The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has dismissed allegations that about US$4 800 was misappropriated at Dumezweni Primary School, saying an audit found no evidence of financial abuse.
The claims emerged during the school’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March, where some parents questioned financial records and raised concerns over funds linked to an unfinished perimeter wall project.
The matter came up for debate in the Health, Housing and Education Committee meeting with councillors seeking clarity on the issue.
Ward 27 councillor Lizzy Sibanda told the councillors that allegations circulating on social media had fuelled concerns among parents.
“The issue came to light during the Annual General Meeting after the presentation of a financial report,” she said.
Ward 11 councillor Suzan Sithole said a similar matter had previously arisen at Josiah Chinamano Primary School in her ward, involving a bursar who was later reinstated and transferred within council.
Responding to the concerns, the Director of Housing and Community Services, Dictor Khumalo, said the AGM had been attended by parents, representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and council officials.
He said the school’s treasurer initially presented a financial report approved by the School Development (SD) Committee. However, a second report, not approved by the committee, was subsequently presented.
“The second report alleged that parents were still paying a sewer levy for a project completed in 2023 and further claimed that some funds had been misused,” Khumalo said.
He added that the matter later spread on social media.
“An audit was carried out and the report indicated that there was no misappropriation of funds. Investigations also established that the school had experienced waterlogging, which affected the septic tank system. A sewer project was initiated in 2021 and completed in 2023. The circulating social media report was not accurate and should be dismissed,” he said.
Disability Policy Concerns Raised
Meanwhile, councillors also questioned the implementation of the city’s disability policy in council-run schools.
Councillor Mercy Furanayi said that although the policy existed, it was not being fully implemented, particularly in schools lacking inclusive infrastructure.
“Council schools should accommodate children with special needs and disabilities,” she said.
Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo said disability issues were wide-ranging and required a broader commitment to inclusivity.
He said schools should work closely with stakeholders and ensure all staff, including non-teaching personnel, were trained to support learners with disabilities.
“In most schools, the major challenge is ablution facilities. There are international standards that can guide improvements to infrastructure,” he said.
Ward 23 councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo said many council schools had improved their infrastructure, but some learners required specialised support.
“Certain conditions require specialised services that council schools cannot provide. Such learners are referred to centres like King George IV in Khumalo suburb,” she said.