Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A DEEPENING leadership crisis is threatening to derail the academic progress of several schools in Manicaland, where institutions are operating without substantive heads as the first cohorts under the Heritage-based Curriculum 5.0 prepare for their November examinations.
As the new term approaches, schools led by acting heads face mounting uncertainty.
Stakeholders warn that the absence of permanent leadership is undermining stability, decision-making, and the overall quality of education.
In response, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a call for applications from qualified educators to fill vacant headship positions in Mutare District.
The move underscores the seriousness of the situation, with concerns growing that prolonged vacancies could compromise exam preparedness and long-term institutional performance.
Teachers, learners, and parents alike are anxiously awaiting resolution. Many fear that bureaucratic delays in filling the posts have allowed the crisis to fester, leaving schools vulnerable at a critical juncture.
Calls are intensifying for swift intervention to restore stability and ensure that academic fortunes are not jeopardised by administrative inertia.
In Mutare District, some of the schools with vacant posts include Chirowakamwe Primary, Rujeko Primary, Dangamvura Primary, Mambwere Primary, St Werburghs Primary, Sakubva 2 High, Karirwi High, and St Theresa Gandai Secondary schools.
In Makoni District, they include St Benedict High, John Cowie Primary, Toriro St Albans Primary, Yorkshire Primary, Batanai Primary, Kadzunge Secondary, Chinembiri Primary, Chikore Secondary, Nyakwima Primary, Chiduku Primary, Tandi St Columbus Primary, Nyahonye Secondary and Chiundu High.
Investigations by The Manica Post revealed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education last week filled the headship post at Mavhudzi High School, appointing Mr Tendai Chiyanike, formerly of Chiundu High School, following a proactive process initiated by the responsible authority, Zimfep, in the third term of 2025.
However, the same progress has not been made at John Cowie Primary School in Rusape, where the headship position has remained vacant for over a year, following the death of Mr Garikai Nyawo in October 2024, sparking serious concerns and allegations of bureaucratic red tape.
Sources privy to the development revealed that a selected head (name withheld) was initially set to take up the post during the second term of 2025, but later declined, opting to stay at a Roman Catholic-run school in Nyanga, and now, it is alleged that some officials are pressuring him to reconsider his decision, effectively blocking the opportunity for the second-placed candidate to take the post.
Though statistics for schools with vacant headship posts in Nyanga, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Buhera, and Mutasa were not readily available, sources suggested that the situation could be direr in these districts compared to Mutare and Makoni.
Absence of permanent heads creates an accountability vacuum, allowing acting heads to sidestep responsibility for underperformance.
School heads, as accounting officers are held accountable for their institutions’ performance, while acting heads often lack the authority and incentive to drive meaningful change, leading to stagnation and mediocrity, exacerbating the challenges faced by schools already struggling to cope.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr Toungana Ndoro said yesterday (Thursday) it was against policy for someone to act in a headship position for more than three months.
“The issue of acting or non-substantive heads was addressed extensively last year. We are not letting anyone act for more than three months. When they become substantive, they become more accountable. Last year, we appointed many substantive heads across the country. If that is the case in Manicaland, specifically in Mutare and Makoni, we will have to look into it with the aim of addressing it as soon as possible. In fact, if that is the situation on the ground, appointments should be made within the next three or four weeks, as we fully understand the importance and difference between an acting and a substantive head,” said Mr Ndoro.
As schools across Manicaland prepare to reopen their gates for the first term of the year on Tuesday, the Government has issued a stern reminder to authorities that no learner should be denied access to education due to unpaid school fees, while measures are being taken to fill vacant posts in some schools across the province.
The appeal comes as parents and guardians scramble to settle outstanding fees and purchase essential stationery, uniforms and other requirement, with many schools buzzing with activity ahead of the opening day.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director (PED), Mr Richard Gabaza emphasised the importance of parents fulfilling their financial obligations, arguing that it is their “obligatory responsibility” to pay school fees and levies on or before schools open.
However, Mr Gabaza was quick to remind school administrators that the welfare of learners should not be compromised, reiterating the Government’s stance that no child should be turned away from school due to financial constraints.
As schools welcome back learners, particularly those transitioning to new phases such as Early Child Development (ECD), Grade One, and Form One, the atmosphere is a mix of excitement and anxiety.
While some parents are relieved to have secured learning spots for their children, others have not yet secured places, while some are anxious about meeting the financial demands of the new term.
It is Government’s unwavering position that every child has the right to education, and it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure they are supported – and where they face challenges – must approach school authorities for a payment plan.
“Generally, schools are preparing thoroughly for the implementation of the PS’ (Permanent Secretary’s) calendar, which starts next Tuesday. As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s provincial administrative authority, we are holding preparatory meetings with all school heads in the province to ensure the uniform implementation of education programmes in the province.
“Both NAPH and NASH are being urged to apply the provisions of the current Education Act, Section 21, and Statutory Instrument 13 of 2025, in terms of fees application, collection and utilisation. Parents and guardians have an obligatory responsibility to pay school fees and levies on or before schools open. No learner should be turned away on account of non-payment of fees and levies,” said Mr Gabaza, adding that there are enough places for all school-going children in the province.
“We have sufficient ECD A and Form One vacancies in the province. Ordinarily, boarding places are limited,” he said.
In a separate interview, Anglican Diocese of Manicaland leader, Bishop Eric Ruwona said they have moved with pace to address legacy issues of overcrowding in their schools, which was primarily caused by the misconception that temporary structures do not require plans and approvals.
“All Anglican schools are ready for the opening. The enrolment process was smooth and in accordance with diocesan policy and the Education Act. We enrolled enough learners to decongest our boarding schools. Our overcrowding was not caused by over-enrolment, but by prefabricated infrastructure built without proper plans and approvals. The assumption was that temporary structures do not require plans and approvals. However, the plan we shared with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is now bearing fruit.
“As we speak, St Faith’s High School has completed constructing five classrooms and is now constructing a 200-bed hostel to improve the living conditions of learners. Our SDC is leading the process. At St David’s Bonda, we are also constructing a 100-bed hostel, now at roof level, to decongest accommodation for learners. The response to some of our schools was overwhelming, and most schools have agreed on fees that will balance their budgets,” said Bishop Ruwona.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Mutare education secretary, Mr Lawrence Chibvuri expressed concern over parents from outlying areas who secure places for their children in urban schools by falsely claiming residency, only to rent accommodation for them to live alone while attending school – a practice known as “bush boarding”.
Addressing Form One parents during an induction ceremony at St Dominic’s High School in Mutare, on Wednesday, Mr Chibvuri warned that the school will take necessary action if it discovers that parents provided false addresses and their children are staying alone.
“We are having problems with such children who do not have parental care after they leave school premises,” he said, emphasising the importance of learners wearing proper and decent school uniforms.
“Yes, there is a circular which allows parents to buy uniforms where they find them cheap or of better quality, but that does not mean the child, especially the girl child, must come to school with mini-skirts. No! Our children need to be decently dressed,” he said.
The induction programme was aimed at familiarising newly enrolled learners with the school’s rules and regulations.
