By Tendai Makaripe
Mbire Rural District Council has threatened to sue parents over unpaid school fees, drawing a backlash from a rural teachers’ union that says the move violates Zimbabwe’s constitutional right to basic education.
In a July 3 letter, Mbire Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Cloudious Majaya asked councillors to alert communities about the council resolution.
Majaya said the council had resolved to take legal action against parents who had failed to pay school fees for their children.
Council said it wanted to promote “compliance and fairness across all parents.”
Majaya said the council would initiate legal proceedings against parents who remain in arrears.
The letter did not state how much parents owe, how many families face legal action or which schools the arrears involve.
It also did not indicate whether the council had offered payment plans or exemptions for vulnerable households.
ARTUZ cites the Constitution
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe challenged the move and accused Mbire RDC of ignoring the State’s constitutional duty to fund basic education.
“Mbire Rural District Council is offside,” ARTUZ said in a statement.
“The State is obliged to provide State-funded education in sections 27(1)(a) and 75(1)(a) of the Constitution.”
Section 27 of the Constitution requires the State to take practical measures to promote free and compulsory basic education for children.
Section 75 gives every citizen and permanent resident the right to basic State-funded education.
ARTUZ said the government, not parents, must carry that responsibility.
“Parents must never be sued for a responsibility that should be shouldered by the State,” the union said.
Zimbabwe’s Education Act bars schools from excluding pupils over nonpayment of fees.
However, Mbire RDC did not threaten to remove learners from school in the letter.
Council instead targeted parents through possible debt recovery.
That distinction has widened debate over whether lawsuits against parents can still affect children’s access to education.
Parent backs payment call
Some members of the public backed the council and argued that parents must also support schools.
Parent Andile Khumalo said families should not leave education funding to the government alone.
“Parents must pay for their children,” Khumalo said in a Facebook comment.
“Government is doing a lot to support education.”
Khumalo said the government already supports the education sector by paying teachers.
“Teachers are paid monthly, which is a great hand for the education sector,” Khumalo said.
“Parents must understand and do their part.”
Khumalo added: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. Education inosimbiswa nevabereki vayo. Let’s say no to voices that stifle development.”
Funding debate widens
The dispute comes as many public schools depend on fees and levies for repairs, furniture, stationery, security, sports and other operating costs.
“Many rural parents also face pressure from low incomes, drought, unemployment and rising household costs,” said analyst Jethro Makumbe.
Mbire RDC did not say whether it will pursue all parents in arrears or only those it believes can pay but refuse to do so.
Council also did not explain what safeguards, if any, will apply to poor families whose children attend council schools.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has not publicly commented on the Mbire RDC letter.
A local school-fees collection notice has now opened a wider debate over school financing, parental obligations and the State’s constitutional duty to provide basic education.
