News / National
Govt investigates evictions at Anglican Church-run schools
01 Oct 2011 at 04:54hrs | Views
Zimbabwe government is investigating circumstances surrounding evictions of headmasters and teaching staff at Anglican Church-run schools as it suspects the actions were disturbing learning activities.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart, said while he did not want to involve himself in the Anglican Church saga, it was imperative to establish whether the evictions being carried out by the deputy sheriff had no effect on pupils.
In an interview yesterday, Minister Coltart said he had asked the permanent secretary, Dr Stephen Mahere, to send an emissary to find out what was happening at the schools.
"About two weeks ago, I told the permanent secretary to dispatch the principal education director in Mashonaland East to visit the affected schools to investigate and report back on what was happening," Minister Coltart said.
"I was expecting the report on Monday but I did not get it. I sent another memorandum to the permanent secretary on Wednesday asking for the report but I am still to get it.
"Once I get that report, I will be able to assess the circumstances and effect on children."
Minister Coltart said that he had made it clear that whatever was going to be the outcome would have to be done in the best interest of pupils.
Government, the minister said, would not tolerate disruptions to lessons.
The deputy sheriff recently embarked on an eviction exercise, evicting some priests, headmasters and senior nursing staff on behalf of the Anglican Church Province of Zimbabwe led by Bishop Nolbert Kunonga.
These people were evicted for their allegiance to the Church of the Province of Central Africa's Harare Diocese led by Bishop Chad Gandiya.
The evictions followed a Supreme Court judgment that gives custody of the property to Bishop Kunonga.
Bishop Kunonga is set to claim the Bernard Mzeki Shrine in Marondera, St Johns Chikwaka Mission and Shearley Cripps Children's Home in Murehwa using the same Supreme Court order.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart, said while he did not want to involve himself in the Anglican Church saga, it was imperative to establish whether the evictions being carried out by the deputy sheriff had no effect on pupils.
In an interview yesterday, Minister Coltart said he had asked the permanent secretary, Dr Stephen Mahere, to send an emissary to find out what was happening at the schools.
"About two weeks ago, I told the permanent secretary to dispatch the principal education director in Mashonaland East to visit the affected schools to investigate and report back on what was happening," Minister Coltart said.
"I was expecting the report on Monday but I did not get it. I sent another memorandum to the permanent secretary on Wednesday asking for the report but I am still to get it.
Minister Coltart said that he had made it clear that whatever was going to be the outcome would have to be done in the best interest of pupils.
Government, the minister said, would not tolerate disruptions to lessons.
The deputy sheriff recently embarked on an eviction exercise, evicting some priests, headmasters and senior nursing staff on behalf of the Anglican Church Province of Zimbabwe led by Bishop Nolbert Kunonga.
These people were evicted for their allegiance to the Church of the Province of Central Africa's Harare Diocese led by Bishop Chad Gandiya.
The evictions followed a Supreme Court judgment that gives custody of the property to Bishop Kunonga.
Bishop Kunonga is set to claim the Bernard Mzeki Shrine in Marondera, St Johns Chikwaka Mission and Shearley Cripps Children's Home in Murehwa using the same Supreme Court order.
Source - TH
