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A teenager took her father to the Harare Magistrates Court to request financial support for her education. Heather Mabvira informed Magistrate Ayanda Dlamini that her father, Justin Mabvira, was refusing to contribute to her tuition fees. She requested a monthly sum of US$120 to cover additional lessons, stationary, and transportation expenses.
Heather stated that her father worked as a panel beater and she believed he should provide for her educational needs while she continues attending school. She said:
<blockquote>
He is a panel beater and I am applying that he provides for my extra educational needs because I am still going to school.
</blockquote>
Justin Mabvira defended himself by informing the court that he could only afford to pay US$30. He explained that he already had other children to support and considered Heather’s demand of US$120 to be excessive. Additionally, he mentioned that attending to various legal matters concerning Heather, her mother, and her siblings had caused him to miss work, putting his job at risk. He argued:
<blockquote>
I have other children whom I am taking care of and her US$120 claim is outrageous.
I almost lost a job recently for being absent at work attending to several cases from her, her mother and siblings.
</blockquote>
In response, Magistrate Dlamini ordered Justin Mabvira to pay US$30 towards his daughter’s educational expenses.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Teenager Takes Father To Court Over School Fees

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has engaged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to help fight the practice of charging fees for extra lessons by teachers.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/corruption-charges-for-teachers-demanding-extra-lessons-fee/">Sunday News</a>, the Ministry’s Director of Communication and Advocacy Taungana Ndoro said teachers who charge fees for extra lessons will be arrested for corruption. He said:
<blockquote>
With regard to extra lessons, the Ministry’s position remains clear. Paid extra lessons, particularly during the school term remain illegal and parents and guardians are advised not to continue feeding the beast by continuously paying for these extra lessons as they exacerbate the situation that we are currently facing.
This practise of paying for extra lessons is a chargeable offence and an act of misconduct.
It is criminal abuse of office and corruption basically which is why we are working together with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to curb this scourge.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that teachers charging for extra lessons are penalised. He said:
<blockquote>
We are also working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other authorities to try and combat this.
Parents and teachers should both be held liable under the law for aiding and abetting this form of corruption.
The Ministry has put in place platforms on social media where people can report such practise so that action is immediately taken in conjunction with the relevant authorities.
Parents can send reports to our WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter or even to our websites. You can even call our toll-free line, directly to our offices so that we can together tackle this scourge and ensure that all our learners continue to receive quality education and no one, and no place is left behind.
</blockquote>
He said parents who pay teachers for extra lessons are also at risk of facing corruption charges. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The idea of feeding the beast means that parents are complicit in aiding teachers that are demanding illicit payments for extra lessons and in most cases, these teachers end up not doing the job for which they are already paid for, for which they are already on a government salary, for which they are already on a responsible authority’s salary.
Therefore, these paid-for extra lessons remain illegal and banned.
</blockquote>
On 30 March, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education announced a ban on holiday lessons, saying learners needed time to rest.
The Ministry also argued that the 2023 school calendar was never interrupted by COVID-19 hence there was no need for schools and teachers to conduct extra lessons during this April holiday.
However, teachers across the country have defied the ban saying making learners pay for extra lessons is a way of supplementing their salaries.
Some high school boarding teachers are reportedly renting buildings in the central business district as well as churches to conduct extra lessons and charging US$10 per subject.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Extra Lessons: Teachers, Parents Face Corruption Charges - Govt

The Government has continued its crackdown on holiday extra lessons with several teachers arrested countrywide.
In late March the Government announced a ban on holiday lessons, saying learners needed time to rest.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education also argued that the 2023 school calendar was never interrupted by COVID-19 hence there was no need for schools and teachers to conduct extra lessons during this April holiday.
However, teachers are reportedly conducting private lessons in odd places such as bedrooms and church premises to evade authorities.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010418/teachers-defy-ban-on-extra-lessons">NewsDay</a> reported that a Chivhu district schools inspector, Emmanuel Kwenda, busted teachers who were conducting extra lessons at an Apostolic Faith Church premises last Friday.
In Marondera, four teachers were recently arrested by the police for conducting holiday lessons.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said extra lessons remained banned. He said:
<blockquote>
Those (teachers) that continue doing that will be sanctioned.
</blockquote>
However, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said the Government should pay teachers decent salaries.
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said:
<blockquote>
They (government) suppressed the formalised extra-lesson system and they promoted the clandestine system which is in full swing and thriving.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
The current crop of learners really needs extra lessons. Apart from being affected by COVID-19, the government is not paying teachers enough for them to do their best in school.
</blockquote>
While the government has declared that paid extra lessons were illegal, teachers are among the lowest-paid civil servants and extra lessons will most likely not go away any time soon as the impoverished educators try to make ends meet.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Arrested Over Extra Lessons

