Free Education in 2023: Is it a political campaign or genuine commitment?
Proportional Representation legislator Cathrine Gozho has asked the government to come clean on whether their promise for free education in 2023 is a political campaign or a genuine commitment.
This is not the first time that the Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government has promised free education. They also promised the same ahead of the 2018 elections but failed to do so.
The country’s constitution which was adopted in 2013 also makes it clear that everyone is entitled to free basic education. However, that is currently not being provided.
With the 2023 general elections around the corner, there are beliefs that the promise could be a way of trying to entice the struggling electorate into voting for Zanu PF.
This prompted Honourable Gozho to seek clarity on the issue during a question-and-answer session in Parliament.
Gozho said if it is a genuine commitment then government must publish a mechanism that will be used.
‘’My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. Since he is not here, I will direct my question to the Leader of Government Business.
‘’My question is; how prepared is your Ministry to roll out free education next year? This week’s Sunday Mail reported the Government’s commitment to providing free education in 2023. We had that before – is it a political campaign or a genuine commitment?
‘’If so, can you tell the House mechanisms put in place to ensure free education in 2023?
If Govt announce it, it becomes a policy
Responding to Honourable Gozho, Minister Felix Mhona said once the government announces something, it then becomes policy.
He urged legislators to ensure that the government implements the move.
‘’I would like to thank Honourable Gozho for that very important question. The issue to do with free education is something which is entitled to every Zimbabwean. And it is a government policy that must be provided.
‘’So my humble plea again to the Honourable Member is, as we then discuss issues to do with the budget, let us have a position so that we account and fund for such a noble cause so that we have free education.
‘’We are saying at the end of the day when the government says we are going to provide it, let it be known that it then becomes a government policy to make sure that we fulfil.
‘’I am happy that the Honourable Member has raised it and it also calls upon us as Honourable Members to make sure that it is applicable and implemented accordingly,’’ he said.
Free Education in 2023: Is it a political campaign or genuine commitment?
