Opposition Gweru Urban legislator, Josiah Makombe has said the Chitepo School of Ideology should be nationalised through an act of Parliament so that it serves the interests of all Zimbabweans and not just a single political party.
Zanu PF re-established the school to train party members in its political ideology and re-orientation to the party’s politics but in recent times, opposition politicians have attended workshops at the school with one held for local authorities last year.
Critics have described the school as a propaganda and indoctrination institution serving Zanu PF interests although the party says the school is aimed at fostering national development, patriotism and unity.
Speaking at a Gweru Press Club meeting, Makombe who is also the parliamentary portfolio committee chairperson for higher and tertiary education said there was need to nationalise the school so that it can be embraced by everyone.
“It should be nationalised and not remain a party thing,” Makombe said.
“We are Parliament and it just has to come to Parliament to become an Act of Parliament, so that we have this school where everyone in Zimbabwe can go and graduate like any other school, college, polytechnic or university.
“It has to be a national institution treated like any other school where students can graduate, presided over by whoever is appointed, be it a vice chancellor, minister or any other authority.”
He said some citizens shunned the institution as they felt Zanu PF controlled it hence the perception that it was meant as a facility for the ruling party propaganda and political indoctrination.
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But in February this year Local Government minister Daniel Garwe issued a statement dismissing government critics, who say the institution is affiliated to the ruling party.
Garwe said the school was not a Zanu PF project, but a place for driving the “national ideological programme” as “guided” by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
“Ideology has no political face, but carries a national identity that of Zimbabwe,” Garwe said.
“It is important to understand that this is a national programme not a Zanu PF (one), as has been falsely claimed.
“The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is an important part of our national programme, not confined to one political party, but reflecting the values of all Zimbabweans.
“It is a national asset, established to instil the spirit of revolution, patriotism and national unity.”
The school was named after the late nationalist, Herbert Chitepo who died in March 1975 as part of honouring his contribution to the liberation struggle.