Schools and teachers across the country have defied a recent government ban on holiday lessons for learners.
On 30 March, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education announced a ban on holiday lessons, saying learners needed time to rest.
The Ministry also argued that the 2023 school calendar was never interrupted by COVID-19 hence there was no need for schools and teachers to conduct extra lessons during this April holiday.
One teacher who takes children for extra lessons in her Emganwini home in Bulawayo told <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/teachers-defy-government-ban-on-holiday-extra-lessons/">ZimLive</a> that she charged her primary school learners US$5 per week. The teacher said:
<blockquote>
Most of the students here are from my class at the school that I teach.
I charge a minimum fee for my services and this complements my monthly income.
The extra lessons also help students, especially those who are lagging behind in class to catch up.
</blockquote>
Some high school boarding teachers are reportedly renting buildings in the central business district to conduct extra lessons and charging US$10 per subject.
However, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is against the milking of parents by teachers through extra lessons.
ARTUZ spokesperson Thembakuye Moyo told ZimLive that despite the financial challenges faced by teachers, the union does not recommend extra lessons as a means of making money. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
As ARTUZ, we are a pro-poor union, a union that is biased towards the masses.
We have always been clear that teachers are paid by the government. No parent or guardian should pay a teacher for extra lessons.
Some of the reasons why teachers could be conducting extra lessons could be that they are hungry and at the same time, learners are performing badly.
Some teachers could genuinely be doing this as a means of trying to improve their students’ results.
</blockquote>
While the government has declared that paid extra lessons were illegal, teachers are among the lowest-paid civil servants and extra lessons will most likely not go away any time soon as the impoverished educators try to make ends meet.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Defy Govt As Paid Holiday Extra Lessons Continue Unabated

The Government has urged parents to report to authorities schools that are conducting extra lessons during the school holiday.
Some schools are reportedly conducting extra lessons despite the Ministry of Primary Secondary Education stating that learners should be allowed to rest during the April holiday.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-cracks-the-whip-on-extra-lessons/">Chronicle</a> reported Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Edgar Moyo as saying parents should work with the government to ensure that schools stop conducting extra lessons. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
The challenge is that some teachers are shortchanging learners during the school term so that parents can bring the children for extra lessons during the holidays.
Teachers should be able to cover the syllabus during the school term as now the school calendar has gone back to normal.
If parents shun these illegal extra lessons and demand that their children receive quality education during the term then there will be no need for extra lessons.
We need the buy-in from parents to ensure that children have access to quality education at our schools.
</blockquote>
About 10 days ago, the Ministry of Primary and secondary education, permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela issued a statement saying there will be no extra lessons over the school holidays as lessons were not interrupted during the term. She said:
<blockquote>
Please note that teaching and learning was not disrupted this term. We are still early in the year therefore, the vacation school for this April holiday is not authorized.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and there has been no relaxation of COVID-19 protocols.
Ministry remains on high alert on the pandemic and pupil safeguarding considerations should be upheld.
Pupils should be allowed a full rest this holiday. In the interim, pupils can be assigned holiday homework and asked to compile their Continuous Assessment Learning Activities, fully utilizing the available Alternative Learning Methods at their disposal, including the Learning Passport and the effective use of Catch-Up Materials: all available on our website, www. mopse.co.zw
This year, June examinations will be resuscitated and schools are encouraged to register only those candidates requiring a re-sit and not formal ones as they will still be working on their components of CALA.
On the same note, PEDs are reminded that Heads of Schools should remain on duty over the holidays to preside over administrative tasks including the registration of candidates for the 2023 examinations as guided by ZIMSEC.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Tells Parents To Shun Extra Lessons

The ministry of primary and secondary education has announced that there will be no extra lessons over the school holidays.
In a statement ministry of primary and secondary education, permanent secretary Mrs <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tumisang_Thabela">Tumisang Thabela</a> said the ministry came to the decision, as lessons were not interrupted during the term. The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/no-holiday-lessons-ministry/">Chronicle</a> cites Mrs Thabela as saying:
<blockquote>
This decision is informed by the fact that lessons have not been interrupted this term hence the need to give pupils time to rest. 
</blockquote>
Some schools in Zimbabwe have been offering extra lessons during school holidays to help students catch up or get ahead.
For years, there have been discussions and policies in Zimbabwe regarding the regulation of extra lessons. 
In 2019, the Zimbabwean government announced that they would be banning all forms of extra lessons and holiday schools, to promote equal opportunities and reduce the burden on parents to pay for additional education. 
Some schools and or teachers have, however, continued with extra lessons.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

