A PRIMARY school in Old Luveve, Bulawayo, has courted the ire of parents after it barred students with outstanding fees from writing end of term examinations in violation of a directive from the Primary and Secondary Education ministry.
An urgent meeting was held at Mafakela Primary School as parents protested the move by school authorities to bar students from examination rooms.
The issue came to light last month when parents complained that some pupils had been excluded from mid-year tests despite having paid tuition fees, allegedly because they had not settled a US$25 bus levy.
The matter triggered a public outcry, leading the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to intervene and order the inclusion of the affected students.
The ministry said denying students access to examinations over non-tuition fees violated both the Constitution and the Education Act.
Addressing parents and school officials at a meeting at the school on Wednesday, Emakhandeni-Luveve lawmaker Discent Bajila said education was a fundamental right “. . . and no child should ever be denied learning opportunities due to unpaid levies”.
"While tuition and school development fees are mandatory, the bus levy is not,” he said.
“Moving forward, all official communication regarding fees must come directly from the school administration — not through pupils or individual teachers.”
Bajila proposed a structured payment plan allowing parents to pay US$5 weekly towards the US$60 school fees.
“This school has consistently achieved excellent results in Bulawayo province and Khami district,” the lawmaker said.
“We must protect its reputation and ensure all learners continue to thrive.”
At the meeting, school authorities refuted claims that students had been barred from examinations, stating that the misinformation had damaged the school’s standing.
“We never prohibited any child from writing examinations over the bus levy,” the school head, only identified as Mrs Siziba, said.
“Our expectation was simply for parents to meet their obligations regarding essential school development needs.”
She emphasised the importance of timely fees payment, explaining that School Development Committee funds support critical services such as printed materials, which have been affected by arrears.
Parents were briefed on upcoming changes, including the introduction of an optional Heritage-based report book featuring a new six-subject format.
Parents were divided over the arrears issue.
One suggested legal action against habitual fee defaulters, while others stressed the need for community collaboration.
“This school belongs to all of us,” one parent said.
“We must work together to support our children’s education while ensuring parents fulfil their responsibilities.”
With the matter resolved, Bajila urged transparency and co-operation between the school and parents to prevent misunderstanding.
The school administration reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education while encouraging timely fee payment to maintain smooth operations.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the clarified policies and payment flexibility will foster a more supportive environment for students and parents.
— additional reporting from CITE
