Parents raise concern over Teachers4ED school levy

Angry parents in Bulawayo have raised concerns over allegations that Teachers4ED, an organisation linked to the ruling party, solicited funds from schools to support a three-day voluntary capacitation workshop held in the city.

According to a statement signed by the Bulawayo provincial coordinator for Teachers4ED, Christopher Mungofa, the workshop was held from February 27 to March 1 at Hamilton High School.

The communication requested schools to facilitate the participation of teachers and other staff members during the workshop.

"You are requested to facilitate the participation of incapacitated school administrators, teachers, ancillary staff and school development committee members in the Teachers4ED Voluntary Capacitation Workshop scheduled for February 27–March 1, 2026 at Hamilton High School," read part of the statement.

"We kindly request that each school sends and assists at least twenty (20) members to attend."

Teachers4ED is widely regarded as a shadowy affiliate of the ruling party, Zanu-PF, a claim that has previously drawn criticism from parents and education stakeholders.

One parent, Clement Ngwenya, described the move as anti-developmental, arguing that voluntary organisations should fund their own activities rather than placing additional financial pressure on schools.

"Teachers4ED voluntarily joined their organisation and they should be able to fund their activities rather than siphoning funds from schools through underhand means," Ngwenya said.

"This is setting a wrong precedent. It will mean that any organisation which needs funding can come and request money from schools. We need to see communication that comes through proper channels from the Ministry of Education, not from everyone."

Another parent, who requested anonymity, said many families were already struggling to keep up with school fees due to the prevailing economic challenges and could not afford additional costs linked to voluntary organisations.

When contacted for comment, Mungofa declined to address the matter, referring questions to the Zanu-PF School of Ideology.

"My position is very low, I cannot comment on that. You can contact the chairman at the school of ideology," he said.

Efforts to obtain comment from both the Zanu-PF School of Ideology and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were unsuccessful.

This is not the first time Teachers4ED has faced accusations of pressuring teachers and parents to finance its activities. The education ministry has previously warned parents to be cautious and avoid falling victim to such initiatives.