Hillside Teachers’ College in Bulawayo, has with immediate effect reviewed fees the third term, a development that will see those staying on campus topping up with almost ZW$ 1300 from the ZW$735 they initially paid last month.
In a circular sent to students, dated October 7 and signed by the college’s principal, Linda Sibindi, the college announced the reviewing of amenities, medical levy and catering fees.
Amenities fee has been adjusted from ZW$50 to ZW$850, medical levy from ZW$10 to ZW$50 and catering fees from ZW$450 to ZW$500.
“All students are expected to pay a top-up of ZWL 840 towards amenities and medical levy while those in residence have an additional ZWL440 bringing the total for resident students to ZWL 1 280 and ZWL 840 for non-resident students,” read the circular.
Students at the institution of higher learning told CITE they had an urgent meeting with the principal who informed them of the new changes and advised them to pay the required money.
They said those in residence were given an ultimatum to pay not later than this Friday, October 12 or opt-out.
This comes at a time when final years are sitting for their examinations.
The college’s Student Representative Council (SRC) president, Hurry Mudenda, could not be reached for comment as his phone went answered.
However, the institution’s principal could neither confirm nor deny the fees review.
“I am not allowed to be the public relations officer for the Ministry (Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education) on such issues,” said Sibindi.
Owing to the weakening of the local currency and the hiking of prices of basic commodities, colleges and universities are left with no option but to adjust their fees as well.
Just recently Solusi University in Matabeleland South also hiked fees by 400 percent.
