Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
Stella Mhlanga, the headmistress of Kumalo Primary School in Bulawayo, has been reinstated despite facing allegations of corruption and assault.
Her reinstatement on September 4, 2024, has raised concerns about the transparency of the disciplinary process.
Mhlanga was initially suspended from August 14, 2024, to November 4, 2024, pending a disciplinary hearing. However, the hearing was abruptly cancelled after Lameck Mudyiwa, chairperson of the disciplinary committee, was instructed by senior ministry officials to abandon the hearing.
Edison Manzongo, a parent and member of the School Development Committee (SDC), expressed frustration over the stalled hearing.
“We feel someone in high offices is protecting the headmistress while shortchanging children and parents who are hard done by Mhlanga’s military leadership style,” Manzongo said.
Allegations Against Mhlanga:
- Abuse of Parents: Mhlanga is accused of publicly berating parents, including Sethule Ncube, who complained about the cost of a school trip.
- Assault of Teachers: An elderly teacher claimed to have been assaulted by Mhlanga three years ago, with no disciplinary action taken.
- Corruption and Mismanagement of School Funds: Mhlanga allegedly failed to account for a US$1,000 donation from UNICEF and mishandled a USD$5 feeding levy collected from each student.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo stated that Mhlanga is not exonerated, despite her reinstatement.
“What you are referring to are individual disciplinary issues. We do not discuss contractual matters with the media,” Moyo said.
The controversy surrounding Mhlanga’s reinstatement has sparked concerns about the protection of students and teachers, as well as the transparency of the disciplinary process.
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