By Virginia Njovo
Six people were reportedly arrested at Mapanzure High School in Masvingo province where they were protesting against the school head over various issues including poor management and lack of transparency.
Sources close to the matter told TellZim News that parents had gathered at the school blocking learners from attending classes demanding that the authorities should address their concerns.
The police was notified and reacted swiftly before arresting the six who were taken for questioning at Muchakata Police Station.
“Six of the parents were taken to Muchakata for questioning and we do not know how they are going to deal with them, if they are to pay fines parents are willing to assist with the required money and we are waiting to hear the outcome,” said the source.
The source said the parents were expecting officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) who were supposed address some of the issues but failed to show up.
“We were expecting officials from MoPSE to come and address the issues on the ground but they did not show up. However, parents have vowed that they will not rest until their concerns are addressed,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylatte Mhike said she was aware of the situation and the district office was handling the matter.
She said the situation was tricky and had a number of processes t be followed before a lasting solution is found.
“I am aware of the situation, the district office is handling the matter, however, the challenge is when parents are angry over something, they want to see results immediately where as we follow procedures which in a way may seem like we are not doing anything.
“They have to bear with us, we are handling the matter and a solution will be there soon to put an end to the challenges at the school,” said Mhike
Another parent who spoke to TellZim News said their concerns emanated from the school bus but were now beyond that and they wanted the head to be transferred saying he was mismanaging the school.
“It’s not only the bus issue which is beyond repair but there are various issues including poor management, lack of transparency, closure of Advanced level classes which clearly states lack of development at the school.
“We no longer have confidence in the school head and we call upon the authorities to address the issue because we will not rest,” said the parent.
The demonstration was initially planned for June 11 at the school but failed after the police intervened and dispersed the angry parents before representatives were called for a closed door meeting. The meeting however failed to yield any results
The issue of the school bus has reignited deep-seated tensions between parents and the school’s administration, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability over broader issues of mismanagement and stagnating development.
The bus was hired by Zanu PF women’s league who were going to the first lady’s cook out competition in Vic Falls in 2022. It was then involved in an accident near Mashava.
