Colleges’ demand for exclusive US Dollar fees condemned
Providence Moyo
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) and the Female Students Network Trust (FSNT) have condemned several tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe for demanding exclusive fees in United States Dollars (USDs).
Such institutions are in defiance of a law that authorisess payments in both local currency and foreign currency. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern that this practice widens the gap between wealthy and poor students and increases the financial burden on parents and guardians who earn in ZWL. They emphasized that education is a right and should not be commodified.
“We condemn the practice of foreign currency prioritization over the local currency which has created a financial burden for students and parents who are unemployed or earning in the depreciating ZWL. This unwelcome practice by such tertiary institutions continues to widen the inequality gap between the rich and poor thereby disenfranchising the marginalized and vulnerable students of their right to education. We are fully aware that Education is a right and it should never be commodified as envisaged in sections 27 and 75 of the constitution.”
The organizations pointed to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development’s directive, which permits the use of local currency for fee payments at the prevailing interbank rate.
However, they noted several institutions, including the Bulawayo Polytechnic, Great Zimbabwe University, and Midlands State University, are disregarding this directive and demanding a portion of fees in foreign currency.
Furthermore, the statement raised concerns about reports of discrimination at institutions like Belvedere Technical Teachers College, where students who paid fees in local currency were denied accommodation and asked to pay an additional fee in USD to secure housing.
The organizations emphasized the importance of upholding multi-currency systems and complying with ministerial guidelines to ensure inclusivity and affordability for all students. They called upon the institutions to adhere to the legal framework and allow payments in local currency.
