Staff Reporter
HARARE – The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has condemned a directive instructing schools in Shamva District to contribute funds to cover operational deficits at the District Schools Inspectorate (DSI) office, labeling the move as an illegal diversion of school fees.
In a communique seen by this publication, school heads were asked for contributions ranging from US$10 to US$300—based on enrollment—to address a “dire and bleak situation” at the district office.
The listed crises include a lack of water and airtime, unpaid employee salaries since October, and grounded vehicles due to unpaid ZINARA fees, requiring a total of US$16,000.
PTUZ President, Dr. Takavafira Zhou, lambasted the levy, arguing that parents’ fees are meant for school development, not to subsidize a government-funded district office.
“We are perturbed that parents’ hard-earned money is now diverted to run districts in a country with a functional government that allocates resources to the Ministry every year,” Zhou said.
“There is virtually no justification for such thuggery and thievery which must stop forthwith.”
He emphasized that the demand flouts standard procedures for transparency and authorization in the use of school funds.
Zhou called the agreement between the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH), and the DSI a “monument of injustice” that brings the Ministry and the Public Service Commission into disrepute.
“Taking money from schools meant for projects is diversion, illegal, and tantamount to taking money meant for development at a school and donating it,” he stressed.
Zhou also questioned who authorized the process, drawing parallels to the discontinued and controversial BSPZ contributions known for corruption.
The union has urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Public Service Commission to intervene immediately, provide retribution, and stop the practice.
PTUZ warned that such actions undermine accountability and place an unjust burden on schools and parents.
“It takes the silence of teachers for evil to triumph in the education system,” Zhou concluded, calling for heightened scrutiny and resistance against the directive.
Bradley 300
Bushu 150
Chavakadzi 150
Chemhondoro 150
Chidembo 300
Chihuri 300
Chindunduma1 300
Chindunduma 2 300
CZA 300
Gono 150
Jiti 300
Madziwa mine 300
Madziwa rural 300
Masimbe 150
Mhokore 150
Mupfure 150
Mupfurudzi 150
Mushowani 150
Mutumba 300
Nyamaropa 150
Nyamatsatse 150
Nyarukunda 300
Pfumvuti 150
Sanye 150
Shamva mine 300
Soma 150
Wadzanai 300
Mandimu 20
Zvitokwe 20
Masunzwe 10
Chiraramo 20
Zvomanyanga 150
May we attempt to make the payments by 6 February.
Thank you”
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