Govt warns schools against rejecting payment of fees in ZiG

By Auther Chimbgwa

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has ordered schools across the country to accept payment of fees in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) and to adhere to the official exchange rate as pegged by the central bank.

In a statement issued Friday, ministry spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro warned school authorities not to demand payment of fees exclusively in foreign currency and warned authorities will be tough on those who do not comply.

“The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) remains legal tender for school 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,” Ndoro said.

The ministry official reiterated only the official rate should be used when accepting fee payments in local currency.

“…No other business entity (schools included) outside the interbank market should determine the exchange rate,” said Ndoro, while referring to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe directive on the exchange rate in March.

He added, “Unilateral rate-setting is prohibited, and violations will be escalated to monetary regulatory authorities.

The ministry has been forced to step in after schools have routinely rejected the ZiG, which is also resented by business entities in the country.

In instances when payments are made in ZiG, businesses use the black market rate in attempts to hedge their entities from its unstable exchange rate.

Ndoro also warned schools not to turn away pupils who would have failed to pay their fees while encouraging parents to play their part in meeting their obligations to pay.

“No pupil shall be excluded from classes, exams, or activities due to unpaid fees. Schools must collaborate with families to establish flexible payment plans,” Ndoro said.

Turning to purchase of uniforms and stationary at schools, Ndoro said parents were free to purchase uniforms and stationary where ever they find it cheaper for as long as the items sourced are in tandem with the specifications of schools.

“Head of Schools and Responsible Authorities (whether government or non-government) are therefore, warned to abide by this directive and desist from making it mandatory for parents to purchase school uniforms and stationary exclusively at their schools,” Ndoro said.

Schools reopen for Term Two on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and will close on Friday, 7 August 2025.