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Schools barred from charging fees only in US dollars
23 hrs ago |
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The government has reiterated that the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, together with all other currencies in the approved multi-currency basket, remains legal tender for the payment of school fees, warning schools against demanding fees exclusively in United States dollars.
In a statement issued ahead of the opening of schools for the first term of the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said it is illegal for schools to insist on USD-only payments. The ministry warned that institutions found engaging in such practices will face stern disciplinary action.
The ministry further stressed that any conversion of fees from one currency to another must be done strictly using the official interbank exchange rate. Schools, it said, are not permitted to set their own rates or apply inflated exchange rates when charging parents and guardians.
"The Ministry's directives on financial matters, as detailed in the Term Three 2025 guidelines, remain fully in force and must be strictly adhered to for the 2026 academic year," the ministry said. "The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and all currencies within the multicurrency system remain legal tender for school fees payments. Schools are prohibited from demanding fees exclusively in United States Dollars (USD). Any such practice is illegal and will attract severe disciplinary action."
The reminder comes as schools prepare to reopen for the first term on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The ministry also emphasised that no child should be sent home, excluded from lessons or barred from sitting examinations because of unpaid fees. Instead, schools are required to engage parents and guardians to agree on flexible and reasonable payment plans.
In addition, the ministry cautioned school authorities against forcing parents and guardians to purchase uniforms from designated suppliers, saying such conduct is not permitted under existing regulations.
The first term of the 2026 academic year is scheduled to run from 13 January to 1 April 2026. The ministry said it expects all schools to comply fully with its guidelines to ensure equal access to education and to protect learners from unfair exclusion on financial grounds.
In a statement issued ahead of the opening of schools for the first term of the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said it is illegal for schools to insist on USD-only payments. The ministry warned that institutions found engaging in such practices will face stern disciplinary action.
The ministry further stressed that any conversion of fees from one currency to another must be done strictly using the official interbank exchange rate. Schools, it said, are not permitted to set their own rates or apply inflated exchange rates when charging parents and guardians.
"The Ministry's directives on financial matters, as detailed in the Term Three 2025 guidelines, remain fully in force and must be strictly adhered to for the 2026 academic year," the ministry said. "The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and all currencies within the multicurrency system remain legal tender for school fees payments. Schools are prohibited from demanding fees exclusively in United States Dollars (USD). Any such practice is illegal and will attract severe disciplinary action."
The reminder comes as schools prepare to reopen for the first term on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The ministry also emphasised that no child should be sent home, excluded from lessons or barred from sitting examinations because of unpaid fees. Instead, schools are required to engage parents and guardians to agree on flexible and reasonable payment plans.
In addition, the ministry cautioned school authorities against forcing parents and guardians to purchase uniforms from designated suppliers, saying such conduct is not permitted under existing regulations.
The first term of the 2026 academic year is scheduled to run from 13 January to 1 April 2026. The ministry said it expects all schools to comply fully with its guidelines to ensure equal access to education and to protect learners from unfair exclusion on financial grounds.
Source - The Chronicle
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