 copy.jpg)
MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training has warned that head teachers who turn away pupils or demand top-up fees under the Free Primary Education (FPE) Programme will be charged with theft and taken to court.
The ministry said government has already paid for all learners enrolled under FPE through public taxes, making any additional fees demanded from parents illegal and criminal.
“Any head teacher who demands top-up fees or turns pupils away from school is committing theft. Government has already paid for these learners, and no one has the right to collect extra money from parents,” the ministry said.
The warning follows reports that some pupils were denied entry to school for failing to pay additional charges allegedly imposed by school authorities.
The ministry further cautioned head teachers against soliciting money from parents for farewell celebrations of retiring teachers, saying such demands were unlawful and unacceptable.
It stressed that offenders would face two parallel consequences, namely criminal prosecution and disciplinary action.
“Head teachers found engaging in these practices will be charged with theft and will appear before court. At the same time, disciplinary measures will be instituted in line with Public Service regulations,” the ministry said.
Parents and guardians were urged to report any school authorities who continue to demand unauthorised fees, as government intensifies efforts to clamp down on abuse within the education system.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Nanikie Mnisi, said the ministry had received growing concerns from parents regarding how they and their children were being treated in some schools, particularly by head teachers.
She emphasised that head teachers are employees of government and not private owners of schools, stressing that public schools should not be treated as personal businesses.
Mnisi said expressions suggesting ownership of schools had become too common, yet schools belonged to government and existed to provide a service to learners. She explained that head teachers were expected to exercise patience and professionalism in their interactions with parents and pupils.
Using an example, the principal secretary said if a school had agreed on a deposit of E2 800 and a parent managed to pay E2 000, there was no justification for sending a child home. She noted that significant learning time had already been lost due to heavy rains, making it even more critical that children were not unnecessarily excluded from school.
*…
Principals call for timely responses on top-up applications
MBABANE – The Principals Association of Eswatini (EPA) has appealed to the Ministry of Education and Training to respond timeously to applications submitted by schools seeking approval for top-up fees.
The association’s President, Armstrong Dlamini, said head teachers had in the past complied with all required procedures when applying for top-ups, only to receive no feedback from the ministry.
He explained that several members had raised concerns that, despite following the correct channels, their applications remained unanswered by the ministry.
Dlamini said schools had convened meetings with the relevant stakeholders, including parents and school committees, and submitted the necessary documentation, but were left without guidance on whether their requests had been approved or declined.
“We have had members complaining that they followed the correct processes, held meetings with the appropriate stakeholders, yet received no response from the ministry,” he said.
Commenting on the ministry’s warning to head teachers against imposing unauthorised fees, Dlamini said the association agreed that procedures must be followed at all times. He stressed that the EPA did not support the demanding of unnecessary funds from pupils or parents.
*…
Teachers share frustrations as over 1 200 contracts renewed
MBABANE – Although 1 273 contract renewals have relieved schools, teachers maintain that short-term agreements cause significant financial and professional strain, hindering their long-term stability and career development.
The contract teachers, for both primary and high schools, had their contracts renewed yesterday for a further two years, with the contracts expected to expire in early 2028.
The teachers gathered at Mater Dolorosa High School, where they were grouped into four regional batches, with the Manzini and Hhohho regions accounting for the highest numbers.
Although many teachers welcomed the renewals, some expressed frustration that two-year contracts make it difficult to access financial assistance from banks and other financial institutions, particularly for long-term projects that require significant funding.
One of the teachers, who identified himself as Ntuli, said while the contract renewals benefit learners by ensuring continuity in teaching, they come with personal and financial limitations for educators.
“For the pupils, I really appreciate the efforts of government because it makes it easier to complete the syllabus. I teach Mathematics and Physics, and in most cases the syllabus runs over a four-year period,” he said.
However, he said the two-year contracts negatively affect the teachers’ ability to plan for the future.
“As for me, a two-year contract means that when you apply for a loan, you are limited. If you have a project in mind, financial institutions are not willing to assist because of the contract period,” he said.
Ntuli said teachers have learntto live within their means due to the prevailing economic conditions, adding that despite the challenges, many remain grateful to still be employed.
“We come from a season where some of us did not even have jobs,” he said. “So one can only be grateful. But there are always pros and cons.”
He further urged government to consider creating clearer pathways to permanent employment, especially for teachers who have invested their own money to upgrade their qualifications.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Advertisement
 copy.jpg)
Advertisement