No Extra Lessons Over School Holidays - Government

The Ministry of Secondary and Primary Education has said it will send a message that will be a deterrent to teachers conducting privately-paid extra lessons.
The Ministry said some teachers are not doing their work during normal learning hours to corruptly earn more income from desperate parents through extra lessons.
Mr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a>, the ministry’s spokesperson said the practice appeared to be particularly rife in Harare Metropolitan province where teachers were putting personal interests ahead of those of learners.
Under Government policy, teachers in the public system are forbidden to charge for extra lessons, although they may provide extra tuition for an entire class without extra pay.
Speaking during the second Integrity Icon Summit in Harare last Friday, Mr Ndoro said the government will send a message that will be a deterrent to teachers conducting extra lessons. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-acts-on-extra-lessons/">The Herald</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
The schools where you find issues of extra lessons are those schools in communities that are resourced but most of our schools are in the rural areas. In rural areas, it is nearly impossible to conduct paid-for extra lessons in places like Rushinga, Muzarabani, Gokwe, Nkayi, Bulilima and others. But go to the urban and metropolitan areas, Glen View, Highfield, Mabvuku, Mpopoma, Pumula, that’s where you start having this problem and we can count those number of schools. They are just a fraction so the integrity is still intact.
We want to send a clear message that makes it a deterrent for anyone to be unethical. There are a lot of teachers, some of whom have 15 to 20 years of experience right now, who would never take money for extra lessons before but are now also doing it because quite a number of their colleagues are doing it. They have also joined the bandwagon.
There are heads who were morally upright but because another head within their district is taking money for enrolment, they are also doing it. This is where we say we need deterrent prosecutions.
</blockquote>
Reports suggest that some teachers are demanding from US$5 to US$10 from each pupil for extra lessons and those who fail to pay are neglected during regular lessons.
Zimbabwean teachers are among the lowest-paid in the region. They argue that they conduct extra lessons to complement the “insufficient” salaries they get from the government.
They have been embarking on periodic protests to force the government to restore their pre-October 2018 salaries which were around US$540.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) last year said <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/29/charging-fees-for-extra-lessons-constitutes-corruption-zacc/">it is illegal for teachers to ask parents to pay fees for extra lessons</a> adding that the practice constitutes corruption.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt's Deterrent Message On Extra Lessons

The government has vowed to take action against teachers who mistreat learners whose parents would have failed to pay for extra lessons.
This comes after an unidentified parent in Norton, Mashonaland West Province, claimed that an ECD class taught by one Mrs. Chirombo was divided into groups of those who paid for extra lessons and those who didn’t.
It is alleged that Mrs. Chirombo only attends to paid-up pupils. The affected parent said:
<blockquote>
Those audios are for my child who is doing ECD at Norton 1 School. I don’t know what it means.
At first, I thought that she was joking, but now the child has reported this for the third time.
My heart is in pain. I don’t know what I should do but my heart is bleeding. I don’t know how best you can help me.
My child is in ECD B Diamond, taught by Madam Chirombo.
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006993/govt-zeroes-in-on-rogue-teachers">NewsDay</a> that relevant authorities will investigate the matter. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
Give us the names of schools, teachers and classes and we will deal with that immediately. If you can do that by Monday morning, our officials will be there.
We are now waiting for whistle-blowers to give us names of teachers who are engaging in those underhand and corrupt dealings.
We are waiting for people to give us information because sometimes we don’t have enough information as to who exactly is doing what.
We are going to bring sanity into the education sector by uprooting those rotten tomatoes that have been denying our learners their constitutional right to quality education.
The long arm of the law is going to catch up with those unscrupulous teachers and they will be dealt with in terms of the Code of Conduct and Prevention of Corruption Act.
</blockquote>
He said parents and guardians should forward the names of teachers and schools involved in such malpractices.
Educators Union of Zimbabwe president Tafadzwa Munodawafa said the government is to blame for the malpractice as teachers are underpaid. He said:
<blockquote>
Our union notes with concern the reported cases but we blame the government for negligence and being short-sighted.
We bemoan the decay of educational standards exhibited through classes between parents and teachers.
However, we attribute the blame to the government. By failing to pay teachers a living wage, the monster called extra lessons was created.
</blockquote>

