Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
THE Government has warned schools against refusing payment of fees in the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, as the second term officially begins today.
In guidelines released yesterday for the reopening of schools for Term Two, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education stated that all learners, teachers, and staff are expected to return promptly to ensure uninterrupted learning.
The Ministry also reiterated that ZiG remains legal tender for school-related transactions, alongside other currencies in the multi-currency basket.
“Parents/guardians may pay fees in any currency of choice (ZiG, USD, etc.). Schools must not demand exclusive USD payments, and non-compliance will result in disciplinary action,” the statement read.
It further clarified that the exchange rate determined by the interbank foreign exchange market should guide the pricing of goods and services, including school fees.
“No business entity, including schools, is permitted to set its own exchange rate outside the interbank market.”
While parents and guardians are reminded of their contractual obligation to pay approved fees and levies to support school operations, the Ministry emphasised that no learner should be excluded from classes, examinations, or school activities due to unpaid fees.
Schools were also urged to ensure smooth registration for the 2025 O-Level and A-Level examinations.
“Administrators are directed to assist all eligible candidates without delay, up until the closing date for the Zimsec examinations mop-up registration exercise, which is May 16 , 2025,” the statement said.
During a Senate Question and Answer session last Thursday, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Angeline Gata, also warned schools against charging fees exclusively in foreign currency.
“Our country is using a multi-currency regime, so it is illegal for any school to reject the local currency, ZiG. We have offices at district, provincial, and national levels, so parents and guardians can report such schools to any of those offices,” she said.
Deputy Minister Gata also confirmed the Ministry’s preparedness for the June examinations and outlined plans to address learner dropouts. She said an early warning system has been developed to identify children at risk of dropping out with common causes, including early pregnancies, bullying, long distances to school and financial constraints.
She also expressed gratitude to the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for initiating the production of reusable sanitary wear, which is benefitting girls from disadvantaged communities.
In an interview yesterday, Ministry spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro confirmed that preparations for the second term were progressing smoothly.
“Everyone is making sure that school fees are paid and uniforms are ready. We have not encountered any major challenges,” he said.
As the new term begins, the usual rush to prepare has taken on a winter twist. Bookshops, school uniform retailers, and street vendors reported a surge in sales, particularly of winter gear. With chilly mornings and evenings across much of the country, parents were purchasing woollen hats, gloves, scarves, jerseys, and anoraks.
Parents noted that while uniform prices had not risen significantly, school-based prices remained relatively high, prompting some to turn to local tailors and informal traders for more affordable options.
In Bulawayo, where boarding school learners were departing for their respective schools, parents expressed optimism about the term ahead.
“I’m happy my child is going back to school, although it’s quite difficult to meet the demands of school fees, groceries, and other essentials,” said Mrs Sandra Dlamini.
Another parent, Mr Douglas Nyirenda, said he had committed his entire salary to his child’s education.
Parents encouraged their children to work hard and improve on last term’s performance, with some urging them to maintain their good grades.
Learners expressed mixed emotions about the new term — some were excited to return, while others admitted feeling anxious about getting back into the school routine after the holidays. Leon Marufu, a Form Two pupil at Nemane Adventist High School, who recently transferred from South Africa, said:
“I’m hoping to get my first good results. It’s my first time studying for Zimsec exams, and I’m not sure what to expect.”
Some learners also expressed reluctance about returning to school during the cold season, citing the discomfort of winter mornings.
