Harare, (New Ziana) -The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has distanced itself from a directive by the Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) instructing learners to contribute up to US$1 each toward the 2025 Independence Day celebrations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said the directive was not authorized and advised parents and schools to disregard it.

The Ministry made it clear that funding for the national event was already allocated through the National Budget and no additional contributions were required.

“There is no requirement for schools, learners, parents, or community members to contribute financially to these events,” it stated.

It said the directive, which sparked outrage among parents and education stakeholders, was issued without official approval, further describing it as “unauthorised, unwarranted, and without basis in the Ministry policy.”

An immediate inquiry has been launched to determine how the directive was issued, the Ministry said, adding the responsible official would be required to explain their actions, and disciplinary measures would be taken if necessary.

“The official responsible for the directive will be required to provide a full explanation for their actions, which contravene established protocols,” it said.

The Ministry urged schools to disregard the directive, and advised anyone who had been pressured to contribute to report the matter.

“No payments should be solicited or collected for this purpose,” the Ministry said, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and fairness in education.

It also took the opportunity to apologize to the public, acknowledging the anxiety caused by the unauthorized directive.

“We apologise unreservedly for any anxiety caused and assure the public that safeguards are being strengthened to prevent such incidents,” it said.

The Ministry reiterated that Independence Day is a time for national unity and that all Zimbabweans should be able to celebrate freely without financial obligations.

New Ziana