Confusion rocks Bulawayo schools over Mugabe bash closure

THERE was confusion in Bulawayo yesterday following contradictory messages from the Primary and Secondary Education ministry over the closure of schools in preparations of President Robert Mugabe's birthday bash tomorrow.

Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora told State television and ZiFM Stereo that schools will not being closed for Mugabe celebrations, but his secretary, Sylvia Utete-Masango, said schools will be closed today as some students will be required to take part in a carnival march in Bulawayo in preparation of the birthday.

Schools in the city, on the other hand, had indicated that they had received a directive to close yesterday and today for the celebrations.

A survey by NewsDay established that at some schools, students had turned up, but were not learning, while at other institutions, many children stayed at home.

A visit to Mzilikazi, Sobukhazi and Ihlathi High schools found that children went to school, but spent the better part of the day playing. At other schools such as Nketa and Mganwini, children were learning as usual.

"We spent the day playing cricket, there was no learning," one child at Sobukhazi said.

At Mzilikazi High, students said they were doing rehearsals for the President's birthday hoping to attend the celebrations. Many learners were seen roaming the streets as early as 11am, an indication that there were no serious activities at schools.

Mugabe's birthday party, celebrated under the 21st February Movement banner is set for tomorrow at the Rhodes Estate Preparatory School in Matobo.