A NUMBER of government schools in Bulawayo are turning away learners over non-payment of tuition fees, disregarding a ministry directive against the practice.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) took to X on Wednesday challenging the government to intervene.
“Images of Entumbane High School pupils who were sent back home for not paying school fees earlier today (yesterday) which is against the law and right to education," BPRA posted.
BPRA secretary for Education Ben Moyo yesterday confirmed that his office has received several reports of schools sending away learners over outstanding fees.
Bulawayo United Resident Association chairperson, Winos Dube, said the right to education was being violated.
“We would suggest that the relevant schools and authorities consider this seriously because this should not affect the child,” Dube said.
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National Association of School Development Committees chairperson Max Mnkandla said turning away students over fees was unacceptable.
“The child is at school to learn and the parents are supposed to pay school fees,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said no child should be sent away over non-payment of fees.
“Schools are expected to exhaust all options for fee assistance without affecting the pupils’ constitutional right to education,” Ndoro said in an interview.
“We firmly believe that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
“The ministry is committed to ensuring that no child is denied this right due to circumstances beyond their control. Schools that violate this policy will face disciplinary measures.”
Meanwhile, people living with disabilities (PWDs) have also expressed concern over lack of schools catering for learners with special needs in the city.
A disability activist, who is also a legal expert, Mehluli Ndlovu, said there were few schools that catered for people with disabilities in Bulawayo.
PWDs official responsible for transport, Chilwell Dube, echoed similar sentiments.
“We hope the government can build more schools to cater for children with special needs,” he said.