Govt Warns Teachers Against Extra Lessons

ZANU PF has expressed concern over the deaths of pupils in schools, extra lessons, and the charging of exorbitant fees including some exclusively in foreign currency.
This is contained in the party’s Central Committee Report adopted at the 7th National People’s Congress which ended in Harare on Saturday.
ZANU PF’s Department of Education said action should be taken to address the mentioned issues. Reads in part the report seen by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/stern-warning-for-errant-schools/">The Herald</a>:
<blockquote>
Congress will recall that several cases of students deaths at boarding schools have been reported. It is the view of the Department that when students are at school, the headmaster and teachers are in loco parentis, and should take good care of students.
Counselling services should be widely and easily accessible at all schools. We urge Congress to take a definitive stance on this matter.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF also condemned the charging of exorbitant school fees saying those doing so deliberately destabilising the local currency. 
The party said parents had complained that the fees being demanded by some schools are too exorbitant.
The Department recommended the de-registration of non-compliant schools. 
ZANU PF also suggested that there were deliberate attempts by some teachers to sabotage the formal teaching framework by focusing on extra lessons. Read the report:
<blockquote>
Many teachers are not attending to students during normal working hours choosing instead to do it in extra lessons where a fee is charged. If this situation is left unchecked, we risk creating a black market for education.
Congress should therefore come up with a clear policy regarding the issue of extra lessons.
</blockquote>
The Central Committee Report said the Education Department also received reports of schools offering boarding facilities that have adopted the habit of demanding groceries over and above school fees. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZANU PF Says Extra Lessons Should Stop Or "Risk Creating A Black Market For Education"

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has given the green light to schools to conduct holiday lessons for examination classes but with some conditions.
In a circular sent to various “education stakeholders”, the ministry’s permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela said:
<blockquote>
Please note that vacation schools for candidates during this August school holiday should be held in compliance with the standard operating procedures for COVID-19.
This strategy should provide an opportunity for pupils to catch up with the syllabus demands in preparation for their summative examinations at the end of the year in view of the lost learning time experienced during long school closures.
Be reminded that the vacation school should be held for a maximum of 10 working days, being mindful of the fact that children have to rest.
… A zero budget principle should be implemented for the holiday sessions, budgeting for the activities only without any profit or less at the end of the session.
All forms of currency are acceptable as a form of payment at the prevailing interbank rate. Boarding fees to be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
</blockquote>
Schools were advised schools to apply for permission to run the vacation schools from their provincial education directors.
Thabela also urged remote schools to organise syllabus enrichment camps.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/government-green-lights-holiday-lessons-for-exam-classes/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Govt Okays Holiday Lessons For Exam Classes

The Government has reiterated that extra lessons during the holidays remain illegal even for classes that will sit for public examinations later in the year.
Director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Taungana Ndoro said the banning of holiday lessons this term is aimed at protecting learners and teachers from the novel coronavirus. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
We have noted a trend that these schools are trying to circumvent the system by coming up with fancy names for these extra lessons.
Some are terming them vacations, others are saying they are retreats, but what won’t change is that these remain as extra lessons and extra lessons remain illegal for this term.
Schools must stop misleading parents and pupils that they applied and got clearance from the Ministry.
That is not true and any school that conducts these extra lessons must be prepared to face the consequences. Even if they apply they will never get the clearance this term.
The danger with these holiday lessons is that there won’t be proper monitoring taking place at these schools to ensure adherence to the COVID-19 prevention protocol.
Hence they might expose both the learners and the teachers to this pandemic.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/holiday-lessons-remain-banned">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

No Holiday Lessons, Vacations, Retreats In Schools - Govt

Teachers’ unions say the move by the Government to ban holiday extra lessons will negatively affect the overall Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) pass rate.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro on Tuesday told NewsDay that the government had banned holiday extra lessons to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
However, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said extra lessons are not compulsory but are for the benefit of learners. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
Over the years, students have been performing very well in their exams owing to holiday lessons.
The blanket ban is unfortunate because extra lessons are not mandatory.
The ban is likely to have negative impacts on the overall ZIMSEC pass rate.
Teachers take pride in students passing and they offer holiday lessons for free.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said despite the ban, teachers will continue offering extra lessons to willing pupils. He said:
<blockquote>
Parents willingly send their children for extra lessons where they find teachers of repute to help them in their areas of need.
While the government has banned extra lessons, teachers will still clandestinely hold the extra lessons because they are being underpaid.
The issue of extra lessons only reflects the extent to which the teaching profession is under siege.
</blockquote>
Previously, schools would conduct holiday lessons usually for two weeks, allowing learners who would have fallen behind to catch up and also to cover areas of the syllabus that may have been left out during the term.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/extra-lesson-teachers-under-siege/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Holiday Lessons Ban May Affect ZIMSEC Pass Rate - Teachers

