Govt warns schools against manipulating exchange rates

As Zimbabwean schools prepare to open for the first term this Tuesday, the Government has issued a stern warning to schools engaging in fraudulent foreign exchange practices. Reports have surfaced of schools coercing parents to pay fees in local currency at inflated black-market rates or insisting on payments exclusively in foreign currency.

Parents have alleged that some schools are charging as high as ZWL38 per US$1 for fees paid in local currency, well above the official exchange rate.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Director for Communications and Advocacy, Mr. Patrick Zumbo, urged schools to abide by official exchange rates in an interview with Sunday News.

"Schools must stay away from negative practices that could result in legal repercussions. When parents pay in local currency, the official exchange rate must be used. The black-market rate has no place in our educational institutions," he said.

Mr. Zumbo also discouraged schools from demanding fees exclusively in US dollars, questioning the necessity for foreign currency when most goods can be procured using local currency.

"Parents should have the freedom to pay in a currency of their choice, including the Rand, which is preferred in regions like Masvingo and Matabeleland South," he added.

Concerns have also been raised over schools pressuring parents to buy overpriced uniforms directly from school suppliers. Mr. Zumbo criticized this practice, stating:

"Parents should have the freedom to purchase uniforms from affordable sources. While schools can sell uniforms as a commercial activity, prices must be reasonable. In some cases, we have seen uniform costs exceed school fees and levies, which is unacceptable."

Acknowledging the financial strain on families, Mr. Zumbo encouraged parents to communicate with schools if they face challenges in meeting fee obligations and to propose payment plans.

He also addressed boarding school placements, revealing that some schools are still accepting Form One applications.

"Our Electronic Ministry Application Platform (e-map) provides updates on openings across districts and provinces. We currently have over 26,000 boarding places available, up from 24,000 in previous years," he said, adding that efforts are underway to expand boarding facilities.

Parents preparing for the school year have expressed mixed feelings about rising costs and the burden of school requirements.

Mr. Khumbulani Hadebe from North End, Bulawayo, whose child is starting Form One, described the experience as stressful yet exciting.

"Acquiring uniforms, books, and other essentials has been challenging. Fees have increased dramatically, forcing us to make tough budgeting decisions," he said.

Mrs. Isabel Mawere from Tshabalala, whose son is entering ECD, said her family coped by planning ahead.

"We prepared early, even cutting back on holiday spending to meet school requirements," she said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Clinton Dhiwayo from Hwange District shared the challenges of last-minute preparations for his daughter starting at a boarding school.

"Financially, it's been tough. We had to secure everything from bedding to groceries to ensure she's comfortable on her first day," he said.

As schools reopen, the Government's stance against unethical practices highlights its commitment to fairness and easing the financial burden on parents. However, with rising costs, many families continue to face challenges in ensuring their children are ready for the academic year.