Outrage as school rejects Sangoma's donations… ARTUZ describes act as offside

MVURWI - Mudavanhu Primary School authorities in Mvurwi have sparked public outrage after rejecting a donation from renowned sangoma Sekuru Nyangatayani, who had offered to pay school fees and provide stationery for more than fifty underprivileged learners.  

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the decision, describing it as "offside" and a "generational betrayal" that deepens the marginalisation of rural children.  

ARTUZ president Obert Masaraure said the school's stance was "callous and insensitive", especially coming just days before the official opening of schools.  

"The school authorities are offside because donations should not be treated like that. We don't care where the money is coming from as long as it is meant to sustain the current education system and support a generation struggling to access education due to financial incapacitation," Masaraure said.  

"We should not betray the current generation because of the source of donations, especially using religious stereotypes to block children from accessing their basic right to education."  

Masaraure said Zimbabwe's education sector was in crisis, with severe underfunding making community‑driven interventions essential.  

"We are desperate for any form of rescue for our education system, which is in the doldrums. It is naïve to turn down a genuine gesture meant to uplift disadvantaged communities," he said.  

He added that children were being punished for adult prejudices.  

"It is weird, worst and shameful for religious or educational fanatics to deny children resources that support their learning. Children don't care about the source of donations; they care about opportunities to escape poverty," he said.  

Organisers of the donation said preparations had been at an advanced stage when a school official abruptly communicated the rejection.  

"We are an apostolic church, so we hear the donation is coming from a sangoma. We cannot accept the offer because it is against our doctrine," the official reportedly said.  

With Zimbabwe experiencing rising school dropouts due to economic hardships, Sekuru Nyangatayani's gesture had been widely viewed as a timely intervention. Critics say the school's decision undermines the government's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the heritage‑based curriculum, both of which emphasise inclusivity and community participation.  

"Rejecting a helping hand from a respected traditional healer is not only shameful but a betrayal of our children's future," said one parent. "In these hard times, we need more support, not rejection."  

Members of the public are calling on the school to reconsider, arguing that community‑driven initiatives should promote tolerance, coexistence and the collective upliftment of learners.  

Efforts to obtain comment from Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo were unsuccessful, as he did not answer his mobile phone.