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School fees in USD is retrogressive

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WE, in the village, despise what we
call ‘nhundiramutsime’ — the party spoil-ers, the disruptors of good. This sentiment doesn’t just apply to individuals; it extends to entities like schools that seek to un-dermine progress and perpetuate count-er-revolutionary practices.
We are thus very happy that the Govern-ment of Zimbabwe has taken a significant step towards upholding economic regula-tions and fostering progress by launching a multi-agency operation to account for schools demanding tuition fees exclusive-ly in foreign currency while refusing to accept Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), in contra-vention of the country’s Exchange Control Regulations.
At the heart of this issue lies a stark contrast between two visions: one that embraces progress, economic stability and national unity and another that clings to outdated, divisive practices.
These schools, by insisting on foreign currency payments, not only disregard the country’s Exchange Control Regulations but also undermine the nation’s efforts to promote its own resources, such as ZiG. In doing so, they exhibit a counter-revolu-tionary stance that is inherently anti-prog-ress.
By refusing to accept ZiG, these schools perpetuate a cycle of dependency on for-eign currency, hindering Zimbabwe’s eco-nomic sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
This stance is not just about monetary transactions; it reflects a deeper reluctance to embrace national assets and build a ro-bust, internally-driven economy.
This selfish behaviour fosters inequality by favouring those with access to foreign currency, widening the gap between the privileged few and the majority who rely on the local currency. This will exacerbate social disparities and hinders inclusive growth and development which is being sought, relentlessly, by the Second Repub-lic.
In the eyes of the village and those advo-cating for progress, these schools and their demands for foreign currency represent more than just a financial issue. They sym-bolise a resistance to change, an allegiance to outdated systems and a disregard for the collective advancement of the nation.
Inclusive development is essential for sustainable progress. Party poopers who perpetuate discrimination, marginalisa-tion or inequality hinder efforts to build a more just and equitable society. Rejecting their divisive actions promotes social prog-ress and ensures that no-one is left behind.
As the multi-agency operation unfolds and accountability measures are enforced, it sends a clear message: counter-revolu-tionary practices that impede progress and undermine national interests will not be tolerated. It’s a call for unity, adherence to regulations and a shared vision of a pros-perous Zimbabwe built on the strengths of its people and resources.
The stance of schools demanding foreign currency tuition payments while rejecting ZiG is not just a matter of policy; it’s a re-flection of deeper ideological divides.
It’s a choice between embracing prog-ress, economic sovereignty and national unity or perpetuating counter-revolution-ary practices that hinder growth and per-petuate inequality
Insisting on foreign currency payments exclusively seeks to undermine confidence in the national currency and weaken the country’s economic stability by promoting distortions in the financial system.


Taking action against schools that ex-clusively demand fees in foreign currency ensures that education remains accessible to a broader spectrum of the population, regardless of their currency holdings or financial means.
Government intervention in such cases sends a clear message that adherence to regulatory frameworks is non-negotiable and underscores the importance of re-sponsible financial practices that contrib-ute to a transparent, accountable business environment.
The Government’s action against these errant schools reflects a commitment to financial stability and must be supported by every progressive Zimbabwean.
On this ambitious journey of na-tion-building, unity, collaboration and a shared vision are paramount.

Amidst this drive for progress, this obstacle in the form of ‘party poopers’ – seeking to undermine national ef-forts, disrupt harmony and impede the collective mission of building a stronger Zimbabwe should not be tolerated at all.
In fact, there should be jail terms for those caught offside.
As a nation, Zimbabwe cannot afford to tolerate ‘party poopers’. We have a country to build, opportunities to seize and challenges to overcome.
When we stand together, we are stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges.
It goes without saying that building
a nation requires trust and integrity at all levels of society and ‘party poopers’ undermine these vital pillars by engag-ing in unethical behaviour, prioritising personal gain over public welfare.
Zimbabweans take pride in their heritage, culture and national identity. ‘Party poopers’ who undermine these values or disrespect national symbols and institutions diminish the collective pride and sense of belonging. Rejecting their negative influence will reinforce national identity and unity.
Rejecting ‘party spoilers’ is not just a matter of addressing individual or isolated challenges; it is a fundamental commitment to safeguarding Zim-babwe’s future, promoting unity and building a resilient, prosperous nation.
By upholding values of integrity, accountability, inclusivity and collabora-tion and the laws of the land Zimbabwe will overcome its obstacles, realise its full potential and forge a path of sus-tainable development and prosperity for generations to come.


Businessman Tawanda Chena-na is a philanthropist and ZANU PF Secretary for Education for Mashonaland East Province.

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