Audrey Galawu
Hundreds of Harare Polytechnic students were barred from entering the premises this morning over unpaid fees.
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Harare Polytechnic Principal Tafadzwa Mudondo confirmed that students had been locked out over fees arrears telling Zim Now that the institution has a reasonable fee structure.
“The fees are not much it’s about ZWL$13 000 which is an average of US$35 per semester which is paid over three terms which they can pay in installments as well," he said.
Electrical Power Engineering student Tafadzwa Nherera said the fees are not much but it is difficult for a lot of students who are breadwinners at home. He also said that the institution should give value for money when students pay.
"I understand that we have to pay fees but when we do pay we fail to even access the internet inside the premises for research purposes," he added.
Mudondo said that some learners owe fees over several terms with some arrears backdated to 2019.
He said outstanding fees incapacitate the institution affecting operations and ability to deliver quality education.
"If students fail to pay their fees then we fail to pay for electricity and water bills for the institution, we fail to provide equipment," Mudondo said.
He said that affected learners risk failing to sit for their certification exams as they cannot register as candidates if their student status is not confirmed through full fees compliance.
Harare Polytechnic uses the standard school calendar and are now in the fourth week of the final term for 2023 and is now almost in exam season.
HP was established in 1919 and the institution has over the years established itself as a leading hub of intellectual excellence in scientific, vocational engineering and technological education in preparing students for the growing knowledge economy.
The institution has an enrolment of over 6000 students.
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