A school in Mutasa District is under investigation for allegedly compelling parents to purchase blazers exclusively sold by the school at a steep price of US$80.
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, described the pricing as unreasonable, remarking that the blazer costs more than the suit he was wearing during a media briefing held in Harare.
“My suit is less than US$80, yet it’s still presentable,” he pointed out, while speaking at a question-and-answer session hosted by the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services.
Minister Moyo emphasized that parents are not legally obligated to purchase uniforms directly from schools and encouraged them to report cases of exorbitant pricing. “Parents can buy uniforms from any retailer,” he stated.
Additionally, he warned educators against conducting unauthorized extra lessons on school grounds, declaring such activities illegal. “Teachers offering extra lessons or demanding fees for them must be reported to law enforcement or the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC),” he said, adding that violators will face strict penalties. He expressed concern that some students are neglected during regular lessons because teachers focus on those who pay for extra sessions.
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Minister Moyo also addressed allegations of corruption in teacher recruitment. He noted reports of recent graduates securing positions ahead of those who applied years earlier, sometimes due to bribes. “We are working to eliminate such practices and uphold transparency,” he assured.
Furthermore, the government is working to ensure timely disbursement of funds under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) to support vulnerable children. Minister Moyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education, highlighting efforts such as providing sunscreen and lotions for individuals with albinism and training teachers in sign language to cater to students with disabilities.
This aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind in accessing education.
