THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a stern warning to teachers who charge learners for extra lessons, declaring the practice “corruption in public office” and warning of disciplinary and criminal consequences. The warning comes amid rising complaints from parents who say extra lessons in public schools have morphed into informal pay-to-learn schemes, with some families allegedly feeling pressured to pay or risk their children being sidelined.
Taungana Ndoro, the ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, stated that teachers who demand payment for extra lessons are abusing the authority of their publicly funded roles. “This is corruption in public office. The office of a teacher is the classroom. If that teacher uses the power and authority within him or her to say, ‘parent, give me money so that I can teach your child,’ a job which you are already being paid for by government, then you are corrupt and you are supposed to be put to task.”
Ndoro emphasized that parents are entitled to question fees for extra lessons, including charges of US$10 (about R190) or US$20 (about R380) per week or month. He urged parents to report concerns to the class teacher first, then to the school head, saying, “The head represents the permanent secretary, the minister, and in some cases even the President. Accountability starts there.”
The ministry’s warning extends to school heads and School Development Committees (SDCs) allegedly involved in the practice. Ndoro rejected arguments that extra lessons help struggling learners or compensate for low salaries, likening the practice to bribery by border or tax officials. “It’s a case for which you can face two offences. One through the public service regulations and two through the criminal law and codification acts. You go to court and can end up behind bars just for asking US$10 (about R190) from every child,” he said.
The ministry acknowledged weaknesses in the system, including allegations that some district school inspectors work with school heads to block investigations, allegedly in exchange for inducements such as food supplies. Ndoro also addressed complaints about schools forcing parents to buy uniforms from the institution, emphasizing that such practices would no longer be tolerated. Parents and educators have been urged to report any instances of corruption or misconduct to the relevant authorities.
The ministry’s stance is seen as a significant step towards addressing the scourge of corruption in the education sector. “We are committed to ensuring that our schools are corruption-free and that our learners receive quality education without being exploited,” Ndoro said. The ministry has set up a hotline for parents to report any concerns or allegations of corruption.
The crackdown on extra lessons comes as the ministry grapples with challenges in the education sector, including teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure. The government has pledged to improve the education system, and the ministry’s latest move is seen as a key part of that effort.
