The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
THE third phase of schools opening in Manicaland was marred by chaos as the bulk of returning students were turned away as most public schools grappled with teacher truancy, The Manica Post can reveal.
A survey conducted by The Manica Post in Mutare, Rusape and Chipinge revealed that most public schools could not enforce physical distancing in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations as most teachers — those responsible for enforcing discipline and order in schools – were not reporting for duty.
The third phase saw the bulk of students coming to school on Monday.
However, most school authorities dismissed the students immediately after assembly as a safety measure.
By 8am, the streets in Rusape, Mutare and Chipinge were flooded with students returning home.
The development has forced some parents to temporarily withdraw their children from school and organise extra lessons for them.
Parents and guardians interviewed by The Manica Post said they feel short-changed after paying school fees and levies through the nose for a service that is not being rendered.
Some parents with children at boarding schools in the province have been holding on to their children while waiting for the teachers to fully attend lessons.
However, the Government has increased public sector salaries by 40 percent effective from November 1 this year as part of continued efforts to improve conditions of service for civil servants.
In addition to the salary increase, teachers will also be awarded a 10 percent risk allowance.
Teachers had chosen to go on industrial action to push for salary increments and the latest improvements on their salaries is expected to motivate them back to work.
National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) president, Mr Arthur Maphosa expressed concern over the welfare of examination classes.
“School heads cannot manage and control the students alone, hence the decision to turn them away.
“However if this goes on, the examinations will be just like a football team fulfilling a fixture without any training and preparation,” said Mr Maphosa.
“Parents are feeling short-changed after paying school fees and levies. It certainly looks very unfair for schools to demand fees for services not rendered, but then there are expenses that need to be taken care of, like salaries of ancillary staff and insurance of school vehicles, etcetera.
“This is killing all the gains of our education system and the impasse between the teachers and the Government need to be quickly resolved for the benefit of the students,” said Mr Maphosa.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela said schools are facing challenges in observing physical distancing due to inadequate infrastructure and furniture.
“To address shortage of classroom space and furniture, schools are advised to ensure that exam classes come to school every day. For all the other levels, school heads can alternate schooling days or split classes with some coming in the morning and others in the afternoon,” said Mrs Thabela.
Ms Thabela also advised schools to assess students’ performance and implement catch-up strategies.
She also said schools should continue complementing physical lessons with radio and online programs.
