Controversy Erupts Over Kuwadzana School’s Fee-Based Class Separation A recent decision by Kuwadzana No. 1 Council Primary School to separate pupils based on fee payment has sparked heated debate among parents and educators. According to a letter dated May 15, 2025, the school is dividing pupils into two categories: those who have paid their US$40 fees and those who have not.
The school’s headmaster, F. Chifamba, explained that pupils who have paid fees will remain with their teachers in their respective classes, while those who haven’t paid will be separated. “Vana vachaiswa muma Class nokubhadhara kwavakaita mari yechikoro,” he said. The school has offered parents the option to pay half the amount (US$20) and clear the rest before the end of May.
Many parents have expressed outrage on social media, accusing the school of practicing discrimination. One user, @mehlulisizwe, tweeted, “Where is Inclusive Education here!! This is discrimination. I think Zim teachers need to realize that learners’ best interests must be the starting point of every decision made about them.” Another user, @Vegula_wacho, wrote, “Poor decision from the Headmaster, this will affect the pupils at most (stigmatisation). Why not engage the parents directly and constructively?” However, some users, like @maras_nuel, backed the school, saying, “But how can you stay in Harare and still fail to pay like $40 school fees? Ko vari kumusha vozodii…”
Interestingly, this decision comes barely a day after the government warned schools against excluding learners over unpaid fees. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo emphasized that “it is illegal for schools to chase away pupils. As a government, we will decisively deal with school heads who violate learners’ rights.” He advised schools to explore alternative income-generating ideas, saying, “Schools should be creative and come up with ideas that create extra income to cover expenses.”
While the school isn’t sending pupils home, the class separation raises concerns about inclusion and equal access to education. The Ministry’s response to this situation will be crucial in determining the future of this policy. As the debate continues, it’s clear that the education system in Zimbabwe faces challenges in addressing unpaid fees while ensuring all pupils have access to quality education.
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