The Member of Parliament for Emakhandeni-Luveve, Descent Bajila, has stepped in to resolve a dispute at Mafakela Primary School in Old Luveve, Bulawayo, after allegations surfaced that learners were barred from writing end-of-term examinations over unpaid bus levies.
The controversy erupted last month when some parents reported that some pupils were excluded from mid-year tests despite having paid tuition, allegedly due to non-payment of a US$25 bus levy.
The matter sparked widespread public outcry, prompting the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to order the immediate reinstatement of the affected pupils. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro confirmed that denying learners access to exams over non-tuition fees contravenes the Constitution and the Education Act.
Speaking at a meeting held at the school on Wednesday, MP Bajila said the incident had been “blown out of proportion” and stemmed from a breakdown in communication between the school and parents.
“No child should ever be denied access to education because of outstanding levies,” Bajila said. “Education is a right, and we must make sure that learners are not punished for financial challenges at home.”
He clarified that while tuition and school development levies are compulsory, the bus levy is not. Going forward, all official information regarding fees and levies will come directly from the school administration and not through pupils or individual teachers.
To ease the financial burden on families, Bajila proposed a flexible payment plan of US$5 per week toward the US$60 termly school fees.
“This school holds a special place in my heart because of its performance. Mafakela has consistently posted strong pass rates in both Bulawayo Province and Khami District. We want that success to continue,” he said.
Mafakela Primary headmistress Mrs Siziba dismissed reports that students were officially banned from writing examinations. She said the viral claims had tarnished the school’s reputation and discouraged some secondary schools from admitting Mafakela learners.
“We never said pupils would be excluded from exams over the bus levy,” she said. “What was required was for parents to meet their obligations for other school development needs.”
The deputy head urged parents to pay fees on time and reminded them that the School Development Committee (SDC) funds essential services such as printing materials, which have been in short supply due to arrears.
She also briefed parents on curriculum changes, including the introduction of a heritage-based report book reflecting a new six-subject format. The new reports are optional.
“You can continue using the old reports if you wish,” she said. “No one is being forced to buy the new ones.”
Several parents spoke during the meeting, with one suggesting the school pursue legal action against habitual defaulters. Others emphasised community cooperation.
“This school is ours,” said one parent. “We must work together to ensure that all children have access to learning and that parents fulfil their responsibilities.”
A teacher also highlighted operational constraints, including a non-functional printer and lack of bond paper, noting that fee payments improved only after SMS reminders were sent to parents.
“Some parents only responded after receiving those messages,” the teacher said.
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