THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has outlined clear steps for parents to report corruption by teachers and school officials, including charging for extra lessons and forcing parents to buy uniforms at specific schools. The ministry says parents should not suffer in silence and can report concerns through structured channels, from the classroom level to head office, and ultimately the courts if complaints are not resolved.
Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, emphasized that teachers who demand payment for extra lessons are abusing public office. “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 abuse that platform, 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 explained that the ministry takes allegations of corruption seriously and will take disciplinary action against teachers and officials found guilty. “We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found to be engaging in corrupt practices,” he said. Parents have complained about “pay-to-learn” schemes, with learners allegedly threatened with neglect if fees are not paid. Ndoro advised parents to start by asking questions at the lowest level, beginning with the class teacher. “You ask the teacher, and the teacher has to respond to you, and that response becomes the basis for further complaints.”
If issues are not resolved, parents should escalate the matter to the school head, then provincial offices, and ultimately head office. The ministry acknowledges weaknesses in the system, including collusion between school inspectors and heads. Parents can also take the ministry to court if they remain dissatisfied.
The ministry also clarified that forcing parents to buy uniforms from a specific school is unlawful in public institutions. Parents are free to buy uniforms anywhere, provided color codes are followed. Ndoro urged parents to use official channels to report abuses, saying silence only allows problems to persist.
To report concerns, parents can contact their child’s teacher, the school head, or the provincial education office. They can also call the ministry’s hotline or email the complaints department. The ministry is committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality education without being subjected to corrupt practices.
The ministry’s stance has been welcomed by parents and education advocates, who say it will help to root out corruption and improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe.
