News / National
ZACC raises red flag over rampant corruption in schools
8 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has sounded the alarm over a surge in cases of financial misconduct in schools, implicating school heads and School Development Committee (SDC) chairpersons in the abuse of funds meant for learners.
Recent high-profile cases, including the arrest of Kumalo Primary School's headmistress in Bulawayo and an ongoing investigation at Blakiston Junior School in Harare, have drawn national attention to the growing trend of corruption within the education sector.
Speaking during a Sensitisation and Education Workshop in Karoi, ZACC public education officer Charity Mudavanhu said the commission was deeply concerned by the pattern of mismanagement and fraud within schools.
"Corruption is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwean schools, but it has caused significant harm, prompting us to take proactive measures," Mudavanhu said. "The noticeable increase in corruption cases is worrisome, and we urge school administrators to be vigilant in their roles."
In April, Kumalo Primary School's headmistress was arrested after a damning audit report uncovered irregularities in the school's financial records. The investigation was triggered by a complaint lodged by the school's SDC in February, revealing serious misuse of funds.
In a separate case, Blakiston Junior School in Milton Park, Harare, became the centre of a major corruption probe last month involving the alleged embezzlement of nearly US$60,000 over three years. A draft SDC report accused the school head, Memory Chaikosa, SDC chairperson Ronald Gurure, and former bursar Ronald Mashonganyika of systematic fraud, bribery, and gross mismanagement.
Allegations also emerged that some ZACC officials and auditors from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education accepted bribes to suppress the findings.
Mudavanhu said ZACC was committed to promoting transparency and accountability in schools to safeguard public funds and ensure resources benefit learners.
"We are committed to working with schools to promote transparency and accountability," she said. "We believe that by working together, we can create a culture of integrity in our education system."
The Karoi workshop, attended by school heads and SDC chairpersons from Kariba and Hurungwe districts, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and the importance of ethical leadership.
Mashonaland West provincial education director Gabriel Mhuma echoed the call for integrity, warning that the ministry would take decisive action against any school officials found engaging in corruption.
"As educators, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability," Mhuma said. "We will work closely with ZACC to ensure our schools are free from corruption."
The latest developments have highlighted the urgent need for stronger oversight and auditing systems in the education sector to protect learners' welfare and restore public trust.
Recent high-profile cases, including the arrest of Kumalo Primary School's headmistress in Bulawayo and an ongoing investigation at Blakiston Junior School in Harare, have drawn national attention to the growing trend of corruption within the education sector.
Speaking during a Sensitisation and Education Workshop in Karoi, ZACC public education officer Charity Mudavanhu said the commission was deeply concerned by the pattern of mismanagement and fraud within schools.
"Corruption is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwean schools, but it has caused significant harm, prompting us to take proactive measures," Mudavanhu said. "The noticeable increase in corruption cases is worrisome, and we urge school administrators to be vigilant in their roles."
In April, Kumalo Primary School's headmistress was arrested after a damning audit report uncovered irregularities in the school's financial records. The investigation was triggered by a complaint lodged by the school's SDC in February, revealing serious misuse of funds.
In a separate case, Blakiston Junior School in Milton Park, Harare, became the centre of a major corruption probe last month involving the alleged embezzlement of nearly US$60,000 over three years. A draft SDC report accused the school head, Memory Chaikosa, SDC chairperson Ronald Gurure, and former bursar Ronald Mashonganyika of systematic fraud, bribery, and gross mismanagement.
Allegations also emerged that some ZACC officials and auditors from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education accepted bribes to suppress the findings.
Mudavanhu said ZACC was committed to promoting transparency and accountability in schools to safeguard public funds and ensure resources benefit learners.
"We are committed to working with schools to promote transparency and accountability," she said. "We believe that by working together, we can create a culture of integrity in our education system."
The Karoi workshop, attended by school heads and SDC chairpersons from Kariba and Hurungwe districts, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and the importance of ethical leadership.
Mashonaland West provincial education director Gabriel Mhuma echoed the call for integrity, warning that the ministry would take decisive action against any school officials found engaging in corruption.
"As educators, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability," Mhuma said. "We will work closely with ZACC to ensure our schools are free from corruption."
The latest developments have highlighted the urgent need for stronger oversight and auditing systems in the education sector to protect learners' welfare and restore public trust.
Source - newsday
