News / Regional
Mugabe rallies disrupting education
15 Jun 2017 at 06:43hrs | Views
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe's rallies that began in Mashonaland East two weeks ago are disrupting the smooth running of the education sector, stakeholders have lamented.
The Zanu-PF leader is expected to address his second rally in Mutare tomorrow and teachers' unions yesterday warned the disruptions to the education sector could negatively impact results.
Zimbabwe Teachers' Union spokesperson, Tapson Nganunu Sibanda said they were engaging the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to find a lasting solution to the issue.
"The disruptions are not necessary and surely should worry anyone interested in the education of our children. We are worried that these rallies are held midweek and we have seen children being forced to attend and in some instances schools being closed," he said.
Sibanda's comments come in the wake of reports that Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene had summoned headmasters in the province and ordered them to provide buses to ferry people to Mutare for the rally.
Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe said Mugabe's lieutenants were using "the system" to command teachers and school authorities into supporting the ruling party's activities.
"This is a command system operating a command education sector. The teachers and children have no choice.
Unfortunately, it is innocent parents with no connection to any political party, who are then forced to carry the burden of servicing the buses and maybe extra tuition when teachers want to play catch-up with the syllabus," he said.
Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora would not be drawn into commenting.
"Have you been in touch with our public relations person? Get in touch with them and get answers," he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry public relations officer, Patrick Zumbo, after promising to comment later, turned hostile.
"You still want a comment on that issue? It is a provincial thing and the provincial education director would know. Get in touch with the province or write what you want," he said before terminating the conversation.
Chimene, early this week, confirmed berating headmasters on the issue.
"I met with 1 271 headmasters here in Mutare and I read the riot act that they should release buses. I even spoke with minister of Education Lazarus Dokora and said nothing is wrong, so on that issue take it as done," she said.
The Zanu-PF leader is expected to address his second rally in Mutare tomorrow and teachers' unions yesterday warned the disruptions to the education sector could negatively impact results.
Zimbabwe Teachers' Union spokesperson, Tapson Nganunu Sibanda said they were engaging the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to find a lasting solution to the issue.
"The disruptions are not necessary and surely should worry anyone interested in the education of our children. We are worried that these rallies are held midweek and we have seen children being forced to attend and in some instances schools being closed," he said.
Sibanda's comments come in the wake of reports that Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene had summoned headmasters in the province and ordered them to provide buses to ferry people to Mutare for the rally.
Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe said Mugabe's lieutenants were using "the system" to command teachers and school authorities into supporting the ruling party's activities.
Unfortunately, it is innocent parents with no connection to any political party, who are then forced to carry the burden of servicing the buses and maybe extra tuition when teachers want to play catch-up with the syllabus," he said.
Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora would not be drawn into commenting.
"Have you been in touch with our public relations person? Get in touch with them and get answers," he said.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry public relations officer, Patrick Zumbo, after promising to comment later, turned hostile.
"You still want a comment on that issue? It is a provincial thing and the provincial education director would know. Get in touch with the province or write what you want," he said before terminating the conversation.
Chimene, early this week, confirmed berating headmasters on the issue.
"I met with 1 271 headmasters here in Mutare and I read the riot act that they should release buses. I even spoke with minister of Education Lazarus Dokora and said nothing is wrong, so on that issue take it as done," she said.
Source - newsday
