Gutu High School head relocated

Zim Now Writer

Gutu High School headmaster Mirirai Mutanda, who made headlines at the beginning of the new term after he reportedly threw both male and female boarders into the night over a fees standoff, is being moved to Jichidza High School with effect from February 1.

Both Gutu High and Jichidza are Reformed Church in Zimbabwe boarding schools located in Masvingo Province.

Gutu High School is located in Gutu District while Jichidza is in Zaka District.

Current Jichidza High School headmaster Thompson Charambira will take over the reins at Gutu High.

In a farewell memo to parents, Jichidza High School headmaster, Thompson Charambira, thanked parents for their support during his tenure at the RCZ institution. “It was a pleasure working with you. We celebrated together in success and consoled each other in difficult situations. Support the incoming head just as you supported me,” he said in the memo.

Efforts to get a comment from Mutanda proved fruitless as his phone was not reachable at the time of writing. However, a source close to the goings-on at the RCZ Education office said the challenges at Gutu High had gone on for some time.

“What happened at the beginning of the term made people hold perceptions that emanated from the surface when in fact the problems lay deeper. There were conflicts that had gone on for as long as 12 years or so. The church has also had challenges in resolving the issues at Gutu High School for a very long time.

“It’s only that no one has been speaking to the media, but so far, we have made giant strides. Time is coming when we shall clear the air,” said the source, adding that the swap will not in any way inconvenience learners.

At the opening of the new term, Mutanda reportedly threw boy and girl learners who owed fees out into the night, causing an outcry from parents and other stakeholders.

The affected boys and girls resorted to sleeping in corridors, the church and the dining hall with one parent fuming: “The situation at Gutu High is dire following the head’s demand for extra fees which carries no letter of approval. The students were exposed to the harsh weather and conditions as both boys and the girl child had to sleep outside. It’s heartrending and shocking.

“The head was supposed to settle the matter with parents rather than punish children. He imposed fees at US$400 after US$300 was agreed upon and approved by the Ministry after an online meeting,” said one parent.

Some of the learners were seen milling around townships, including Mpandawana Growth Point, since they had no bus fare to go back home to collect fees.

Sympathisers expressed shock that the school head could eject learners to themselves at night exposing them to risks of sexual abuse and other violations.