Outcry as Zimbabwe schools ordered to collect funds for independence regalia

GWERU – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government which has been promising free education to parents since 2018, has ordered Zimbabwean schools in the Gweru District, Midlands Province to collect a one-dollar levy from each student to fund regalia, food, and fuel for Independence Day celebrations in Nembudziya, according to a directive issued by the District Schools Inspector.

The directive, dated March 25, 2025, instructs school heads to deposit the collected funds into a BSPZ account.

The directive, addressed to the Provincial Education Director (PED) of Midlands Province, outlines that the funds are intended to cover costs associated with the participation of 205 students, 20 teachers, and 138 heads in the April 18th celebrations.

The matter has however drawn sharp criticism from the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), who allege that the Independence Day celebrations are being used for partisan political purposes.

ARTUZ condemned the mandatory levy, arguing that it places an undue financial burden on already struggling schools and parents. It also argued that the celebrations will be used as a launch-pad to push for the extension of Mnangagwa’s term of office.

The teachers’ association also highlighted the underfunding of Zimbabwean schools, citing Section 75 of the constitution, which mandates the government to provide state-funded basic education.

“Independence Celebrations are a partisan affair where the ruling party pursues private political interests,” ARTUZ stated.

“This year’s celebrations will mainly be dedicated to assaulting the constitution by pushing for an illegal term extension for Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“It is unethical and illegal for the government to force schools to fund the partisan junket dedicated to the violation of the constitution. Zimbabwe’s schools are severely underfunded because of government’s neglect.

“The parents are bearing the burden of funding education in violation of section 75 of the Constitution which mandates government to provide state funded basic education.

“It is cruel for Mnangagwa’s government to extract from the incapacitated schools. We urge school heads to refuse to participate in this illegality. We stand ready to defend our schools from abuse.”

Mnangagwa’s government has been promising free education to parents since 2018, a year after he grabbed power through a military coup. Nothing is yet to be delivered.