Government’s Unpaid Fees to Bulawayo City Council Schools
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) schools are facing a significant financial challenge, as the government owes over ZiG39 million in unpaid fees since 2022 under the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam). This module is designed to support underprivileged students, including orphans, by covering their tuition fees. However, the lack of timely payments has created a growing burden on the council and its educational institutions.
According to the latest monthly report from the BCC Education Section for September 2025, the director for Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, highlighted the ongoing issue of outstanding tuition fees. The report states that the total enrollment across all 31 council schools reached 41,599 learners. During the term, a total of ZiG22,265,573 was paid for tuition and council levies, while an outstanding amount of ZiG145,117,102 remained unpaid.
The report also emphasized that the council has not received any Beam funds for 2025, continuing a trend that started in 2022. The outstanding balance for Beam allocations stood at ZiG39,976,280. In addition to tuition fees, schools also collect school development committee (SDC) levies to fund various projects and developments. These levies complement the council’s efforts in managing day-to-day administrative tasks.
The report revealed that the outstanding balance for SDC levies amounted to ZiG52,401,874. This figure highlights the financial strain on both the schools and the families who are expected to contribute to these initiatives. The education department expressed concern over the large number of parents and guardians who have fallen behind on their fee payments.
One of the key issues identified in the report is the manipulation of statutory provisions that ensure learners are not sent away for non-payment of fees. Parents and guardians have been taking advantage of this policy, failing to honor payment plans and further straining the schools’ resources. To address this, the report urged councillors to encourage residents to support school heads by paying their dues on or before the start of the school term. This would help ensure smooth operations and the timely completion of projects.
New Infrastructure at Mawaba Primary School
In a positive development, Mawaba Primary School received a 5kV solar system as the second prize winners in the National Quiz in 2024. The solar system, which includes six panels, has already been installed at the administration block. This initiative is expected to benefit both staff and learners during teaching and learning activities, providing a sustainable source of energy for the school.
The installation of the solar system marks a step forward in improving the infrastructure of the school and supporting its long-term goals. It also serves as an example of how external organizations can collaborate with educational institutions to enhance learning environments.
Conclusion
The financial challenges faced by BCC-run schools underscore the need for consistent government support through programs like Beam. Without timely funding, schools are forced to rely on SDC levies, which can place additional pressure on families. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort between the government, local authorities, and the community to ensure that all students have access to quality education without unnecessary financial barriers.