The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms and stationery wherever they find it cheaper in line with the specifications by the schools.
In a statement, Minister Torerayi Moyo said:
“The Ministry reiterates that parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms and stationery wherever they find it cheaper.
“Head of schools and responsible authorities are therefore, warned to abide by this directive and desist from making it mandatory for parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools.”
Minister Torerayi also warned that no school can withhold results.
“In line with secretary’s circular no.3 of 2019, no school should withhold results for Grade 7, O and A level candidates, while demanding outstanding arrears for fees and levies.
“The contract of undertaking public examinations in Zimbabwe is between ZIMSEC and the candidates while the obligation to pay fees and levies remains with the parents and guardians,” he said.
The minister reiterated on parental obligation on payment of fees and levies.
“Parents and guardians are obliged to pay approved school fees and levies as required by the school to meet its operational costs and overheads.
“No child must be sent away from school for non-payment of fees and levies.
“In that regard, the contractual agreement on payment of approved fees and levies remains with the parents or guardians and the school.”
