By A Correspondent

The Zimbabwean government and school authorities are at odds over a recent directive that schools should not compel parents to pay fees in foreign currency.

Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration issued the directive in an attempt to address the growing concern over foreign currency payments.

On Thursday morning, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana issued a statement clarifying the government’s position:

“No school should force any parent to pay fees or levies exclusively in foreign currency. Parents are free to pay in any currency of their choice, as Zimbabwe operates under a multi-currency regime.”

However, the directive has sparked backlash from school heads in Masvingo, with many expressing strong criticism. One school head remarked:

“The directive is misplaced as it will trigger chaos.”

Another school head also expressed doubts, stating:

“It’s practically impossible.”

The tension between the government and school authorities has ignited heated debate on social media. Some users voiced their frustrations with the government’s stance. For example, social media user B Maps responded:

“But you force citizens to pay in US dollars at toll gates or passport offices.”

Fumai Mufakose added:

“Payment in foreign currency is only a realistic act. Schools don’t run on political rhetoric, and boarding schools can’t feed students with a useless currency. Secretary @nickmangwana, your kids were paying hard currency—of all hard currencies, the British pound.”

In a similar vein, Leader General commented:

“Obviously, the failed regime is the one forcing us to pay exclusively in foreign currency. We have no local currency to even talk about. There’s no need to grandstand blaming schools, Nick.”

The debate continues to unfold as the government and school authorities struggle to find common ground on how best to manage school fees amidst the country’s ongoing currency challenges.