The Government has banned holiday extra lessons to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Previously, schools would conduct holiday lessons usually for two weeks, allowing learners who would have fallen behind to catch up and also to cover areas of the syllabus that may have been left out during the term.
However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has sent officials to schools to ensure that extra lessons are not being conducted during the holiday. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro, said:
<blockquote>
We can’t allow the holiday lesson where there will be no proper monitoring of pupils in school which could fuel the COVID-19 cases.
Government has put in place adequate measures to ensure that pupils who are behind on their syllabi due to whatever reasons catch up.
They have been given lots of homework that they will be working on during the holiday such that when schools open for the second term, they will be ready to go.
</blockquote>
Speaking to NewsDay, Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni, said:
<blockquote>
We have received reports from our members that some officials are already visiting schools to check if there were plans to hold extra lessons during the holidays.
However, in light of the prolonged impasse between the government, school heads and teachers, which saw pupils failing to attend lessons for over two weeks, it was prudent for government to allow pupils to attend extra holiday lessons if they deem it necessary.
Pupils need a lot of time to catch up after they lost it to the strike but unfortunately, government has banned holiday lessons, which disadvantages the learners.
</blockquote>
The first term only commenced in February, almost a month after the original date due to rising COVID-19 cases. Thereafter, teachers embarked on a strike which further prejudiced learners of precious learning time.
The 2022 first term ended on Thursday, 07 April, and the second term is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 3 May.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/extra-lesson-teachers-under-siege/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt Bans Holiday Lessons

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated that it is illegal for schools and teachers to demand incentives from parents and guardians in order to teach their children.
This follows reports suggesting that teachers in many schools across the country are demanding additional fees per child a month to offer extra lessons.
Director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Taungana Ndoro on Thursday said parents should not pay the incentives demanded by teachers. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
Incentives were outlawed a long time ago. No school should charge parents additional funds over and above what has been authorised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as agreed upon by the Parental Assembly.
Collection of such fees is illegal and teaching should be optimum in schools for all learners to derive benefit from the time they are in school with their teachers, supplemented by homework that is given them.
Teachers are already on a salary and therefore, parents should not give them incentives whenever they are asked to. Parents don’t take care of teachers and thus they must not pay them.
Parents should work together with us because as much as we are working on stopping this, some are going behind our backs and giving incentives still.
</blockquote>
Some teachers are reportedly asking parents and guardians to pay a fee of US$10 for their children in Grade 7 to be able to afford data and conduct lessons even during the weekend.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/extra-lessons-incentives-remain-illegal/">Chronicle</a></h4>

'Extra Lessons, Incentives Remain Illegal'

Some teachers who are reporting for duty in Manicaland’s public schools are reportedly charging US$1 per day for afternoon extra lessons that are being conducted in the classrooms.
Primary school teachers allegedly ask pupils to bring a dollar every day for afternoon in-class extra lessons when serious learning takes place.
In secondary schools, the teachers are reportedly providing extra lessons at home at an average weekly fee of US$2.50 per student in each subject.
The majority of teachers boycotted classes when schools opened for the 2022 second term on 7 February, demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 lessons when they were paid US$540 per month.
Speaking to The Manica Post, Acting Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Richard Gabaza said teachers’ attendance has improved across the province.
On the issue of extra lessons being conducted at schools, Gabaza said he was yet to receive formal reports. He said:
<blockquote>
Generally, teacher attendance has greatly improved since the start of the week. We will continue monitoring the situation on the ground as we do not want the students to be disadvantaged.
We have not yet received reports of extra lessons being conducted by the teachers.
It is a cause for concern if indeed it is happening. We will get on the ground and investigate that.
It is unacceptable and once the culprits are caught, they will certainly face the music.
We strongly discourage overburdening our parents and guardians by making them pay extra money on top of what is charged by the school.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/teachers-embark-on-in-class-extra-lessons/">The Manica Post</a></h4>

