Parents with children at Dumezweni Primary School in Pumula South, Bulawayo, have raised concerns over transparency, missing funds and the school’s refusal to accept local currency payments.
At an Annual General Meeting held at the school on Tuesday, residents accused the committee of failing to account for US$2 800 and questioned financial records linked to an unfinished perimeter wall project.
The outgoing SDC treasurer, Eugene Sikhosana, explained that the figures in the financial report did not correspond with the documents he had been given.
“I made a financial report using the information I received, but the numbers do not match with the documents that were given to me by the SDC chairperson, who is not here to explain,” he said.
He also cast doubt on the audit process.
“Even the audit that was done does not appear complete because the money that was given to the auditors is not shown in the report, which makes the whole situation unclear,” Sikhosana said.
According to records presented at the meeting, about US$8 000 was allocated for the construction of a 30-metre wall. However, parents said the structure remains incomplete.
“The documents show materials such as copper were paid for, but they are not there. This shows that something is not right,” Sikhosana added.
He further alleged irregularities in payments to four contractors who worked on the project, saying there were no signed acknowledgements to confirm how much each had received.
“From my calculations, US$2 800 is missing, and we do not know where it went,” he said.
Parents also questioned the school’s payment system, saying they were being required to pay fees and levies exclusively in US dollars.
“We have tried to pay using ZiG, but the school always says the swipe machine is not working,” said Bekithemba Ndlovu. “It does not make sense for the machine to be down for a whole year.”
Tawanda Chihore said parents had repeatedly been turned away when attempting to pay in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG).
“Every payment we are asked to make must be paid in US dollars. We are given different excuses when we try to use ZiG,” he said.
He said the situation was placing additional pressure on families.
“Most parents do not have easy access to US dollars. Some are forced to look for money on the black market at high rates just so their children can remain in school,” Chihore said.
Concerns were also raised about the school’s overall financial position. Sikhosana told the meeting that the school has 1 853 learners, but only about 22% are paying fees, mainly those in Early Childhood Development classes.
He also said a previous debt of more than US$3 000 owed to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) had not been reflected in the documents he reviewed.
Following the meeting, residents voted to dissolve the current SDC, saying it had failed to provide clear and accountable leadership. A new committee was elected.
Parents called for a full investigation into the alleged missing funds and urged authorities to ensure that the school’s finances are properly audited.
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