Govt Condemns Schools Withholding Grade 7 Results for Fees and Incentives
By Dorrothy Moyo | The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a stern warning to school heads illegally withholding Grade 7 result slips until parents pay outstanding fees, bus levies, and teacher incentives. This comes amid mounting frustration from parents, some of whom have settled all their dues, yet are still being denied access to their children’s results. The Government has vowed heavy penalties, including arrests, for those who defy the policy.
Parents’ Anguish and Unlawful Demands
Reports from several schools, including Greater Heights School in Waterfalls, Glen View 5 Primary School, and Pamushana Primary School in Mberengwa, have exposed school heads demanding payments before releasing results.
Mrs. Mukotekwa, a parent from Glen View 5 Primary, recounted her ordeal:
“I was told I needed to pay a US$40 bus levy before I could collect my child’s result slip. This demand came despite my child having already completed their studies at the school.”
Another parent from Greater Heights School expressed disbelief over being asked to pay fees after their child had completed exams. “It feels like extortion. We’ve paid everything required for the exams. Why must we keep paying for unrelated demands?”
Government’s Tough Stance
Ministry spokesperson Mr. Taungana Ndoro condemned these practices, emphasizing that schools are not authorized to withhold Zimsec results under any circumstances.
“Our policy clearly states that no school is permitted to withhold Zimsec results. The contractual agreement regarding examinations lies between the candidate and Zimsec, and by delivering the results, Zimsec has fulfilled its obligations,” said Mr. Ndoro.
He further warned schools engaging in this behavior:
“Schools that withhold results risk facing disciplinary action for their non-compliance. By denying candidates access to essential documents, school heads are limiting students’ opportunities to advance their education. This is not only illegal but also deeply unethical.”
Bribery for Form 1 Places
In addition to withholding results, some school heads are reportedly demanding bribes of up to US$500 for Form 1 placements. The Ministry has promised swift action against such corrupt practices, including arrests and imprisonment for offenders.
“Heads who are caught soliciting for bribes will face imprisonment as part of the Government’s commitment to combat corruption within the education system,” said Mr. Ndoro.
He stressed that such unethical behavior undermines trust in the educational system:
“The consequences of these actions extend beyond individual penalties; they help restore trust among parents and students in the system. Ensuring admissions are based on merit rather than financial transactions is essential for fostering fairness and equality in education.”
Parents Demand Accountability
Parents across the country have called for more robust enforcement of policies and accountability for rogue school heads. “We need to see tangible actions against those who exploit families and tarnish the integrity of our education system,” said one parent.
A Broken System in Need of Repair
The withholding of results and bribery allegations are symptomatic of deeper challenges in Zimbabwe’s education sector, where underfunding has led to the rise of informal charges like teacher incentives and bus levies. However, experts argue that such practices cannot excuse the blatant disregard for students’ rights.
“This is a gross violation of children’s rights and a betrayal of public trust. Schools are meant to empower, not exploit,” said an education activist.
As the Government takes a firm stand, the public will be watching closely to ensure that those exploiting the system are held accountable and that transparency is restored to the education sector.
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