Despite Zimbabwe’s Diamonds Low Budget for Education

The Gazette reports that the concerns about corruption in Zimbabwe’s diamond mining industry was the big topic at the Zimbabwe Diamond Conference. Although a huge amount of money from diamond sales had been expected, the budget for education in 2012 was only $8 million.

Education Minister David Coltart criticizes the government’s spending. Coltart said last week that the number of children dropping out of school has risen by 10 per cent because of increased school fees. Coltart said his ministry must rely on the goodwill of donors to assist in its programs.

“We have a warped system in Zimbabwe, a history of misplaced priorities; this hall in Gweru and the military college constructed for $100 million,” Coltart said.

“If that money had been channeled toward the rehabilitation of schools, then we would have improved the learning institutions.”