Zimbabwe Government Says Schools Can Legally Attach Property Over Unpaid Fees

The Government of Zimbabwe says State-run schools are legally allowed to pursue debt recovery and attach property from parents who default on school fees, although authorities insist such action should only be used as an “absolute last resort”. Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata explained the Government’s position in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to concerns over the legality and ethics of schools using debt collectors against parents.

According to Gata, schools are encouraged to prioritise dialogue, flexible payment plans, and negotiated settlements before considering legal action. She said schools must first exhaust all internal remedies and make genuine efforts to reach agreements with parents or guardians facing financial difficulties.

“At law, every school in the country is run through a School Development Association,” Gata told Parliament.

She explained that School Development Associations (SDAs) are legally recognised entities empowered to manage finances, enter into agreements, and recover debts where necessary.

“School Development Associations are legally constituted bodies with the capacity to enter into contracts, manage funds, and, where necessary, enforce their rights through lawful means,” she said.

“In this regard, it is legally permissible for such entities to pursue the recovery of outstanding school fees and levies from parents or guardians who are in default, including through the engagement of registered and legally recognised debt collectors.”

However, Gata stressed that any debt recovery process must comply fully with Zimbabwean law and respect citizens’ rights.

“Where such actions are undertaken, they must strictly comply with the laws of Zimbabwe governing debt recovery, contractual obligations and the protection of citizens’ rights,” she added.

The Deputy Minister also urged schools to act with fairness and sensitivity, given the country’s economic challenges and the financial pressures many families face.

“From a moral standpoint, it is generally expected that parents and guardians take responsibility for supporting their children’s education, including honouring agreed school fees and levy obligations,” she said.

“At the same time, schools and their governing bodies are encouraged to exercise fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity in handling cases of non-payment, taking into account the socio-economic circumstances of families and promoting dialogue and flexible arrangements where possible.”

Gata acknowledged that some schools experience large arrears that can affect operations, making debt recovery necessary in limited circumstances. Even so, she said debt collectors and formal legal processes should only be used after all reasonable efforts have failed.

Importantly, the Deputy Minister emphasised that schools are not permitted to punish or victimise learners because of their parents’ debts.

She reiterated that learners must not be sent home over unpaid fees and said property attachment can only happen through proper legal procedures authorised by the courts.

“This step must remain an absolute last measure,” she said.

The issue of school fees and debt recovery continues to generate debate in Zimbabwe as many families struggle with rising education costs amid ongoing economic pressures.

Zimbabwe school fees