Parents protest controversial head's appointment

Learning at Mabvengwa Primary School in Marange has been paralysed for nearly a week as parents withdrew their children in protest against the posting of a controversial headmistress, identified only as Mrs Gowora, who has previously faced rejection at other schools amid allegations of practising satanism.

The protest, which began on Monday, has left the school completely deserted, with all 460 pupils boycotting classes. Teachers continue to report for duty, but classrooms remain empty.

When The Manica Post visited the school on Wednesday, the premises were silent — classrooms locked, teachers idle, and members of the School Development Committee (SDC) huddled under a tree in an emergency meeting to discuss how to resolve the escalating standoff.

Mrs Gowora's posting to Mabvengwa Primary has reignited controversy following similar protests at Nyamauru Primary School in Dangamvura and Zamba Primary School in Sakubva, where parents had also accused her of satanism earlier this year.

In both cases, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education rescinded her appointments following community unrest. Her reassignment to Mabvengwa was meant to resolve the issue, but it has instead triggered a fresh wave of protests.

Manicaland Provincial Education Director Mr Richard Gabaza confirmed Mrs Gowora's deployment to Mabvengwa, insisting that the Ministry will not bow to public pressure.

"Yes, it is true that Mrs Gowora was recently promoted and deployed to Mabvengwa Primary School. A meeting chaired by Mutare District Development Coordinator Mr Tendai Kapenzi — attended by education officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives — resolved that the head must be protected and allowed to carry out her duties, as no one is above the law," said Mr Gabaza.

He warned that accusations of witchcraft or satanism are criminal under the Constitution, and anyone making such claims risks prosecution.

However, when informed that the entire school population had boycotted classes, Mr Gabaza appeared unaware of the extent of the crisis, saying he would verify the situation with district education officials.

Despite the ministry's stance, angry parents in Mabvengwa Village have vowed not to send their children back to school until the headmistress is removed.

Headman Mabvengwa confirmed the mass withdrawal, saying tensions began on September 25, when Mrs Gowora was introduced to parents.

"Parents are so angry. They have refused to sign a petition out of fear of victimisation, but they have chosen to keep their children at home until the ministry removes her," he said.

A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity said the situation was frustrating for staff.

"We miss our learners, but as civil servants, we cannot go against ministry directives. We report for duty every day, though the classrooms are empty," said the teacher.
"It's sad because learners' studies have been disrupted just weeks before end-of-year exams."

The teacher recounted that the unrest began after villagers recognised Mrs Gowora from online videos linked to her previous controversies in Mutare.

"During her introduction, some mourners from a nearby funeral identified her and raised alarm. The community gathered at the school, and she had to leave. When she returned on October 6, she came with heavily armed police officers. People fled, and two elderly women who couldn't run were arrested and detained overnight," the teacher said.

It is alleged that shortly after her introduction, one pupil reportedly "manifested" and claimed to have been initiated into satanism — a claim that further enraged parents and fuelled fears across the community.

Following the incident, Mrs Gowora reportedly packed her belongings and left the school, fearing for her safety. She has not returned since.

Several parents who spoke to The Manica Post accused the Ministry of ignoring their concerns and treating rural communities unfairly.

Mr Lovemore Chikide, a parent, said:

"We know her record from Zamba and Nyamauru. Why send someone rejected in the city to us in the rural areas? Until she is replaced, our children will stay home. We cannot be forced to trust her with our children."

Another parent, Mrs Tatenda Dube, said they were considering transferring their children to Makunika Primary School, over five kilometres away.

"If she is not transferred, our children will start at Makunika next term. We would rather they walk the distance than be taught by someone we believe is unsafe," she said.

As of Friday, Mabvengwa Primary remained deserted, with no pupils attending lessons for the fifth consecutive day. Teachers continue to report for duty, but learning has effectively come to a halt.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has not issued a public statement on the matter, and it remains unclear whether Mrs Gowora will be reassigned or reinstated once tempers cool.

The situation mirrors previous unrest at Zamba Primary School earlier this year, where parents staged demonstrations carrying placards reading "Witch must go now" and "No to satanism here."

With the exam period approaching, parents and teachers alike fear that unless swift action is taken, hundreds of children could lose valuable learning time in a crisis that has once again exposed deep tensions between education authorities and local communities.