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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
VILLAGERS from Dombodema Ward in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South have raised concern over school fees charged at Dombodema High School for day scholars arguing that it was beyond the reach of many locals.
Some of the parents have already transferred their children to other surrounding schools since they cannot afford the fees.
Day scholars at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA)-run school are reportedly paying $160 while boarders are paying $450 per term. A villager from the area, Mrs Similo Dube said she had since transferred her daughter from Dombodema High School to Malalume Secondary School which is located about 20 kilometres away.
“We have a secondary school within our ward but the fees being charged there are beyond our reach. The school is located within a rural community and should cater for the rural folk but in actual fact it’s not because of high fees. My daughter is in Form Two and I had to transfer her from Dombodema High School to Malalume High School as I couldn’t raise $160 for her fees. Malalume High School is located 20 kilometres away but there is no other alternative,” she said.
Mrs Dube said the school administration must revise the school fees to cater for the locals. She said efforts to engage the school authorities over the matter have failed to yield results. Bulilima West representative in the National Assembly Cde Lungisani Nleya said he had received reports from parents complaining about school fees. He said among the schools located within his constituency Dombodema High School had the highest school fees. He said other schools were charging between $50 and $70 for day scholars.
“A number of children from Dombodema Ward are learning in surrounding wards while there is a school within their area. The school is charging $160 which has become a hindrance for some learners to access education.
“Children are now walking long distances to neighbouring schools. If this situation persists some pupils might drop out from school. There is a need to revise the fees to cater for the local people,” he said.
Dombodema Ward Councillor Benjamin Nleya said his area has five feeder primary schools and Dombodema High School was the only secondary school. He said some children had already dropped out of school after finishing Grade Seven.
Online Reporter