School bus accident widens rift between parents, school

A school bus accident involving a Mapanzure High School vehicle allegedly hired out for a Zanu PF event in 2022 has reignited deep-seated tensions between parents and the school's administration, triggering public outrage and calls for accountability over broader issues of mismanagement and stagnating development.

The controversy reached boiling point on Wednesday, June 11, when a group of disgruntled parents planned a protest at the school premises to air a litany of grievances. However, the demonstration was averted after police from Muchakata intervened and mediated the escalating situation.

School head Mr. Clapos Chauraya confirmed the incident to TellZim News, acknowledging that the parents had raised several concerns, particularly over the use and condition of the school bus, and that they had agreed to a dialogue.

"Yes, the parents came, probably with the intention to demonstrate over some grievances they had. However, the police intervened and stopped them. So we are going to engage them and address the concerns, which include the issue of the school bus," said Chauraya.

Parents accuse the school administration of leasing out the bus - procured through a dedicated levy from the community - to Zanu PF in 2022, after which it was involved in an accident. They claim the political party failed to properly account for the incident, sparking anger and a sense of betrayal among parents who feel their resources were misused without consultation or transparency.

The bus controversy is only one part of a growing list of complaints. Parents say development at the school has stalled, pointing to the demise of once-thriving projects like the cattle rearing initiative. According to parents, the school's herd has dwindled, with some cattle allegedly slaughtered for committees without proper justification.

"There is no development at the school and we are worried. We used to have a cattle project, but the beasts died and some were reportedly taken for beef committees. That's all a result of poor management," said one parent.

Another flashpoint has been the recent closure of A-level classes due to poor enrolment. The school blamed this on a growing trend of students opting to go directly to vocational colleges after completing O-levels. But parents argue that the real issue is declining academic performance and an erosion of confidence in the school's capacity to deliver quality education.

"The school said learners are now preferring college after O-level, but the truth is that the few who want A-level now choose other schools because they no longer believe in this one," said another parent.

Compounding their frustrations, parents also allege that some A-level teachers - now without students to teach - are regularly absent from school during working hours and have been seen loitering at nearby shops.

To make matters worse, parents say the school failed to inform them of another recent accident involving a school vehicle, deepening their mistrust in the administration's willingness to communicate openly and manage resources responsibly.

Despite the rising tensions, a breakthrough was reportedly achieved during a meeting between parents and the school administration held yesterday. The school is said to have agreed to convene a formal meeting to address the grievances in full.

"They have agreed to explain everything in a proper meeting. If they address our concerns sincerely, we will map a way forward," one parent said following the discussions.

The incident has exposed not only divisions within the Mapanzure High School community but also broader concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability in the country's education system - particularly where political influence intersects with public school resources. As stakeholders await the promised meeting, parents have made it clear they will accept nothing less than full disclosure and a tangible plan to restore trust and drive development at the school.