Parents up-in-arms against All Saints Primary School head

Parents at All Saints Wreningham Primary have formally called for the removal of school head Jelasi Matumba, citing mismanagement, declining academic standards, and deteriorating infrastructure. A letter dated December 11, 2025, addressed to Emmanuel Kwenda, the District Schools Inspector (DSI), accuses Matumba of running down the school to the point that families are withdrawing their children and enrolling them in neighboring schools.

The parents allege that Matumba has created disorder in the school, lacked transparency in managing school projects, and allowed infrastructure to fall into disrepair. They also highlighted a sharp decline in academic performance, pointing to a Grade 7 pass rate of just 36.36% for 2025—the lowest in Chikomba district—and a dramatic drop in enrolment, with some classes shrinking from 50 pupils to only nine.

The letter, signed by parent Thomas Nhekede, further claims that Matumba allegedly withheld transfer letters to prevent pupils from leaving the school in response to the declining standards. Concerns were also raised about a piggery project, which parents initially funded with US$500 in 2023 but now reportedly has only two pigs. In addition, the school signage is described as old and illegible, and the sports field has been converted into a crop field.

District Schools Inspector Kwenda did not respond to questions sent via WhatsApp, while Matumba declined to comment over the phone, suggesting instead that the reporter visit the school. Shepherd Pfende, chairperson of the School Development Committee (SDC), defended the administration, accusing parents of undermining school progress and urging the reporter to inspect the premises before drawing conclusions.

The dispute underscores growing tension between parents and school management over accountability, infrastructure, and educational standards, with many families reportedly seeking alternatives for their children in response to the alleged mismanagement.