Online Reporter
Tendeai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
HANDE HIGH School staff in Buhera are facing disciplinary action after a provincial investigative audit exposed rampant abuse of school funds, triggering hearings expected to begin this month.
Chief Director for Education Services in Manicaland, Mr Richard Gabaza, confirmed that multiple teams from provincial and district offices were deployed to investigate financial mismanagement following concerns raised by stakeholders.
The audits have been completed and disciplinary processes are now underway for an unspecified number of employees implicated to restore accountability, safeguard learner resources and deter further misuse of public funds in schools across Manicaland.
Mr Gabaza said tighter monitoring mechanisms will be enforced to ensure transparency in school finance management going forward.
“The investigations have been concluded in line with the Government policy. The audit findings have been released, and the responsible persons have already been charged. We are now waiting for the disciplinary hearings,” said Mr Gabaza, while declining to identify the staff members involved, saying the matter remained confidential until the disciplinary process is concluded.
The development follows calls by parents and members of the community for greater transparency after the delayed release of the audit findings.
Hande High School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson, Mr Blessing Manyenga said parents wanted clarity on issues raised in the 2024 audit report, and whether its recommendations had been fully implemented.
“The concerns raised by parents are centred on transparency and accountability. They simply want assurance that the recommendations made by auditors were implemented and that school resources were managed in accordance with established financial procedures,” said Mr Manyenga, adding that the audit had recommended measures to strengthen financial management, including full utilisation of the school’s drip irrigation system, limiting the sale of school uniforms and reducing large petty cash withdrawals.
He said parents are seeking for confirmation that these recommendations were acted upon during 2025.
“There are also questions surrounding some of the development projects undertaken during the year. Parents want an independent review to satisfy themselves that procurement processes and expenditure complied with the required procedures,” said Mr Manyenga, adding that parents had also requested a detailed financial report on a school trip to Victoria Falls held between July 29 and August 1, 2025.
“They want to understand how the funds contributed towards the trip were managed. It is about accountability to the parents who financed the trip,” he said.
He said further concerns emerged after the new SDC assumed office in February this year.
“Different figures relating to outstanding creditors were reportedly presented at different times, creating confusion among parents. They are calling for a comprehensive financial reconciliation so that everyone has a clear picture of the school’s financial position,” said Mr Manyenga, adding that parents had also sought clarification regarding a loan reportedly obtained for the construction of a new hostel.
“They were informed during the Annual General Meeting that building materials had already been purchased, but subsequent discussions raised questions about their availability. Parents hope the audit process will provide clarity on that issue as well,” said Mr Manyenga, insisting that some parents had also questioned the management of the school’s livestock project, which was introduced to reduce food costs and improve the supply of meat for learners.
Beyond financial matters, Mr Manyenga said some parents had also raised concerns about the quality of teaching in a few classes, while acknowledging the dedication and professionalism of many teachers.
“They are appealing for consistent adherence to the national curriculum so that every learner receives quality education,” he said.
Mr Manyenga emphasised that the concerns were raised by parents and members of the community, who were seeking transparency rather than confrontation.
“They appreciate the work being done by the current SDC, but they want the outstanding issues to be resolved so that confidence in the school is fully restored,” he said.
