinary.
She is exceptional in the family and even the day we wanted to register her, we had an extreme argument with her father over her name.
Her father insisted that the name was right so the name had a meaning from the day she was registered.
She is very critical and inquisitive and we are happy as a family and prepared to support her dream.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Grade Five Learner Gets Distinctions In ZIMSEC Grade 7 Exams

The coach of the Under-15 boys’ team, Norman Taruvinga is confident his boys will “put up a great performance” in the upcoming CAF African Schools Football Championship.
The ten-team tournament will be played at Gateway High School, Harare from 14 to 17 December this year. Speaking to ZIFA media, Taruvinga said:
<blockquote>
I believe in the talent in the squad, especially being our first time in this competition.
Yes, other countries have played this youth competition before, and have prepared for a longer period, having done their selections as early as May and before, but that should challenge us to put on a great fight.
The beauty of being a newcomer is that no one knows what you are bringing to the table.
I’m looking forward to a great performance from the boys and believe they will get all the support they need from their families, friends, communities and the nation as a whole.
</blockquote>
The boys are currently based at Direct Contact School for a training camp that started Monday and is set to end next week on Tuesday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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