The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has blocked officials in Midlands Province from asking schoolchildren to pay US$1 each to raise funds for Independence Day celebrations.
On March 25, 2025, Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) T. Mahlokozera wrote to the Provincial Education Director (PED) for Midlands Province. The letter advised that schools should hold a one-time Civics Day, where students would pay no more than US$1 each.
Mahlokozera said the funds raised would be used to buy regalia, food, and fuel for the 205 students, 20 teachers, and 138 heads attending the Independence Day celebrations, which will take place at Mutora Business Centre in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, on April 18.
However, on March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education issued a statement saying schools should ignore this fundraising request, as it had not been approved.
The Ministry also said the Gweru DSI must explain their actions, as they went against established rules, and disciplinary measures will be taken if necessary. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Condemns Unauthorised Independence Day Levy on Pupils</h2>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education acknowledges the concerns raised regarding à directive for schoolchildren in Gweru District to contribute up to US$1 each toward the 2025 Independence Day celebrations. We wish to clarify the following:
<h2>1. Budget Allocation:</h2>
The Ministry has already secured adequate funding through the national budget for all Independence Day commemorations, including planned activities in Gokwe. There is no requirement for schools, learners, parents, or community members to contribute financially to these events.
<h2>2. Unauthorised Directive:</h2>
The letter issued by the Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) requesting such contributions is unauthorised, unwarranted, and without basis in Ministry policy. The Ministry condemns any attempt to impose financial burdens on learners or institutions for national events.
<h2>3. Accountability:</h2>
The Ministry has initiated an immediate inquiry into the matter. The official responsible for the directive will be required to provide a full explanation for their actions, which contravene established protocols. Disciplinary measures will be taken as appropriate.
<h2>4. Guidance to Schools:</h2>
All school heads, teachers, and stakeholders are instructed to disregard the directive. No payments should be solicited or collected for this purpose. Any individual or institution pressured to contribute is urged to report the matter directly to the Ministry.
<h2>5. Commitment to Transparency:</h2>
The Ministry reaffirms its dedication to equitable, inclusive, and non-exploitative practices in education. We apologise unreservedly for any anxiety caused and assure the public that safeguards are being strengthened to prevent such incidents.
Independence Day remains a moment of national unity, and we urge all citizens to participate freely in celebrations without undue financial obligations.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The government asked students to pay money for Independence Day but then said sorry. They have enough money already. Officials who asked for money will be in trouble. Schools should not ask for money. The government wants fair and equal education. They are sorry for making people worried. They want people to celebrate Independence Day without money stress.

Government Apologizes Over Directive For Schoolchildren To Fund Independence Day Celebrations

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the move by authorities ordering all schools in Gweru District, Midlands Province, to hold civic days to raise funds for Independence Day celebrations.
According to a letter dated March 25, 2025, from the Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) addressed to the Provincial Education Director (PED) for Midlands Province, schools are expected to hold a once-off Civics Day, where learners are required to pay no more than US$1 each.
The DSI, T. Mahlokozera, said the funds raised will be used to purchase regalia, food, and fuel for the 205 students, 20 teachers, and 138 heads attending the Independence Day celebrations, which will be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, on April 18.
ARTUZ described the directive as unethical, illegal, and a violation of Section 75 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to provide state-funded basic education. ARTUZ said:
<blockquote>
It is unethical and illegal for government to force schools to fund the partisan junket dedicated to the violation of the constitution. Zimbabwe’s schools are severely underfunded because of government’s neglect. 
The parents are bearing the burden of funding education in violation of section 75 of the Constitution which mandates government to provide state funded basic education. 
It is cruel for [President Emmerson] Mnangagwa’s government to extract from the incapacitated schools. We urge school heads to refuse to participate in this illegality. We stand ready to defend our schools from abuse.
</blockquote>
The requirement for schoolchildren to fund Independence Day celebrations is unusual, though not surprising, considering that civil servants in rural areas are asked to pay US$2 each, while villagers must contribute US$5 to fund the festivities.
Typically, party activists write down the names of those who contribute, and every villager is therefore intimidated into parting with their money for fear of reprisals.

The teachers union in Zimbabwe is unhappy that schools are being asked to raise money for Independence Day celebrations. The schools in Gweru District have been told to hold a special day where students must pay at least $1 each. The money raised will be used for regalia, food, and fuel for the celebrations. The teachers union says this is not fair because the government should be funding education. They are asking school heads to refuse to take part. This kind of fundraising is not normal, but people in rural areas are also being asked to contribute.

Teachers Condemn Schools' Fundraising Directive For Independence Day

Schoolchildren will fund the 2025 Independence Day celebrations, which will be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe North District, Midlands Province, through a once-off Civics Day, where they are required to pay no more than US$1 each.
According to a letter dated 25 March 2025, from the Gweru District Schools Inspector (DSI) addressed to the Provincial Education Director (PED) for Midlands Province, school heads are expected to deposit the money raised on Civics Day into the BSPZ account.
The DSI, T. Mahlokozera, said the funds raised will be used to purchase regalia, food, and fuel for the 205 students, 20 teachers, and 138 heads attending the Nembudziya Independence Day celebrations. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
The District is requesting all schools to conduct a once-off civics in order to purchase regalia, food and fuel including unforeseen costs for the Nembudziya Independence Celebrations to be conducted on the 18th of April 2025.
The Heads are expected to deposit the civics money in the BSPZ account. The civic money must not exceed 1$ per child.
</blockquote>
The requirement for schoolchildren to fund Independence Day celebrations is unusual, though not surprising, considering that civil servants in rural areas are asked to pay US$2 each, while villagers must contribute US$5 to fund the festivities.
Independence Day is celebrated annually on April 18, marking the country’s liberation from colonial rule in 1980.
The day is filled with vibrant parades, traditional dances, and festivities that showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
This year’s event will be held at Mutora Business Centre. A Children’s Party will take place at Nyamuroro High School, and the Independence Gala will be held at Nembudziya Government High School on April 17.
Football enthusiasts can look forward to matches between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum at the main celebrations, while Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos will play at the Children’s Party.

Schoolchildren in Gokwe have to pay $1 each for Independence Day. The money will be used for celebrations like buying clothes, food, and fuel. Adults in rural areas also need to pay for the festivities. Independence Day happens on April 18 every year, marking Zimbabwe's freedom in 1980. There will be parades, dances, and fun to show the country's culture. This year's celebration will be in Mutora with activities for children and adults. Football games will also be part of the fun.

2025 Independence Day Latest News

Latest Jobs