THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has expressed concern over rampant abuse of funds by school heads, school development committees (SDCs) and their chairpersons.
There are several reports where school heads and SDC chairpersons have been arrested for misusing funds for personal gain, prejudicing learners.
In April, the headmistress of Kumalo Primary School in Bulawayo was arrested in connection with the embezzlement of funds at the school, following the release of an official audit report.
The arrest followed a comprehensive audit that raised serious concerns about the handling of the school’s finances.
The matter came to light when the SDC reported irregularities in the school’s financial records in February.
Last month, Blakiston Junior School in Milton Park, Harare, was at the centre of a serious corruption investigation involving the alleged embezzlement of nearly US$60 000 over a three-year period.
A draft report compiled by the School Development Committee (SDC) exposed significant financial discrepancies and alleged misconduct by the school’s head, Memory Chaikosa, SDC chairperson Ronald Gurure, and former bursar Ronald Mashonganyika.
The trio was accused of participating in systematic fraud, bribery, and gross mismanagement of school funds, with the involvement of Zacc officials and Primary and Secondary Education ministry auditors, who allegedly accepted bribes to suppress the investigation.
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Speaking at a Sensitisation and Education Workshop in Karoi, Zacc public education officer Charity Mudavanhu emphasised the harmful effects of corruption in schools.
“Corruption is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwean schools, but it has caused significant harm, prompting us to take proactive measures,” she said.
“The noticeable increase in corruption cases is worrisome and we urge school administrators to be vigilant in their roles.”
By educating school administrators on the importance of transparency and accountability, Mudavanhu said Zacc sought to curb the vice and ensure school resources are utilised effectively for the benefit of students and the education system as a whole.
“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 workshop, which was attended by school heads and SDC chairpersons from Kariba and Hurungwe districts, sought to educate participants on the dangers of corruption.
Mashonaland West provincial education director Gabriel Mhuma said the ministry would not hesitate to wield the axe on corrupt school officials.
“As educators, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” he said.
“We will work closely with Zacc to ensure our schools are free from corruption.”
