H-Metro Reporter
THE Government has deferred day schools opening countrywide to Wednesday.
Initially, all schools were expected to open today.
Boarding schools, which had already received pupils, should proceed as normal.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, said:
“Reference is made to earlier communication of the deferment of opening of schools in Zimbabwe.
“Following further deliberations, the Government announced that schools opening for all day schools countrywide has been deferred to Wednesday, September 6.
“Boarding schools that had already received pupils should proceed as normal,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry has urged schools not to hike or demand fees payment in foreign currency,
Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms Kwadzanai Nyanungo, said the Government’s position was that schools should not unilaterally hike fees.
“The Ministry is concerned over reports that some parents and guardians are aggrieved by the fees and levy conditions that some schools are setting,” she said.
“It is the right of every parent to request proof of Government approval for the fees and levies at their child’s school.
“Specific queries should be channelled through toll-free lines 317 and 393.
“It is important to name the school, the district and share evidence.”
Nyanungo added that schools were bound by Government policy, with regards to the use of the local currency and reference to the prevailing official exchange rate.
“It is illegal to demand fees in foreign currency, and parents wishing to pay in foreign currency should receive receipts in that currency,” she said.
She said the Government has put in place measures to ensure the smooth opening of schools, which will culminate in the November public examinations.
“All provinces have taken stock of the strategic targets, key activities and practical arrangements to be made at the local level,” Nyanungo said.
“The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec)’s public examination calendar has been disseminated and the necessary preparations are in full swing, together with the moderation of the continuous assessment component for each level.”