HORDES of students at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ)-run Copota School for the Blind in Zimuto communal area staged another demonstration yesterday in Masvingo city demanding the reinstatement of axed principal Jeffrey Chiwera.
TATENDA CHITAGU OWN CORRESPONDENT
They locked the shop that was supposed to be selling their art and craft wares at Copota House that has been turned into a butchery and restaurant by church authorities.
The protesters were led by aides while marching and toyi-toying in the city’s streets before heading to Provincial Affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti’s offices.
This was the second demonstration they had staged in two months after taking to the streets last month denouncing the axeing of Chiwera and accusing church authorities of embezzling funds.
Capota, whose patron is President Robert Mugabe, is one of the largest institutions catering for the visually impaired in Zimbabwe and is home to over 350 students who are taught self-help projects such as art, woodwork, craft and metalwork, among other life skills.
“The church is using us to get donor funds while little is coming to us. This is the shop where hundreds of visually impaired inmates and those out of the school were earning a living from when their wares are sold,” said one of the demonstrators.
“But now the church has turned it into a butchery and restaurant and we are not getting any proceeds from the venture.”
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The demonstrators forced the shop to close after ordering all workers out and taking the keys. By close of business yesterday, workers were still locked out.
RCZ moderator Rangarirai Rutoro’s phone went unanswered when Southern Eye sought a comment from him.
