adminTHE on-going audit in schools that has unearthed massive looting of funds meant for fees and levies is welcome as it is relieving to most parents. For years, parents have been at loggerheads with school authorities over incessant levy demands and fees increases that drained households of their earnings. In these trying economic times parents sacrificed the little at hand and paid the amounts with confidence. They thought and strongly believed that the money they were paying would be used as planned.
Arrests that have been made as a result of this nationwide audit have shocked many. Several school heads and accounts clerks have been arrested in Manicaland while some of them are still on the run.
Parents are failing to fathom that the money their children were ordered to collect back at home ended up in the coffers of some greedy administrators.
This has been going on for a long time.
Many recall bus levies that were demanded by schools which were squandered by those in power.
Yes, people are being arrested over the thefts and more arrests are to follow as the audits continue but what we need is to put checks and balances to ensure such crimes do not happen in future.
What is certain is that some of the money has been lost forever while some of it would be restituted when these people are finally convicted and asked to pay back. It is better to be pro-active than reactive.
The education sector must put in place measures to ensure that accounts books are audited regularly to ensure transparency.
Word doing the rounds is that some of the schools were audited more than five years ago. Such a long period will force those handling cash to put some in their pocket. A culture of accountability must prevail in order to deter would-be offenders.
Parents have had enough of this cheating which is bleeding their coffers and badly affecting education.
If resources permit, audits in these schools must be conducted regularly at a district level.
Doing audits after a long period is not advisable for some of the crooks will cook up documents or conceal some of them.
Vital evidence will be lost.
Every dollar must be accounted for. As the criminal process against those found wanting continue the internal disciplinary process in the education sector must follow immediately.
In terms of the Labour Relations Act, theft is a dismissible offence. Those found guilty of stealing school funds must as well be chucked out of the education fraternity.
It is our hope that the vigour with which this audit is progressing must maintain till the end.
We are aware that some of the corrupt schools heads are dangling brown envelopes to distract auditors to carry out their duties well.
We urge those leading the audit exercise to be wary of such elements who want to corrupt their way to freedom.
Lets purge the education sector of crooks.
Online Reporter