Government has clarified that public schools are permitted by law to recover unpaid school fees from parents who default, including through the attachment of property, although such action should only be taken after all other avenues have failed.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata said schools must first pursue dialogue and negotiated payment arrangements before resorting to legal recovery measures.

She explained that every school operates through a School Development Association (SDA), which is a legally recognised body empowered to manage finances, enter into agreements and, where necessary, recover debts owed to the institution.

According to the deputy minister, SDAs are allowed to engage registered debt collectors to recover outstanding fees and levies from parents or guardians who fail to pay. However, she stressed that any collection process must comply with Zimbabwean laws and respect the rights of citizens.

Gata also warned schools against punishing learners because of unpaid fees, saying pupils should never be sent home over non-payment.

She noted that although Government is working towards gradually expanding State-funded education, schools still rely heavily on contributions from parents and guardians to operate effectively.

The deputy minister said parents have both a moral and practical responsibility to support their children’s education by paying agreed fees and honouring payment plans arranged with schools.

At the same time, she encouraged school authorities to show understanding toward families facing economic hardship by offering flexible payment options where possible.

Gata added that debt collectors should only be considered in exceptional cases involving large arrears and after schools have exhausted all reasonable attempts to settle the matter amicably.

She said the seizure of property can only occur through proper legal procedures and must remain an absolute last resort.