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IT is illegal to peg school fees exclusively in United States dollars and parents should have the option to pay at the prevailing inter-bank rate, a Government official has said.
In an interview with H-Metro yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communication and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said no school should prevent parents, and guardians, from paying using a currency of their choice.
Most schools are now demanding payment in US dollars after the Government gave the go-ahead for fees payment using the currency.
Schools are reopening next month for the third term, and some, particularly in Chitungwiza, are demanding that fees be paid in US dollars only.
“It is the prerogative of the parent to pay in foreign currency or swipe and EcoCash using the inter-bank rate.
“If a school, for example, pegs fees at US$10, the parent has the right to do electronic payment using swipe or mobile money at the prevailing bank rate.
“Parents are allowed to pay fees using the prevailing bank rate of the day.
“That is our regulation.
“No school must force any parent to pay in forex.”
Finance and Economic Development Deputy Minister, Clement Chiduwa, said schools demanding fees in US dollars only, will face the full wrath of the law.
“We agreed that schools could charge fees in USD and local currency.
“Parents can also pay the equivalent of the USD, using the prevailing inter-bank rate, and it’s shocking to hear that some schools are demanding payment in USD only.
“We hereby warn them that it’s illegal and if investigated and found wanting, they will be arrested,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter