The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, has clarified that no school in Zimbabwe has the legal right to withhold ZIMSEC examination results because of unpaid school fees.
Addressing growing concerns from parents, Minister Moyo said the position of Government is clear and non-negotiable: examination results belong to the learner, not the school. Both public and private institutions are therefore prohibited from blocking access to results as a way of forcing parents to settle outstanding balances.
He acknowledged that some school authorities argue they need leverage to recover debts, but stressed that debt collection must follow lawful procedures. Schools are encouraged to engage parents through payment plans or civil recovery processes, rather than punishing learners.
The minister said withholding results unfairly affects learners, especially those from vulnerable families, by denying them opportunities to enrol at colleges, universities or secure employment. In some cases, he noted, learners’ futures can be delayed for months or even years.
Parents have been urged to know their rights and report any school that withholds results to district education offices for appropriate action. Such reports, he said, help the ministry enforce compliance and protect learners nationwide.
While reaffirming learners’ rights, Minister Moyo also encouraged parents with arrears to engage schools honestly and honour agreed payment arrangements. At the same time, schools were advised to strengthen financial management, improve transparency and communicate early with parents to avoid disputes.
The ministry said cooperation between Government, schools and parents is key to ensuring learners’ success, stressing that no child should lose opportunities because a school chooses to ignore the law.