Teachers Resort To In-class Extra Lessons

Most of Zimbabwe’s primary and secondary school teachers are cashing in on the indefinite closure of schools by offering online tutorials for learners desperate to prepare for the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations.
Formal face-to-face classes were supposed to resume on 28 June before the government postponed the dates indefinitely.
This has proved a boon to underpaid teachers who have set up private online classes targeting pupils from both their schools and elsewhere.
Teachers are reportedly charging an average of US$15 per month for primary school students, US$10 per subject for Ordinary Level students and US$15 per subject for Advanced Level learners.
A Harare-based teacher who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com said the coronavirus is proving to be a blessing in disguise. He said:
<blockquote>While COVID-19 has affected our lives, it has brought with it some good fortune. Online classes are raking in good money for me. I teach Advanced Level Chemistry and my online class has 27 students.
Pupils refer their colleagues to me because they know I am good at what I do and the fact that I am a ZIMSEC certified Chemistry examinations marker works in my favour.</blockquote>
Another primary school teacher told the publication that parents are desperate for their children to acquire the best education and were willing to pay in US dollars. She said:
<blockquote>I charge US$10 per child per month for my online Grade Seven class of 32 students. I will continue with these lessons even when the government gives the nod for schools to reopen because I am getting way more than my salary from these lessons.</blockquote>
A senior teacher in Zimbabwe is getting a salary of $22 000 which fetches around US$169 on the black market.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) recently said an average family of six in Zimbabwe requires $40 680 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/teachers-cash-in-on-private-online-lessons-as-covid-keeps-schools-closed/">NewZimbabwe</a></h4>

Teachers Cash In On Online Extra Lessons

The National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH), has appealed to the government to allow schools to conduct holiday lessons.
This comes after the government banned holiday lessons this current school holiday as a measure to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Schools have been encouraged to offer blended education programming through open distance and e-learning (ODeL) strategies.
But NASH president Aurthur Maphosa told Manica Post that the majority of pupils have no access to internet services, radio and television stations, thus making it impossible for them to access online teaching materials. Said Maphosa:
<blockquote>We appeal to the ministry to reconsider its position on the cancellation of holiday lessons.
Schools look at holiday lessons as an important component of the catch-up programme.
The alternative methods encouraged by the ministry (e-learning) are suitable in environments with internet services, radio and television stations, yet a huge number of our institutions are not capacitated with these.
These Grade Sevens, Form Fours and Upper Sixes did not learn much in 2020, they really need so many face-to-face tutorials with their teachers.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union (ZRTU) president, Martin Chaburumunda, also said the March 2020 lockdown reduced instructional and learning time, thereby affecting students’ performance.
Ashirai Mawere, the School Development Committee (SDC) chairman for Mt Selinda High School, said pupils have a lot of work to be covered, hence the need for more learning time.
Teachers have been accused of neglecting their main duties to capitalise on holiday lessons and also victimising students whose guardians could not pay for the extra lessons.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/teachers-defy-holiday-lessons-ban/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

NASH Urges Govt To Lift Ban On Holiday Lessons

Teachers and parents have continued to defy a ban on holidays lessons by the government as classrooms have mushroomed in beer halls, churches, houses and private colleges.
The government banned holiday lessons as a measure to halt the spread of the coronavirus but parents and guardians argue that the lessons will improve their children’s understanding of key concepts.
Some parents in Mutare, Rusape, Chipinge, Buhera and Nyanga are even offering space in their homes for the tutors.
Meanwhile, Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Edward Shumba said the practice is illegal. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>It is not okay for people to meet in their houses to conduct lessons. It is unfortunate we have no authority over what happens in people’s houses.
However, if holiday lessons are being conducted in schools and private colleges registered under the ministry, these cases should be reported to the ministry for action to be taken.
If people are meeting at homes or privately owned properties for the purpose of delivering lessons, they can be reported to the police.</blockquote>
Shumba said all school heads and teachers in Manicaland are aware that conducting holiday lessons is illegal and those defying lockdown regulations can be reported to the police. He said:
<blockquote>They are aware of it and we have effectively enforced the ban at all schools. Teachers conducting lessons at home are breaking the lockdown regulations and can be reported to the police.
They are doing it at their own peril and if they get arrested, they will be charged for bringing the name of the ministry into disrepute.</blockquote>
Zimbabwean teachers are some of the most underpaid government employees as they earn far much less than soldiers, police officers and prison guards.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/teachers-defy-holiday-lessons-ban/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

