by Tendai Matunhu

Government has announced that disciplinary action will be given to public schools that hike tuition fees and that private schools charging in foreign currency face being de-registered.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Harare, Acting Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Amon Murwira said there would be no increment in tuition fees in all Government Schools. Measures would be taken if increments are noticed, he said.

“The Ministry would like to confirm that there will be no tuition fee increases in public schools. Provincial Education Directors, District Schools Inspectors and Heads of public schools should stand guided by the circular to the same effect, which has been dispatched to them. Anyone found transgressing this directive will face disciplinary action,” he said.

Professor Murwira also said Private schools charging in foreign currency risked being de-registered.

“Government has also learnt that some private schools are charging directly or indirectly in foreign currency. Responsible authorities of such schools are warned that they risk de-registration of such schools. The breaching cannot go unnoticed,” he said.

Government has put measures to curb unwarranted school fees hikes at a time when most if not all schools have hiked tuition fees beyond the reach of parents.