Zanu (PF) primaries disrupt schooling

The Zimbabwean

By Nelson Sibanda

25 June 2013

Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, has expressed concern over the disruption of activities at schools due to the ongoing Zanu (PF) primary elections.

Some of the primaries are being held at schools across the country in breach of a government policy position that prohibits partisan political programmes at schools.

Coltart said it was unfortunate that there were some people in Zanu (PF) who disregarded the educational interests of children.

“A day lost in educational needs of a child will not be recovered and would cost the future of the child,” Coltart told The Zimbabwean in a telephone interview.

He said the education policy on politics at educational institutions was very clear and there was no need for any party to hold political activities at schools.

MDC-T issued a statement reflecting its dismay at the loss of school lessons by innocent children at the hands of Zanu (PF).

“MDC totally deplores Zanu (PF) holding its primary elections at schools country-wide. The move is not only insensitive but a complete violation of the children’s rights to education as the exercise would cause serious disruption on the learning time of children,” reads part of the statement.

The party added: “Given the loss of learning time that the Zanu (PF)’s chaotic exercise is going to cause to the innocent children, it clearly demonstrates the unflinching subterfuge of Zanu (PF) to malign and disregard the millions of already disadvantaged pupils in schools.”

MDC-T called on the ministry of education to ensure that students’ basic rights were not violated in pursuit of political space.

In Nyanga, the primaries are being held at schools such as Chapataranga (Ward 6), Zachiwo (Ward 5), Mazarura Primary (wWrd 7), Manjanja Primary, Kazozo (Ward 3), Tsengerai Primary (Ward 4) and Nyautare (Ward 8).

Other schools affected in the area are Fombe Secondary (Ward 1), Chifambe (ward 2), Kambudzi Primary (Ward 9), Chipindo (Ward 11), Bumhira (Ward 12) and Sakurira in Ward 13.

In Marondera East, Chief Svosve area, the primaries have affected school activities at Bopoma Primary, Dimbiti Primary, St. Ludger Primary, Masikana, Dhirihori Primary and Secondary, Mupazvirihwo and St. Martins Primary Schools.

Zanu (PF)’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Rugare Gumbo, was unreachable.