Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Parents of students at Masotsha High School in Magwegwe North, Bulawayo, are voicing their concerns and frustrations over a threat made by the headmistress, Uyapo Ndebele, to bar students from sitting for their exams due to unpaid school fees.
This situation has sparked protests among parents, who view the headmistress’s actions as intimidation.
In a message shared with parents via a WhatsApp group, Headmistress Ndebele expressed her disappointment regarding the outstanding fees and urged parents to settle their dues, including a borehole levy.
She stated, “Only those fully paid will write the exams,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the end-of-year examinations are scheduled to take place from November 18 to November 29.
The headmistress wrote,
“Good afternoon. REMINDER !! REMINDER!! May I remind you once again to pay your arrears and third-term fees + borehole levy before the start of the end-of-year examinations. The exams start from 18 November to 29 November. You have been given enough time to pay. Only those fully paid will write the exams. Lets pay fees for the the children so that they dont blame us tomorrow, “Asibhadaleni ifees badala abantwana babhale imihloliso, bengakhali ngani kusasa.” Honour your responsibilities as a parent, ngumlandu wakho ukufundisa umtwana,” said the Headmistress.
The message concluded, “No fees, no writing of exams. Those under BEAM must pay the borehole levy of US$10 before 18 November. Fundisa umtanakho and be responsible for their education. DISAPPOINTED Headmistress U. Ndebele.”
The message concluded with a stern reminder that without payment, students would not be allowed to participate in the exams.
Parents have reacted strongly to the headmistress’s ultimatum, questioning the legality and morality of such threats. One parent expressed their distress, asking,
“Is it allowed for a headmistress to threaten us like this?”
The sentiment among parents reflects a broader concern about the impact of financial pressures on their children’s education.
In response to the situation, Taungana Ndoro, the Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, reiterated the Ministry’s position against barring students from exams due to unpaid fees. This practice is considered a violation of national education policies, which aim to ensure that all students have access to education regardless of their financial circumstances.
The headmistress was not reachable for comment.
The ongoing protests by parents at Masotsha High School highlight the tension between financial obligations and educational access in Zimbabwe. As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of schools and the rights of students to receive an education without the threat of exclusion based on unpaid fees.
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