Three school development committee (SDC) members at Mutonhori Secondary School in Zaka perceived to be aligned to the MDC-T were allegedly hounded out by Zanu PF, it has emerged.
By Tatenda Chitagu
Simbarashe Chivasa, the ousted SDC chairperson, his deputy Emmanuel Mutema and a committee member Edmore Chishiri alleged a Zanu PF provincial executive, only identified as Mrs Tafirei, allegedly descended on the school and ordered its head to call for elections after accusing the three of being “not fit for the positions” because of their MDC-T links.
“We were surprised to hear that fresh polls were conducted on May 22 to replace us without our knowledge on the orders of the Zanu PF leaders. The new SDC chair Enard Tafirei, is the son of Mrs Tafirei, the Zanu PF provincial executive member,” said Edmore Chishiri.
He and other fired members alleged that the polls were supervised by the Zanu PF officials as well as a pro-Zanu PF headman.
Other new SDC members believed to be aligned to Zanu PF are Clemence Chikara, said to be the party’s ward youth chair, Abel Muchokwa, a member of Zanu PF provincial structures, and Raiza Kugedera.
The school head, Kudakwashe Dunyenge, refused to take questions from Southern Eye while provincial education director Zedious Chitiga could not be reached for comment.
However, some teachers at the school confirmed the incident.
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MDC-T Ward 22 councillor Lawrence Jengeta, under whose area the school is located also confirmed the incident. He said the Zanu PF members had hinted at dissolving committees at other schools.
MDC-T provincial chairman James Gumbi confirmed receiving the incident.
“It is true, I have heard about the incident, which to me is very sad and unfortunate. Politics should not be allowed into schools.
Zanu PF thugs must allow those elected by the parents to run the affairs of the school. They should wait for their chance to be elected into office,” he said.
Tafirei confirmed she was present when the old SDC was dissolved.
“Yes, I was there, but I was just witnessing. There were other party members and village heads,” she said, before asking why this reporter needed that information.
The MDC-T members said they had information that the purge was set to be moved to Harava and Muchokwa Primary schools in Ward 22.
However, Zanu PF acting provincial chairperson Paradzai Chakona said he was not aware of the incident.
“That is news to me. Why did those MDC-T members rush to the Press than try to engage us so that we could resolve the issue amicably? I do not think they were intimidated or forced out,” he said.
“I do not know about that, but I am sure SDCs are selected by the parents and schools.
“If the schools and parents agreed, then we do not have jurisdiction over that.”
