Late education official was forced into accident vehicle

THE late Gwanda senior education official, Mr Stuart Nkwate who died in a World Vision Toyota Hilux was forced to seek a lift from the non-governmental organization because the ministry of education could not fuel their own vehicles.

Mr Nkwate died on the spot when the Toyota Hilux they were travelling in burst its front tyre before skiing into the air and landing on its side.

Nkwate was thrown out of the vehicle and sustained serious head injuries, he died on the spot.

Nkwate who travelled in the company of another educationist Mr Job Ncube were travelling to Kafusi were they were meant to assess some schools. They were in the company of World Vision staffers who included a female driver.

Sources at Nkwate's funeral wake last night blamed his death on lack of resources in the ministry of education saying his life could have been spared had he used a government official.

"It is clear why we are getting poor results in the province, how does a government official seek a lift from World Vision when they are going for separate business, there is a need for education to be funded fully. Probably Nkwate could have avoided death had he used the ministry's vehicle", said a mourner who requested anonymity.

Sources said for some time now the ministry has been failing to fuel their cars due to a shortage of fuel coupons. The situation has resulted in officials failing to perform their duties including assessing progress in rural schools.

Schools in Matabeleland South have been performing dismally both in primary and secondary schools with some citing lack of supervision as a contributing factor.

Funeral arrangements for the veteran educationist are yet to be announced as the family awaits the arrival of overseas based relatives who include Nkwate's two eldest daughters.