Zimbabwe cracks down on exploitative school fees

The Zimbabwean Government has issued a stern warning to public and private schools illegally charging registration and enrolment fees, describing the practice as exploitative, discriminatory, and in direct violation of national education policies.

The warning comes amid growing concerns from parents seeking Grade 1 and Form 1 placements, many of whom reported being asked to pay fees ranging from US$100 to US$200 before applications are even considered. Some schools reportedly demand full tuition payments upfront, while others impose administrative, processing, or enrolment charges.

Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, emphasised that such charges are illegal.

"No public school is permitted to charge registration or enrolment fees, none whatsoever. Any school found demanding money before a learner is placed will be acting outside the law, and the ministry will institute disciplinary measures," he said.

Mr Ndoro urged parents to be aware of their rights and report any unlawful practices. He added that all genuine school development levies can only be introduced after learners are successfully enrolled, following approval from parents through the School Development Committee (SDC) process.

Parents expressed frustration at the rising financial pressures. Ms Rudo Maphosa of Emganwini, seeking a Grade 1 place for her six-year-old son, said:

"We are being told to pay just to submit an application. It is not officially called a registration fee, but the message is clear, no payment, no consideration. For parents like us, these charges are unbearable."

Another parent seeking a Form 1 placement described the demands as a form of extortion, noting that fear of disadvantaging children prevents many from reporting schools.

The Government has stressed that placement into public schools is meant to be free, merit-based, and transparent, with the use of official digital application platforms designed to ensure fairness.

The warning comes amid a national shortage of schools, with estimates of between 1 900 and 2 000 missing institutions. Authorities say the recent decentralisation of school registration is a critical step to restore order, strengthen accountability, and protect Zimbabwe's tradition of high literacy and educational access.