The government owes Bulawayo City Council run schools more than ZiG39 million in unpaid fees under the Basic Education Assistance Module, a debt stretching back to 2022.
Beam is meant to support underprivileged learners, including orphans, by covering tuition fees. But council says the money has not been coming.
According to the latest Bulawayo City Council Education Section monthly report for September 2025, the director for Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, raised alarm over the ballooning arrears.
“The total enrolment in all the 31 council schools stood at 41 599 learners. During the term a total of ZiG22 265 573 was paid for tuition and council levies while ZiG145 117 102 remained outstanding,” the report stated.
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Council also noted that no Beam funds had been received for 2025 and none since 2022, a situation earlier highlighted by Southern Eye.
“Meanwhile, ZiG39 976 280 was the outstanding balance for Beam allocations.
“Schools also charge school development committee levies for developments and projects, complementing council efforts in the day to day administrative issues.”
The report also revealed that ZiG52 401 874 remained unpaid in school development committee levies.
“The department was very much concerned in terms of the huge school fees debtors figures by parents and guardians of learners in its schools,” the report said.
It noted that statutory provisions barring schools from sending learners away for failure to pay fees were being abused by some parents who were ignoring payment plans.
“It was requested that councillors at their meetings should implore residents to support school heads by paying their dues on or before schools open so that there is smooth flow of operations as well as completion of projects within set time lines.”
Meanwhile, Mawaba Primary School received a 5kV solar system from the National Aids Council as second prize winners in the National Quiz in 2024.
“The solar system, with six panels, has since been installed at the administration block,” the report added.
“The solar system is set to benefit staff and learners during teaching and learning activities.”
