Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
CALM returned to Mahlathini Primary School in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, after angry parents and guardians briefly demonstrated over what they described as an unexplained increase in school levies.
The parents questioned why the Bulawayo City Council-run school had allegedly reviewed the levies upwards without prior notice.
Armed municipal police officers were called in to restore order, with a Zimpapers news crew later observing two officers patrolling the school’s administration block as parents and guardians made payments.
Grade Seven examinations were also in progress.
One disgruntled parent said the school had sent letters showing outstanding balances despite some parents having no arrears.
“The school sent letters stating that we owed varying amounts in school levies although we didn’t owe outstanding monies. The manner in which the school levies were reviewed upwards without notifying us was not done the right way,” said the parent.
Another parent said municipal police were called after parents demanded to see the school head.
“We have resolved to pay the monies but we will be demanding a meeting with the school head and the School Development Committee,” he said.
The parents’ concerns centre on the communication surrounding the levy review and the amounts reflected on their accounts.
