Authorities at Thekwane High School, a mission run institution in Plumtree, have courted the ire of parents following a hike in Lower Six fees to US$900 from around US$500.
Parents also expressed frustration at being forced to purchase uniforms from the school.
A fee breakdown on an invoice dated January 22, 2025, seen by Southern Eye on Sunday showed charges including tuition at US$30, boarding at US$307, and various levies such as the SDC Levy (US$94), Science Levy (US$60), and a Development Levy (US$75).
The uniforms alone account for US$244 of the total fees, while items such as hymn books and bibles are also listed, despite some parents claiming their children never receive them.
“The worry we have is that standards are declining, and arrogance is taking over,” one parent said
“Meetings are more like ambushes where you can’t say anything. Decisions, including fees, are made beforehand, and we are given no choice.”Another parent criticised the school’s lack of communication.
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“We were told to provide bond paper with no prior notice,” the parent said.
“They demand things at the last minute, like forms that needed photos and were sent in the evening. It’s exhausting.”
Parents also raised issues about how they are treated
“They speak to us as if we’re children. WhatsApp groups are closed for comments,” another parent said.
“A Lower Six group was opened, but was immediately locked for discussions. For US$900, the service doesn’t match the fees.”
Questions over the uniforms were particularly pointed.
“Why are we forced to buy uniforms worth US$244? Shirts and blouses don’t cost that much,” they complained.
“Some parents accused the school of being profit-driven.
“There seems to be a money-making scheme at Thekwane,” another parent said.
“The school development committee controls the supply of items like vegetables, and now uniforms must be bought from the school.
“It’s clear there’s someone benefiting from this system.”
Responding to the parents’ concerns, Thekwane High School principal, Bekithemba Phiri, defended the school’s policies.
“It’s not true that our bus fare to Plumtree is US$10. It is actually US$7, which is cheaper than the normal fare,” Phiri said.
“Similarly, while we sell uniforms, parents have never been forced to purchase them from the school.”
On the fees issue, he said: “As a mission school, our fees are approved by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and stand at US$560.
“ The US$900 figure being circulated is inaccurate.”
Phiri also dismissed allegations of poor communication and staff bias.
“We have effective communication systems,” Phiri said.
“Claims of tribalism due to Shona-speaking staff are unfounded and divisive.
“The Ministry of Education deploys teachers, and as a church, we uphold inclusivity.”
The parents insisted that more needs to be done to justify the fees hike and address their concerns.
“We need clarity on why the fees have nearly doubled overnight. Parents are not cash cows,” another parent added.
