News / National
Government investigating defiant school heads
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The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a crackdown on school heads who defied a government directive barring the expulsion of learners over unpaid fees, insisting that schools must abide by Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025. The regulation also affirms parents' right to pay fees in any currency approved under the multi-currency system, with the official interbank exchange rate applying when fees are paid in Zimbabwean dollars.
The second term of the 2025 academic year commenced on Tuesday, but several learners were reportedly turned away from school over outstanding fees – prompting swift intervention by education authorities.
St Dominic's High School in Mutare is one such institution that drew the ministry's attention after scores of learners were barred from entering the school premises on the first day of the term. Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education visited the school on Wednesday to demand an explanation, as the action contradicted the standing government policy.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, confirmed the incident and said schools operating under government policy are expected to comply with Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025. He warned that District Schools Inspectors (DSIs) had been tasked with investigating reports of non-compliance, and that school heads found guilty of breaching the directive would face disciplinary measures under the amended SI 1 of 2000.
"We expect all school heads to understand and comply with Government regulations, as schools operate under clear policy frameworks. While most school heads have complied, a few have allegedly violated Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025, which prohibits the turning away of learners over unpaid fees or uniforms," said Mr Gabaza.
According to the regulation, no learner should be barred from attending class or writing examinations due to unpaid fees. Additionally, parents are permitted to purchase uniforms and stationery from suppliers of their choice, provided the items meet school requirements. Parents who are unable to pay fees in full are encouraged to enter payment arrangements with school authorities.
A parent who spoke to The Manica Post anonymously expressed concern over the conduct at St Dominic's, alleging that the school's new leadership is prioritising fee collection over educational quality. "I understand the need to pay fees, but it's worrying that children are being chased away while the school is employing A-Level graduates to teach exam classes. Why is there no urgency to hire qualified teachers using the fees they're so eager to collect?" questioned the parent.
Elsewhere in Manicaland, the Ministry reported a generally smooth reopening of schools, with over 90 percent of teachers reporting for duty and delivering lessons. Mr Gabaza also reiterated the Ministry's commitment to tackling bullying in schools, highlighting the recent rollout of workshops aimed at building capacity around learner welfare and creating safe, supportive school environments. He called on parents and communities to play a collaborative role in educating the 21st-century child amid challenges like drug and substance abuse.
With winter now underway, Mr Gabaza urged parents to ensure their children are adequately clothed and to pay fees and levies promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.
Meanwhile, accommodation challenges persist at several Anglican-run schools in the province, following over-enrolment of Form One learners last term. St Faith's High, St Augustine's High, and St David's Girls' High are among the affected institutions.
The Anglican Diocese of Manicaland's education secretary, Reverend Edmund Samutereko, said the delay in constructing new dormitories has forced temporary measures. "We missed the initial dormitory construction deadline, and we are now targeting completion by 2026. At St Augustine's, we have installed prefabricated structures, and former Russian compound houses nearby have been allocated to house up to 200 learners. Security upgrades are underway to ensure student safety," said Reverend Samutereko.
He confirmed that schools under the Diocese are adhering to the government's fee policy, allowing parents to pay in local or foreign currency, and emphasised that learning was progressing well despite the accommodation issues.
The second term of the 2025 academic year commenced on Tuesday, but several learners were reportedly turned away from school over outstanding fees – prompting swift intervention by education authorities.
St Dominic's High School in Mutare is one such institution that drew the ministry's attention after scores of learners were barred from entering the school premises on the first day of the term. Officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education visited the school on Wednesday to demand an explanation, as the action contradicted the standing government policy.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, confirmed the incident and said schools operating under government policy are expected to comply with Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025. He warned that District Schools Inspectors (DSIs) had been tasked with investigating reports of non-compliance, and that school heads found guilty of breaching the directive would face disciplinary measures under the amended SI 1 of 2000.
"We expect all school heads to understand and comply with Government regulations, as schools operate under clear policy frameworks. While most school heads have complied, a few have allegedly violated Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025, which prohibits the turning away of learners over unpaid fees or uniforms," said Mr Gabaza.
According to the regulation, no learner should be barred from attending class or writing examinations due to unpaid fees. Additionally, parents are permitted to purchase uniforms and stationery from suppliers of their choice, provided the items meet school requirements. Parents who are unable to pay fees in full are encouraged to enter payment arrangements with school authorities.
Elsewhere in Manicaland, the Ministry reported a generally smooth reopening of schools, with over 90 percent of teachers reporting for duty and delivering lessons. Mr Gabaza also reiterated the Ministry's commitment to tackling bullying in schools, highlighting the recent rollout of workshops aimed at building capacity around learner welfare and creating safe, supportive school environments. He called on parents and communities to play a collaborative role in educating the 21st-century child amid challenges like drug and substance abuse.
With winter now underway, Mr Gabaza urged parents to ensure their children are adequately clothed and to pay fees and levies promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.
Meanwhile, accommodation challenges persist at several Anglican-run schools in the province, following over-enrolment of Form One learners last term. St Faith's High, St Augustine's High, and St David's Girls' High are among the affected institutions.
The Anglican Diocese of Manicaland's education secretary, Reverend Edmund Samutereko, said the delay in constructing new dormitories has forced temporary measures. "We missed the initial dormitory construction deadline, and we are now targeting completion by 2026. At St Augustine's, we have installed prefabricated structures, and former Russian compound houses nearby have been allocated to house up to 200 learners. Security upgrades are underway to ensure student safety," said Reverend Samutereko.
He confirmed that schools under the Diocese are adhering to the government's fee policy, allowing parents to pay in local or foreign currency, and emphasised that learning was progressing well despite the accommodation issues.
Source - zimpapers
