Harare, (New Ziana) THE MINISTRY of Primary and Secondary Education has implored all teachers, and staff members to return promptly to their work stations to ensure uninterrupted learning and timely progression through the academic calendar.

‎In a statement, spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said as the new term begins, the ministry has reinforced key directives on financial compliance, currency usage, and equitable access to education services, including fee payments, uniform purchases, and exam registrations.

‎“Schools will reopen for Term Two on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, and close on Friday, 7 August 2025. All pupils, teachers, and staff are expected to return promptly to ensure uninterrupted learning.

‎“The ministry reiterates the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s directive of 12 March 2025, which explicitly states: “The exchange rate that is determined in the foreign exchange market by banks is the one that should be used to guide the pricing of all other goods and services in the economy,” said Ndoro.

‎He said in line with the country’s multi-currency framework, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) remains a legal tender for all school-related transactions adding that parents and guardians are allowed to pay school fees using ZiG, US dollars, or other approved currencies.

‎Schools have been strictly warned not to demand exclusive USD payments, and institutions found in violation risk disciplinary action, he said.
‎The ministry also reiterated the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s directive issued on 12 March 2025, which mandates that only the official interbank exchange rate should be used when converting school fees between currencies.

‎Schools are prohibited from setting independent or parallel exchange rates. Any such violations will be reported to the relevant monetary regulatory authorities, he said.

‎While parents and guardians are contractually obligated to pay approved school fees and levies, the ministry emphasized that no student should be barred from classes, exams, or activities due to unpaid fees, said Ndoro.

‎Schools are encouraged to work with families to develop flexible payment plans to maintain inclusive access to education, he said.
‎“No pupil shall be excluded from classes, exams, or activities due to unpaid fees. Schools must collaborate with families to establish flexible payment plans. All schools must ensure smooth registration for 2025 O-Level and A-Level examinations.

‎“Administrators are directed to assist all eligible candidates without delay up until the closing date for the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations mop-up registration exercise, which is 16 May 2025,” said Ndoro.

‎In a bid to reduce financial burdens on families, Ndoro reiterated that parents and guardians are free to purchase school uniforms and stationery from any source, as long as items meet school specifications.

‎School authorities—both government and non-government said Ndoro must not mandate purchases exclusively through school suppliers, a practice that has come under scrutiny in recent years.

‎He called on all stakeholders to uphold these directives to ensure a productive, fair, and compliant school term.
‎Ndoro said schools must align their fee structures with the interbank exchange rate, avoid currency bias, and facilitate inclusive learning environments, adding that parents should also meet their financial obligations or engage schools to agree on flexible terms.
‎“The Ministry remains committed to fostering inclusive, compliant, and stable learning environments,” he said.

New Ziana