Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A SCHOOL in the Mutasa District is being investigated for forcing parents to buy a blazer, which is only provided by the school, for US$80.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, said this was outrageous as the blazer was more expensive than the suit he was wearing when he addressed the media in Harare yesterday.
He said his suit cost less than US$80.
He was speaking during a question-and-answer session with the media organised by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services.
“We are urging parents to report schools who are forcing parents to buy uniforms at an exorbitant price.
“One such school, under investigation, is in Mutasa District where a blazer is being charged US$80.
“Such charges are not justified considering that the suit I am wearing now is less than US$80, asi handina kuchena here nhai vatori venhau?
“Let us know such schools because there is no law that forces parents to buy uniforms at schools.
“Instead they are free to buy the uniforms at any retail shop.”
Minister Moyo warned teachers conducting extra lessons at school premises that they will face the wrath of the law.
“Government policy on extra lessons is clear that they are illegal,” said Minister Moyo.
“Extra lessons must never be conducted at school premises. If any teacher conducts extra lessons or demands money from parents for extra lessons, we are urging parents to report them to the police or the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) or call our tollfree number 317.
“Appropriate measures will be taken to deal with such culprits.
“Any school authorities or teacher who violates the fundamental rights of children will be dealt with accordingly.
“Demanding extra lesson fees has negatively affected other children since the teacher will only concentrate with paid-up learners while others are kept at the school grounds.”
He noted with concern reports that some teachers, who completed their studies and applied for jobs sometime in 2020, were being asked to pay bribes.
“We received reports concerning employment of teachers where those who completed their Degrees or Diploma in 2023 managed to get jobs ahead of those who applied sometime back.
“The Ministry is looking into such issues with a view to weed out such criminals to end corruption.
“We say no to corruption,” said Min ister Moyo.
He said the Government is expected to release early funds meant to help vulnerable children in accessing education.
“As a ministry, we have made a clarion call to the Ministry of Finance to disburse early funds meant to benefit learners under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM),” said Min Moyo.
Minister Moyo reiterated President Mnangagwa’s mantra that the Second Republic will not leave anyone behind saying inclusive education is mandatory for all, including students and teachers living with disability.
Minister Moyo said the Government is also funding the buying of lotions and sunscreens for those living with albinism and some teachers are undergoing sign language training to make sure everyone accesses education.
daniel chigunwe
