PRESS STATEMENT

The Permanent Secretary of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Desire Mutize Sibanda is pleased to note that the 40 percent reduction directive in tuition fees paid by students on industrial attachment/ teaching practice has been well received by Universities, Polytechnic, Teachers Colleges and Industrial Training Colleges.

The Ministry on March 7 2018, took the decision to reduce tuition fees after careful consideration of the economic environment and the socio-economic status of the majority of students. Students on attachment meet the cost of accommodation, food and transport to and from work. The Ministry has considered the variable and fixed costs attendant to students' supervision and utilisation of learning facilities.

Addressing Vice Chancellors from Universities in a consultative meeting the Permanent Secretary, Dr Desire Sibanda expressed gratitude that most Vice Chancellors and Principals have received well the policy directive. The Ministry will continue to promote inclusive education according to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

To that effect the Ministry will continue to do whatever it can to lower the costs of education including tuition, accommodation among others. The Ministry is also approaching international investors to invest in Education and improve the learning environment. This is at the backdrop of the Infrastructure Investment Conference held by the Ministry to promote investment in Higher Education Sector. The Conference was held on the 9th of March 2018.

To that effect, the Ministry will continue to engage the fiscal authorities in order to exempt payment of customs and duties on items that promote technology and those that are earmarked for Industrial Hubs. The aim of the Ministry is in tandem with the SADC Protocol on Science and Technology, African Manifesto on Science and Technology among others that encourages member states to spend at least 1 percent of GDP on Research and Development.