The Government has affirmed that universities and polytechnics are obligated to accept fee payments in both local and foreign currencies
The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development has affirmed that universitie and polytechnics are obligated to accept fee payments in both local and foreign currencies, in accordance with the country’s laws regarding the multi-currency regime.
Simelisizwe Sibanda emphasized during an interview that no currency should be refused by universities.
He reiterated the Ministry’s stance that all currencies must be accepted for university fees, as stipulated by government policy within the multi-currency framework.
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Sibanda expressed regret over the escalation of disputes to legal proceedings, which could have been resolved through dialogue between universities and student representatives, saving students from unnecessary legal expenses.
To assist students who face financial constraints, the government has implemented a work-for-fees program, aligning with the President’s commitment to inclusive education.
Students unable to afford fees are encouraged to engage with their universities to access this support system.
The government is committed to ensuring access to education for all students while maintaining conducive environments for quality education in universities, crucial for national development.
Recently, the High Court intervened by prohibiting Midlands State University (MSU) from mandating fees exclusively in United States dollars. Instead, the court mandated the university to offer students the option to pay in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
This ruling came in response to an urgent application by three MSU students pursuing a Masters in Business Administration, seeking permission to pay the US dollar component of their fees in local currency, in accordance with the prevailing interbank rate.
