Public schools in Zimbabwe are legally allowed to recover unpaid school fees from defaulting parents, including through the attachment of property, but Governm...
Public schools in Zimbabwe are legally allowed to recover unpaid school fees from defaulting parents, including through the attachment of property, but Government says such action must only be used as a final option after all efforts to resolve the matter amicably have failed.
The position was outlined in the National Assembly on Wednesday by Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata while responding to concerns over the legality and ethics of debt recovery measures being used by some schools.
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Deputy Minister Gata said public schools operating through School Development Associations (SDAs) are legally recognised entities with the authority to manage finances, enter into agreements and pursue unpaid debts through lawful channels where necessary.
“At law every school in the country is run through a School Development Association (SDA),” she said.
“School Development Associations (SDAs) are legally constituted bodies with the capacity to enter into contracts, manage funds and, where necessary, enforce their rights through lawful means.”
She said this means schools are legally permitted to recover outstanding fees and levies from parents or guardians who fail to meet payment obligations, including engaging registered debt collectors where appropriate.
“In this regard, it is legally permissible for such entities to pursue the recovery of outstanding school fees and levies from parents or guardians who are in default, including through the engagement of registered and legally recognised debt collectors,” Gata said.
However, the Deputy Minister stressed that any debt recovery process must strictly comply with Zimbabwean laws governing debt collection and the protection of citizens’ rights.
She also warned schools against victimising learners during fee disputes, reiterating that schools are prohibited from sending pupils home because of unpaid fees.
Deputy Minister Gata said Government remains committed to the gradual expansion of State-funded education, although parental financial contributions continue to play a major role in supporting the operations of most public schools.
“From a moral standpoint, it is generally expected that parents and guardians take responsibility for supporting their children’s education, including honouring agreed school fees and levy obligations,” she said.
“This responsibility extends to adhering to payment plans that may be mutually agreed upon with schools.”
At the same time, she urged school authorities to approach the issue with fairness and sensitivity, particularly given the difficult economic conditions affecting many families across the country.
According to the Deputy Minister, schools should prioritise dialogue, flexible payment arrangements and internal resolution mechanisms before considering legal action or debt recovery procedures.
She said the use of debt collectors should only arise in cases involving substantial arrears and after all reasonable attempts to resolve the matter peacefully have been exhausted.
“In such limited instances, schools may, as a last resort, engage debt collectors or formal recovery mechanisms to recover monies lawfully owed to the institution,” she said.
Deputy Minister Gata added that the attachment of property would only happen through proper legal procedures and should remain an absolute last measure.
“Critically, such engagement must occur without sending learners home. The attachment of property would only be considered in accordance with due process of law and as an absolute final measure,” she said.
The remarks come amid growing concern among parents over rising school fees and the increasing financial pressure facing households as schools struggle to maintain operations and cover costs.
