By A Correspondent

A heated debate is unfolding in Zimbabwe as school authorities push back against a government directive prohibiting schools from forcing parents to pay fees exclusively in foreign currency.

The directive, issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, aims to address concerns over foreign currency payments.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana clarified the government’s stance, stating that parents are free to pay fees in any currency of their choice, given Zimbabwe’s multi-currency regime.

However, school heads in Masvingo have expressed strong criticism, with one remarking that the directive is “misplaced” and will “trigger chaos.”

Another school head doubted the feasibility of the directive, calling it “practically impossible” .

The debate has spilled over onto social media, with some users voicing frustrations with the government’s stance. Critics argue that the government’s directive is unrealistic, given the country’s currency challenges.

For instance, Fumai Mufakose pointed out that “schools don’t run on political rhetoric, and boarding schools can’t feed students with a useless currency”.

The Zimbabwean government introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024, which is backed by a composite basket of foreign currency reserves and precious metals.

Despite this, many schools and parents prefer to use foreign currency for transactions, citing concerns over the local currency’s value.

As the debate continues, the government and school authorities must find common ground on managing school fees amidst the country’s ongoing currency challenges.