THE Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) has described as “irresponsible” government’s decision to hike this year’s public examination fees, saying the move stifled access to basic education for the majority of hard-pressed students.
BY PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI
Zimta spokesperson Daisy Zambuko yesterday said the increase in examination fees was tantamount to privatisation of education.
“Education is a basic public good that must not be made into a commodity through introduction of exorbitant exam fees in public schools,” Zambuko said.
“Yet, we know that the government should be the provider of last resort to education. It should guarantee the right to education for all by ensuring that favourable policies that promote access to education for all are in place.”
Government recently increased Zimbabwe School Examinations (Zimsec) “O” Level fees from $13 to $15 per subject. Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora last week announced that the government was planning to introduce Grade 7 examination fees.
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He said the increase in examination fees was meant to curb leakages of examination papers. Zambuko said the government should adhere to the provisions of the Constitution that provides for basic education as a right of every Zimbabwean.
“As Zimta, we are seriously concerned about this latest move by government. “We are worried as to who is advising Cabinet to make such decisions on behalf of the struggling population,” she said.