By Mast Reporter
KABWE district commissioner Lennox Shimwambwa has ordered the management of David Ramushu Primary School to immediately stop forcing parents to contribute K20 for each learner for classroom renovations because it was illegal.
The school has come under scrutiny for charging parents the controversial fee as contribution towards paint for maintenance.
Shimwambwa warned managements at government schools in the town to refrain from overburdening parents with all kinds of ‘taxes’ because that defeated the spirit and meaning of free education.
“The government has made it clear education is free, and no child should be burdened with additional costs,” Shimwambwa said.
“There is a need for strict adherence to national education policies.”
Shimwambwa issued the order when he made an unannounced visit to the school after being alerted by concerned members of the public.
After confirming the reports Shimwambwa swiftly intervened, issuing a directive through the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) that no child should be required to contribute financially to school-related activities.
He said government was committed to the provision of free education and condemned any actions by school management that undermined the policy.
Shimwambwa said the discovery that parents were being asked to pay K20 for every child at the school had raised serious concerns about the enforcement of the free education policy.
“It highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability in school administrations across the district. Authorities are expected to monitor compliance to ensure similar cases do not arise,” he said.
