Current job losses and economic hardships being experienced countrywide are believed to have forced many pupils to stay at home on the opening day of the third term as parents struggled to raise fees.
The president of the Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Obert Masaraure, said they are worried that many students may drop out of school when they are expected to write their final examinations this term.
A teacher at Chemhanza Secondary School in Wedza, Mashonaland East province, said officials from the Public Service Commission who are taking a head count of teachers and students did not visit most rural schools as previously announced.
Studio 7 also spoke with a South African based parent, who only wanted to be identified as Mr. Fore.
He said although he managed to pay fees for his two daughters in Zimbabwe, it was a struggle because of South Africa’s falling currency.
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Interview With Obert Masaraure
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Interview With Zimbabwean Parent: Mr Fore