Roosevelt school staff take on head over corruptio...

Roosevelt school staff take on head over corruption, intimidation

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Tensions are escalating at Roosevelt Girls High amid serious allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and an authoritarian leadership style by the school’s headmistress.

Concerned staff members continue to voice their grievances over her administration.

A formal letter from Roosevelt staff members details accusations against the headmistress, Mrs Ncube, including the alleged diversion of COVID-19 relief funds for personal use. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials reportedly intervened, compelling her to return the funds.

The letter also highlights concerns over irregular awarding of tenders for school uniforms and textbooks, as well as financial mismanagement, with some funds allegedly unaccounted for.

Further claims suggest that the headmistress has implemented policies that primarily serve her business interests. The school operates two tuckshops—one run by the headmistress, the school driver, and the tuckshop lady, while the other is managed by a select group of teachers.

However, teachers who are not part of these two groups resort to selling goods individually. Reports indicate that the teacher-managed tuckshop faces financial inconsistencies, as proceeds surrendered to the bursar’s office disappear by the next day.

Additionally, this tuckshop is restricted from selling certain products that the other tuckshop sells, making it financially unviable.

Security measures at the school have also raised concerns. No one is allowed entry without undergoing a search by guards stationed at the gate. Reports indicate that these guards, acting on strict instructions from the headmistress, confiscate any items they suspect teachers intend to sell to learners.

Another major grievance relates to the confiscation of students' mobile phones. A Roosevelt teacher, who spoke anonymously, stated:

"Accountability is zero. Students bring phones to school, and they are confiscated. They are then charged US$50 to get them back. No one knows where that money goes."

The allegations extend to claims of intimidation and suppression of dissent. Teachers assert that meetings have been reduced to briefings where instructions are unilaterally handed down. Some allege that security personnel have been ordered to bar teachers from leaving the school grounds before the official end of the school day, creating a restrictive working environment.

Financial irregularities have also surfaced, particularly regarding a sharp increase in fees for the prefect training program. The training period has been reduced, while costs have doubled. Concerns have also been raised regarding procurement processes for food and learning materials, with tenders reportedly not being floated in accordance with ministry regulations.

A senior teacher at the school, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed: "There is no transparency in the school’s financial management. The financial statements for the BancABC account, where administration fees and other funds are deposited, have never been disclosed."

When contacted for comment, Headmistress Mrs. Ncube distanced herself from the controversy, stating, "I am on leave. Ask the Ministry; they will help you."

Deputy Head Mrs. Chigwada also distanced herself from the unfolding controversy, stating, "I have never encountered such issues before," before abruptly ending the call.

Meanwhile, staff member Brendah Zunga indicated that she was not permitted to speak on the matter, saying, "I am not allowed to comment on any school-related issues."

In an attempt to mediate, representatives from the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe visited the school, advising both administrators and staff to engage in discussions to resolve the matter. However, efforts to engage the headmistress have reportedly been met with silence.

PTUZ representative Zunde Ladislous, after visiting the school, painted a grim picture of the situation, stating:

"Teachers are working under fear and intimidation. After visiting the school to try and address the issues, we were told that teachers are now being summoned to the head’s office one by one to explain certain things. This is a clear tactic to silence them and weed out those who dared to speak up. The atmosphere in the school is tense, and many educators feel trapped in a system that punishes dissent instead of fostering dialogue.

There is also a shocking lack of transparency regarding financial matters. The teachers’ tuckshop, which should be a source of extra income for staff, is being deliberately sabotaged. On top of that, they are restricted from selling profitable items that the tuckshop run by the headmistress and her allies freely stocks."

The District Schools Inspector for the Northern Central District also stepped in, addressing the School Development Committee and teaching staff. However, his address was met with skepticism and open hostility, as some staff members reportedly booed him, suspecting a deliberate attempt to shield the embattled headmistress.

Sources within the school claim that the headmistress has since directed Heads of Departments to compile names of staff members who participated in the protest.

It remains unclear whether the headmistress has been formally suspended pending investigations or if she is currently on official leave.

Commenting on the issue, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro stated, “Government approved commercial ventures in schools in 2021 so that schools can be self-sustainable.”

He further assured, “We will investigate the issue and the allegations.”