Pupils turned to vendors

Hazel Marimbiza

PARENTS and guardians of pupils at Mahlabezulu Primary School are unsettled amid fears that their children are being turned into vendors by teachers who make them sell foodstuffs at a time when they are supposed to be learning or enjoying their break time.

It is reported that most times, especially during break time some pupils are seen at the school’s gates selling different kinds of snacks.

What got parents worried is that their children are no longer getting enough time to learn or refresh during break time.

Parents spoke to B-Metro on condition of anonymity as they feared that their children might be victimised.

“We are concerned about the way our children are being treated at the school. How can they be made to sell stuff like sweets and jiggies which do not even belong to them?

“We hear they sell most of the food stuffs during break time but that is not fair because it’s a time when they are supposed to be refreshing and having their food. Our children will not pass if they are being abused like this,” said one worried parent.

Other parents said they wanted the culprits to be dealt with.

“We really wish relevant authorities would deal with these teachers who are abusing our children. Such child labour for young kids calls for culprits to be punished,” said another parent.

The School Development Committee (SDC) chairman, Frank Kwenda, said he had heard reports on the pupils being made to sell their teachers’ food stuffs.

“I’ve heard lots of people complaining about this issue and it is very bad because it is child labour. At the moment I cannot comment much because I haven’t been able to go there to inquire more about the issue,” said Kwenda.