Teachers in lobola bid for learner after affair exposed

A serious breach of professional ethics has shaken Chipindura High School in Mashonaland Central after reports emerged that two former teachers attempted to pay lobola (bride price) for a female learner following the exposure of an alleged illicit relationship.

The learner at the centre of the controversy is reportedly the daughter of the school's headmaster, adding another layer of complexity to a case that has sparked concern over teacher conduct and learner protection.

According to sources familiar with the matter, former educator Jonathan Majowe and another former colleague allegedly visited the school head's residence accompanied by friends in an effort to formalise the relationship through traditional marriage negotiations.

The move came after the alleged affair was exposed by a whistleblower, triggering internal investigations and scrutiny over possible violations of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education regulations governing teacher-learner relationships.

Sources said the relationship had been conducted in secret before it came to light, prompting what has been described as a hurried attempt by the former educators and their associates to legitimise the union through lobola negotiations.

When contacted for comment, Majowe dismissed the allegations and responded angrily to questions from NewsDay.

"Get away, tell those who sent you to go hang, havandikwanise (they can't do anything to me). I know those who gave you my number, but they won't succeed," he reportedly said before ending the call.

Chipindura High School head Mandimhanzi declined to comment on the matter, saying he was not in a position to discuss an issue involving the school and referred inquiries to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

While responding to questions on learner welfare, ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro provided statistics highlighting the broader challenge of early marriages and teenage pregnancies in Zimbabwe.

Ndoro revealed that 3,433 girls dropped out of school in 2024 due to early marriages and adolescent pregnancies, with 3,324 of those affected being secondary school learners.

Child rights advocates have expressed concern over the continued vulnerability of girls to exploitation and early marriage.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana director Ekenia Chifamba said the organisation had introduced a peer mentorship initiative known as the "Sister-to-Sister" programme aimed at educating girls about the dangers of early marriage and creating support networks that encourage them to remain in school.

The Chipindura case has reignited debate about safeguarding learners, enforcing professional standards within schools and protecting children from relationships that compromise their education and wellbeing.

Authorities have not yet publicly indicated whether any disciplinary or criminal proceedings will follow the allegations.