By: David Ochan – Torit
A Member of Parliament in the Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly has criticized schools that charge tuition fees in U.S. dollars, saying the practice undermines South Sudan’s national currency and sovereignty.
Hon. Muras Chacha said educational institutions within the state and across the country should not demand payment in foreign currency, stressing that school fees must reflect and respect the country’s legal tender.
He urged school administrators to value and promote the South Sudanese Pound to ensure affordability for parents.
“My shock was hearing that a school is asking fees in dollars. That undermines our currency. Even international schools here should not ask parents to pay in dollars. People must learn to value our money,” he said.
Hon. Chacha called on the State Ministry of Education to investigate schools reportedly implementing the policy and take appropriate action.
He further discouraged any move to introduce foreign currency payments in local schools, noting that such practices are uncommon in neighboring countries.
“We don’t encourage any payment in dollars here. In other countries, you pay in their local currency. As an Assembly, we work closely with the ministers to address such issues,” he added.
The legislator made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Radio Emmanuel 89FM on Friday at the State Ministry of Education premises in Torit.