Zvishavane residents are raising concerns over reports that a headmistress at Ngomeyebani Secondary School is denying students the opportunity to register for their Ordinary Level examinations due to outstanding school fees.
Several potential candidates have allegedly been turned away, despite the registration deadline fast approaching. The decision has sparked debate, with many questioning whether such actions are legally justified or aligned with government policy.
Parents and community members are now calling on the Ministry of Education, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to urgently intervene.
They argue that children should not be penalised for their parents’ financial difficulties and suggest that schools should allow students to register and withhold their results until fees are cleared.
This incident raises a broader question: Is it lawful for a school to prevent students from registering for national exams due to unpaid fees? The Ministry of Education has previously emphasised the importance of education for all children, and many believe alternative measures should be implemented to recover outstanding fees instead of jeopardising students’ futures.
