Staff Reporter
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator for Chiredzi Central Ropafadzo Makumire had to intervene to save the situation at Chiredzi Christian High School after the school authorities barred more than half of the learners from entering the school gate over nonpayment of fees on opening day.
The development sparked an outcry after TellZim News published photos of learners gathered outside the school premises with people accusing the school of being insensitive to economic hardships being faced by the learners’ guardians.
Makumire reacted after the story went viral and engaged the School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson who agreed to give at least a week for parents to come and make payment plans.
“I called the SDC chairperson after seeing the pictures published by TellZim News. We talked and they agreed to give parents about a week to pay fees and those who cannot pay full fees to make payment plans with the school,” said Makumire.
He went on to urge parents to meet their end of the bargain and pay the little they have so that school progresses.
“I want to encourage parents to make sure that they stick to the agreed payment plans. They have to pay even the little they get so that the school progresses because it needs money to function properly,” said Makumire.
He further thanked TellZim News for bringing out the matter which sparked debate amongst social media users.
“I want to thank and encourage you as the media to bring about issues affecting our communities so that we address them collectively. I was not around when that incident happened and I had to learn it through you and took action to address it and I am confident now that pupils are learning and the parents are paying fees,” said Makumire.
