BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Villagers in Nkayi have expressed concerns about the socioeconomic difficulties they face as schools reopen.
At Mathetshaneni Primary School, parents struggled to pay the previous term’s fees of $25, with only 20% managing to do so.
“The situation is dire,” said a traditional leader, Sitshengisiwe Sibanda from Liver Khumalo’s jurisdiction. “Now, the school fees have been increased to $30 per term, which is unaffordable for most parents.”
Villager, Daina Ncube, echoed Sibanda’s sentiments: “We’re already struggling to make ends meet due to the drought and El Nino. How are we expected to pay such high fees?”
Another parent, Lewis Dube, added: “It’s not just the fees; we’re also struggling to provide basic necessities like food and clothing for our children. The government needs to intervene and provide support to vulnerable families.”
The villagers’ concerns are compounded by the fact that many families rely on subsistence farming, which has been severely impacted by the drought.
As schools reopen, the villagers are calling on the government to provide relief measures, such as fee subsidies or waivers, to support struggling families.
“We’re not asking for much,” said the traditional leader. “Just a little support to help our children access education. It’s their future that’s at stake.”