Teachers Defy Holiday Lessons Ban

Various teachers’ unions have implored their members to stop conducting extra lessons, saying it is the government’s responsibility to pay teachers and not parents and guardians who cannot afford the fees being charged.
Reports indicate that some teachers have established makeshift schools at their homes, where they charge between US$5 and US$10 per subject for secondary school pupils and up to US$5 for primary school learners per month.
Teachers are currently reporting for duty for only two days per week, citing incapacitation after the government refused to meet their salary demands.
Zimbabwe Teachers Union (ZTU) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera told NewsDay that extra lessons robbed parents of their hard-earned cash as there was no control over what the teachers charged for services outside the normal system.
Zimbabwe National Teachers Union (ZNTU) chief executive Manuel Nyawo said teachers should not put the salary burden on parents who are not their employer but should direct their umbrage towards the government. He said:
<blockquote>Let us refuse to be paid by parents who are not the employer, and let us direct our shots to the employer.
By accepting or demanding incentive bribes, we are sanitising a wrong which also gives a wrong impression of the situation in schools.</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe concurred with his colleagues. He said:
<blockquote>We don’t encourage our members to conduct extra lessons and demand cash because the practice gives parents an unnecessary burden.
But we must not ignore the fact that if teachers were not conducting extra lessons last year, the pass rates we are talking about would have been reduced to single digits.
However, conducting extra lessons spoils the struggle for a real wage as those in the elite schools opt for the quick money and abandon the broader struggle.</blockquote>
The government banned teachers from conducting extra lessons several years ago and has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against teachers who charge for extra lessons.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/05/teachers-unions-ban-extra-lessons/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Teachers Unions Ban Extra Lessons

It is not government policy for teachers to demand money for extra lessons from parents, a Cabinet minister has said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told Parliament last week that it is criminal for teachers to demand payment for extra lessons.
Responding to a question from Senator Omega Sipani-Hungwe in the Senate on Thursday, Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>The other issue of teachers demanding money for extra lessons, I think this is now a criminal activity because that is not allowed. This is not their mandate and not what they are supposed to be doing.
We can never deprive children of the opportunity to learn, then we have teachers who do not teach — that is unacceptable because our children are supposed to be learning.</blockquote>
Minister Mutsvangwa, speaking in her capacity as Leader of Governemnt business in the Senate, added:
<blockquote>If there are teachers who are getting into class and not doing anything, I am sure that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has inspectors amongst them.
I think it is a report that should be brought forward so that such characters are dealt with.
We expect those who are supposed to teach to teach.</blockquote>
Reports indicate that the poorly-paid teachers are demanding between US$10 to US$20 per learner for extra lessons.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/teachers-warned-over-forced-extra-lessons" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Govt Warns Teachers Over Forced Extra Lessons

Teachers have been warned against conducting physical extra lesson as this is in violation of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications, Taungana Ndoro, said only online lessons are permitted and teachers who violate the coronavirus containment regulations by conducting face to face lessons will be prosecuted. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>We are clear when it comes to the issue of extra lessons. We have made it clear that only online lessons have been permitted.
Physical lessons, where teachers gather pupils at some location are illegal as there will be no mechanism to monitor adherence to guidelines so that they do not become spreaders of this pandemic.
Therefore, teachers who are conducting these lessons are liable for prosecution for defying COVID-19 lockdown regulations.</blockquote>
Ndoro added that teachers should be responsible and avoid greediness which will only expose their pupils to the deadly coronavirus. He said:
<blockquote>Our call, therefore, is for the teachers to be responsible and not be pushed by greed to conduct these physical lessons, while at the same time exposing themselves and their pupils to the pandemic.</blockquote>
Some teachers countrywide have resorted to offering extra lesson services to pupils to augment their salaries which are now a fraction of their pre-October 2018 earnings.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/teachers-warned-on-private-lessons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Teachers Warned On Face To Face Extra Lessons

In a very unfortunate turn of events, extra lessons students who were learning at their teacher’s house will rue the day they decided to gossip about their teacher’s love affair with his neighbor while his wife was listening in on their conversation after their conversation led to their teacher’s wife assaulting the alleged mistress, The Chronicle reports.
The matter came to light in court where a nurse at UBH Precious Sibanda-Makowe (36) stood accused of assaulting her husband’s mistress Pretty Moyo (32) who both reside at the same compound at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport compound.
Sibanda-Makowe pleaded guilt to the charges of assault and said she committed the offense out of anger after she got home only to find the extra lessons students discussing the affair between her husband and his mistress who reside at the same compound. She said she confronted Moyo and she confirmed the affair between the 2.
It is the state’s case that:
<blockquote>On 2 October 2020 around 1645 hours at M 18 JMN Airport compound, the accused person approached the complainant at her place of residence. She enquired if she was having an affair with her husband.
A misunderstanding ensued and the accused person picked up an empty soft drink bottle and hit the complainant on the face before punching her with clenched fists on the face. The complainant sustained a swollen left eye, bruises on the lower lid of the left eye and forehead.</blockquote>
Sibanda Makowe was jailed for 30 days and given an option to pay $1000 for her offense. Leaners have been out of school since 24 March 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, when schools reopened on 28 September, teachers are on strike as they are citing incapacitation which has forced many parents to opt for the extra lessons route.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/pupils-expose-teachers-affair/">Chronicle </a>

