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ZINASU condemns forex fees proposal
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
January 13, 2009

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has noted with deep concern and shock plans by state universities and other institutions of higher learning to charge fees in foreign currency (forex). The students were reacting to reports that with effect from the first semester of 2009 all students in these institutions will be required to pay their fees in foreign currency. We are reliably informed that the fees will range from 600 - 1000 United States Dollars (US$) depending on the faculty.

The student's movement has approached the relevant ministry questioning the move to dollarize the local education but the authorities have professed ignorance about the move.

ZimRights notes with concern the serious economic problems that have worsened the plight of the ordinary person in the country since the introduction of forex-related transactions. We have highlighted the discriminatory nature of such a practice which encourages divisions among the people depending on their status and financial incomes. For example the majority of Zimbabweans, among them the multitudes of civil servants, can no longer afford to do their shopping in those retail outlets that have been licensed to trade in forex. If reports of the dollarization of the education sector are true, it means that the majority of students in Zimbabwe will no longer be able to access higher education because their parents do not have the means of getting foreign currency. Where, we ask, will parents of bright children from poor rural backgrounds get foreign currency to send their children to college?

Although ZimRights appreciates the plethora of the economic and other serious problems that continue to dog Zimbabwe, we urge government not to add to the problems that the citizens are already being forced to endure. Surely, punishing the poor will not solve the problems Zimbabwe faces. We therefore urge government to consider other options that will ensure that all Zimbabweans will continue to have equal access to affordable and quality education.

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