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Mpumelelo High head transferred after parents' outcry
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Mpumelelo High School headmistress, Vongai Masunda, has finally been removed from the Nkayi-based institution following months of clashes with parents and the community, who accused her of disrespect, bullying, tribalism, and threats against those who raised concerns about poor results and lack of development.
The school, located in Ward 22 of Nkayi South, Matabeleland North, draws pupils from nine villages and five feeder primary schools, including Mtshatshane, Katasa, Zenka, Mabayi, and Mdlawuzweni.
Nkayi Community Parliament Speaker, Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, who was among those who petitioned the government for Masunda's removal, confirmed her departure yesterday.
"I am told the head has finally left the school," Ncube said. "This was due to a collective process involving media coverage, petitions, the school development committee's engagement with the district schools inspector, and the threat by parents to withdraw students."
Though Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro did not respond to questions, an education officer who investigated the matter confirmed Masunda's transfer without giving reasons. Villagers said her departure last week sparked celebrations, with onlookers cheering as a truck carrying her belongings passed through the local business centre.
Masunda had long been accused of running the school in an authoritarian manner. Earlier this year, parents and villagers alleged she disrespected traditional leaders, branded them "uneducated," and threatened to summon riot police whenever grievances were raised.
School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Doreen Sunduza, accused Masunda of failing to consult parents and using intimidation to silence criticism.
"She is a dictator and very manipulative. She disrespects local traditional leadership and plays the tribal card instead of addressing poor performance," Sunduza said, adding that parents had begun boycotting meetings out of fear.
Village head Dumisani Sibanda echoed the sentiment, describing Masunda as "a bully and arrogant" who ran the school "like a private entity" without engaging stakeholders.
The community's frustrations boiled over in March when more than 100 villagers petitioned the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, citing Masunda's poor relations with parents and the dismal academic performance at the school.
Mpumelelo High has recorded some of the worst Ordinary Level pass rates in the province, with only 6,94% in 2024, following 6,85% in 2022.
"The community wants leadership that is accountable, respectful, and focused on improving results," the petition read. "Masunda's continued presence made that impossible."
The school, located in Ward 22 of Nkayi South, Matabeleland North, draws pupils from nine villages and five feeder primary schools, including Mtshatshane, Katasa, Zenka, Mabayi, and Mdlawuzweni.
Nkayi Community Parliament Speaker, Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, who was among those who petitioned the government for Masunda's removal, confirmed her departure yesterday.
"I am told the head has finally left the school," Ncube said. "This was due to a collective process involving media coverage, petitions, the school development committee's engagement with the district schools inspector, and the threat by parents to withdraw students."
Though Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro did not respond to questions, an education officer who investigated the matter confirmed Masunda's transfer without giving reasons. Villagers said her departure last week sparked celebrations, with onlookers cheering as a truck carrying her belongings passed through the local business centre.
Masunda had long been accused of running the school in an authoritarian manner. Earlier this year, parents and villagers alleged she disrespected traditional leaders, branded them "uneducated," and threatened to summon riot police whenever grievances were raised.
"She is a dictator and very manipulative. She disrespects local traditional leadership and plays the tribal card instead of addressing poor performance," Sunduza said, adding that parents had begun boycotting meetings out of fear.
Village head Dumisani Sibanda echoed the sentiment, describing Masunda as "a bully and arrogant" who ran the school "like a private entity" without engaging stakeholders.
The community's frustrations boiled over in March when more than 100 villagers petitioned the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, citing Masunda's poor relations with parents and the dismal academic performance at the school.
Mpumelelo High has recorded some of the worst Ordinary Level pass rates in the province, with only 6,94% in 2024, following 6,85% in 2022.
"The community wants leadership that is accountable, respectful, and focused on improving results," the petition read. "Masunda's continued presence made that impossible."
Source - Southern Eye