Gossiping Extra Lessons Students Wreck Teacher's Home In Bulawayo

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)</a> has said it is working on a Statutory Instrument that criminalises conducting extra lessons for a fee by schools.
This was said by ZACC Ethics and Public Education manager Munyaradzi Magiga who was speaking on the sidelines of the national anti-corruption strategy validation workshop in Bulawayo on Monday. He said:
<blockquote>We are working with the education ministry to ensure the Statutory Instrument that makes it illegal to charge a fee for extra lessons is in place.
Conducting extra lessons was declared illegal in 2017 and this Statutory Instrument we are working on will make it easier for us as the investigators to assist the ministry.
This is actually a nationwide problem and we are planning a nationwide campaign to educate parents and guardians to guard against being fleeced by teachers demanding payment for an extra lesson.</blockquote>
Some schools are reportedly charging at least US$12 a month per pupil and at some schools, 70 per cent of the money goes to the teacher and 30 per cent to the administration.
ZACC has since ordered six schools in Harare that have received payment in foreign currency to reimburse the parents or guardians.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-crafts-law-to-criminalise-extra-lessons-zacc-probes-forex-schools/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZACC Crafting Law To Criminalize Charging A Fee For Extra Lessons

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)</a> has ordered six schools located in Harare to stop demanding payment in foreign currency for extra lessons and to reimburse the parents or guardians.
The anti-graft body said charging forex for extra lessons is illegal because in Zimbabwe the education system is not paid for in forex. ZACC Ethics and Public Education manager Munyaradzi Magiga said:
<blockquote>We have received many reports, some coming through the media, our website as well as individuals coming to our offices. They have been complaining that teachers are charging in forex for extra lessons.
What the teachers are doing is that they charge at least US$12 a month per pupil. At some schools, 70 per cent of the money goes to the teacher and 30 per cent to the administration.
We have, working together with the provincial education director and the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Primary_and_Secondary_Education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education</a>, ordered teachers from six schools in Harare to reimburse parents who have been paying forex for extra lessons.</blockquote>
Magiga added that ZACC has instructed authorities at the six schools to ensure that parents sign documents confirming that they have been given their money back.
Teachers who fail to comply with the directive will be prosecuted, Magiga said.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-crafts-law-to-criminalise-extra-lessons-zacc-probes-forex-schools/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZACC Speaks On Schools Charging Forex For Extra Lessons

The government has given in to pressure for teacher unions to reverse its decision compelling schools in Matabeleland North Province to hold vacation school during the April and August school holidays this year.
The decision had been made for schools that failed to attain at least 30% pass rate in ZIMSEC examinatiions.
In a circular dated 8 April 2019, addressed to schools in the province, Ministry of Education officials said that the plans have been shelved for this year. The circular reads as follows:
<blockquote>AMMENDMENT OF THE PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION ON VACATION SCHOOLS: MATABELELAND NORTH PROVINCE
This serves to correct the previous communication on the 2019 April and August vacation schools during during holidays.
The issue of Grade 5,6, Form 3 and L6 has been shelved for this year as it is a new phenomenon, pending discussions on it by all stakeholders on the way forward for future.
However, only Grade 7, Form 4 and U6 can attend the vacation school if the school can afford to hold it, and for the number of days which the school has planned for, not necessarily the 10 days.
The province is encouraging schools to engage their stakeholders and hold the vacation school towards improving their results and eradicating the 0% pass rate. No school is forced to hold the vacation school.</blockquote>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-89471 size-full" decoding="async" height="1008" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mat-North.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mat-North.jpg 756w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mat-North-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mat-North-600x800.jpg 600w" width="756"/>
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Govt Reverses Directive To Mat North Schools

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Professor Paul Mavima has warned teachers again that it is illegal to offer extra lessons to pupils for a fee.
Said Mavima:
<blockquote>The issue of extra lessons had two problems. The first one was to unequalise the civil service. Imagine if you went to social welfare and you were asked to pay extra for receiving the service that the social welfare officer is supposed to grant you. Would that be okay? Extra lessons also had a problem where one cannot have rational civil service with extra lessons. What if teachers then do not teach during the normal time waiting for parents to pay something in order to receive a service that you were supposed to receive from Government anyway? So the issue of extra lessons had serious problems. It would affect the motivation of the teacher to teach during normal working hours and it disequalised the civil service.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/illegal-to-offer-extra-lessons-for-a-fee-govt/">Herald</a>

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