Confusion over National Pledge in Bulawayo school

Widespread confusion has been reported in most schools in Bulawayo over the National Pledge issue.
 
All pupils are expected to recite the pledge before commencing classes.

However, this has caused tension among parents and Christian movements claiming that it was imposed in schools.

Parents are also instructed to be at assembly points to recite the pledge.

The pledge is accompanied by presents which all pupils must bring

A snap survey reveals that most schools did not recite the pledge.

At Lozikeyi Primary, teachers are said to have rejected presents and they instructed parents to go back with them.

At Milton Junior School, Bulawayo District Education officials arrived when pupils where being dismissed at the school hall.

However, they where made to return, presumably to recite the pledge before the officials.

Habakuk Trust, a non-government organisation which is anti-national pledge reported that at Figtree, about 40km outside Bulawayo, a group of war veterans allegedly stormed a school and tried to stress the importance of the pledge to parents.

It added that there was a 'Very low attendance by pupils at Montrose high, parents didn't attend assembly'.

At Nsukamini Primary in Bulawayo, it said grade one and two classes had between 10 - 15 pupils.

The government claims that the national pledge will motivate people to cherish their Zimbabwean identity. Most local people say this is unconstitutional.

Addressing a press briefing in Victoria Falls last week, Zimta top officials said Zimta was never cons