Pupils turned away over unpaid fees despite Mnangagwa's free education pledge

Dozens of pupils across Zimbabwe were turned away from government schools this week for failing to pay tuition fees, in direct contradiction of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's longstanding pledge to provide free basic education.

The new school term kicked off under a cloud of confusion and disappointment, with reports emerging from various provinces, including Chegutu, that some schools were barring students from attending class due to unpaid levies. This comes despite repeated government assurances that no child should be denied access to education on the basis of fees.

Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana confirmed the violations on Tuesday, revealing that certain schools in Chegutu were disregarding official policy. "Contrary to government policy, some schools in Chegutu are sending students home over non-payment of fees," Mangwana posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He acknowledged the financial strain faced by many families, citing recent increases in school fees and the additional burden of purchasing winter uniforms. "Government directive is clear: no child should be sent home due to fee non-payment," he stressed.

Mangwana also warned schools against using children's futures as leverage to extract payments from struggling parents. "Schools cannot use a child's future to extort money out of a parent, much to the detriment of the learner," he said. "They have other lawful avenues for debt recovery, as any other creditor would."

However, the problem appears to extend well beyond Chegutu, with similar incidents reported in other regions. Many schools are grappling with underfunding and operational challenges, while simultaneously trying to enforce policy directives that are not always accompanied by financial support.

Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), lambasted the government for what he described as policy failure and hypocrisy.

"As we predicted, our schools are once again opening to chaos — chaos born out of policy inconsistencies, neglect of education, corruption and incompetence," Masaraure said. "It is strange for the government to be complaining about learners being sent back home for failing to pay fees."

He reminded authorities of their constitutional obligation to provide free state-funded basic education, enshrined in Section 75 of the Constitution, and reinforced by promises made in the ruling ZANU PF's 2023 election manifesto.

"Government should be releasing education grants to all learners across the country on an equity basis," he added. "Issuing instructions to heads not to send back learners is cynical, cruel and hypocritical. Public schools do not operate in the air. Just like the elite schools where ministers' children get elite education, our public schools need teaching and learning materials."

The Education Ministry is yet to issue a formal statement addressing the widespread policy breaches. Meanwhile, parents and learners across the country face renewed uncertainty over the accessibility and affordability of public education in Zimbabwe.