By TellZim Reporter
Chief Mugabe born Matubede Mudavanhu has sparked another controversy by empowering village heads in his area to collect outstanding school fees, with a 10 percent commission on each collection. This move has raised concerns about the legality of the arrangement and the potential for abuse of power.
Several village heads who spoke to TellZim News said the decision was announced during a meeting between Chief Mugabe and his village heads, known as Pfigamwedzi.
The chief went on to confirm the move to TellZim News saying it was aimed at helping schools recover thousands of dollars in unpaid fees from villagers, some of which date back 10 years.
He said it was after careful consideration and meetings with schools in the area when they reached the agreement with schools committing to pay a 10percent of the fees collected to the village head.
“We had a meeting with the school administration and the school development committees, and we agreed that village heads should intervene to help schools recover their dues.
“We have discovered that some learners are already in secondary school or have completed secondary school, but they did not pay fees in primary school. We cannot allow this situation to continue; we have to step in,” said Mugabe.
One village head confirmed that parents often transfer their children without the school’s approval, leaving unpaid balances.
“It’s true, we were asked to collect fees, and we have noted that some people transfer their children when they see that their bills have become unbearable for them. We have to intervene for schools to get their money,” said
However, Masvingo Provincial Education Director, Shylatte Mhike, has questioned the legality of the arrangement, citing concerns about how the schools will acquit the 10% commission.
“I am not aware of such an arrangement, and I will enquire from the District Schools Inspector (DSI),” “That arrangement is illegal, and I don’t know how the schools will acquit the money,” said Mhike.
This is not the first time Chief Mugabe has made headlines for controversy. Recently, he asked for powers to prosecute big criminal cases like murder and rape, sparking debate about the role of traditional leaders in the justice system.
The arrangement has sparked concerns about the potential for abuse of power and exploitation of villagers. It remains to be seen how the schools will acquit the 10 percent commission and whether the arrangement will be successful in recovering the outstanding fees.
