Govt Urges Parents to Pay School Fees Before Term Opens

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has urged parents and guardians to pay approved school fees and levies before schools reopen on Tuesday, September 8, saying timely payments are essential for the smooth running of schools.

In a statement issued on September 3 ahead of the start of the third term, the Ministry said parents and guardians remain responsible for settling approved fees and levies. “The Ministry appeals to parents and guardians to pay approved school fees and levies on or before the opening of schools to ensure the smooth running of school operations and the provision of essential educational services,” the Ministry said. “The obligation to pay approved fees and levies remains with parents and guardians.”

The Ministry said payments must comply with Zimbabwe’s fiscal and monetary laws and regulations. The appeal comes against the backdrop of growing arrears under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), with Government recently revealing that outstanding payments have risen to more than US$292 million.

Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mercy Dinha told Parliament that BEAM arrears had accumulated since 2023 because of limited fiscal space. BEAM supports vulnerable children by covering approved education-related costs, including school fees and levies, at participating schools.

Schools warned over uniforms and stationery

The Ministry also reminded parents and guardians that they are free to purchase school uniforms and stationery from suppliers of their choice, provided the items meet the specifications set by individual schools.

It warned school heads and responsible authorities against making it compulsory for parents to purchase uniforms and stationery directly from their schools. “Head of Schools and Responsible Authorities (whether Government or Non-Government) are therefore warned to abide by this directive and desist from making it mandatory for parents to purchase school uniforms and stationery exclusively at their schools,” the Ministry said.

The directive applies to both Government and non-Government schools. The Ministry's position means schools can specify requirements for uniforms and learning materials, but parents should not be restricted to purchasing those items from the school itself.

Third term begins September 8

The third term is one of the most important periods on Zimbabwe’s school calendar, particularly for learners sitting public examinations. Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 candidates will write their final public examinations during the term.

The Ministry’s call for parents to settle fees comes as schools prepare for the new term and seek to maintain essential operations, while the Government continues to grapple with outstanding BEAM obligations. Parents and guardians have therefore been urged to meet their approved financial obligations before the opening of schools, while schools have been reminded to comply with regulations governing the purchase of uniforms and stationery.

Zimbabwe school fees 2026