
BY PATRICIA SIBANDA
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has warned teachers to refrain from charging fees for extra lessons, saying this constitutes bribery.
Zacc spokesman John Makamure said NewsDay yesterday that it was illegal for teachers to charge fees for extra lessons, adding that the commission would embark on an awareness campaign to ensure educators stop the practice.
Some teachers across the country are reportedly charging US$5-10 from each student for additional lessons.
This comes at a time when teachers declared their incapacity and demanded to be paid the pre-October 2018 salary of US$540.
“We will soon launch anti-corruption awareness campaigns in all provinces to ensure that we hire education officers to end corruption in schools, especially those that ask for money for lessons. additional to parents. We want teachers to know that this is very illegal,” Makamure said.
“Those who break the law will be charged and brought to justice. Parents should also be aware that it is illegal to pay teachers extra tuition fees. This is the punishment these teachers are likely to face if they continue such activities,” he said.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said the exercise was already underway in schools.
“The blitz is already underway and those found guilty will be arrested by Zacc,” Ndoro said.
- Follow Patricia on Twitter @patriciasiband