Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Chief Director for Provincial Education Services in Manicaland, Mr Richard Gabaza, last week directed school headmasters to tighten disciplinary measures in response to rising cases of financial mismanagement and inappropriate teacher-learner relationships in schools.
Speaking at the National Association of Primary Headmasters (NAPH) provincial conference in Rusape, Mr Gabaza expressed concern over growing indiscipline within schools, highlighting financial impropriety and the abuse of learners by teachers as critical issues requiring urgent attention.
The conference brought together primary school heads from across Manicaland to discuss service delivery, governance and learner welfare.
Mr Gabaza said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will not tolerate any form of misconduct, warning that personnel found violating regulations or breaking the law will face disciplinary action.
He urged headmasters to strengthen supervision, accountability and internal control systems within their schools, stressing that teachers must be custodians of learners’ safety and well-being rather than sources of harm.
The directive comes as the ministry intensifies efforts to combat corruption, promote professionalism and safeguard learners in both primary and secondary schools throughout the province.
“As we have our capacity-building workshops, let us also have sessions on discipline. Financial discipline is very important. Financial management is not negotiable and is not an option. It is our mandate. It is compulsory and obligatory.
“We are troubled by the rise in improper associations. Teachers are child protection practitioners, and as such must not improperly associate with learners. Learner protection remains our collective responsibility. As school leaders, you must continue to enforce child protection policies. Promote safe learning environments, address bullying, abuse and exploitation, strengthen guidance and counselling services. Ensure digital safety as technology use expands. Every learner deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, inclusive and supportive.
“We have some teachers who are seeing women in schoolgirls. Go and have staff development programmes that embrace discipline, and talk about the 24 acts of misconduct. We have quite a variety of women in the communities who are more than ready to embrace a man. Why then do we pay attention to a developing learner? We feel ashamed when we appear on social media when certain teachers improperly associate with learners. Respect professional distance with learners,” said Mr Gabaza, further urging school heads to carry out commercial projects at their institutions to improve cash flows and self-sustenance, and most importantly to fulfil the requirements of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which promotes innovation by learners.
“School-based projects remain an important pillar of the Heritage-Based Curriculum. These projects promote practical skills, innovation and creativity. They also contribute to the school’s self-sustenance. Effective management of school-based projects requires proper planning and budgeting, clear monitoring and evaluation systems, community participation, financial accountability and sustainability strategies.
“We must move beyond projects as academic exercises and transform them into productive ventures that benefit schools and communities. Find a market first before starting a project. Projects must be sustainable, professionally managed, and linked to local economic opportunities and community needs. Through commercialisation, schools can become centres of innovation and production, while supporting learner welfare,” he said.
Turning to social issues, Mr Gabaza reminded school heads to prepare for retirement by making wise investment decisions, chief among them owning a home, and to diversify sources of income to cushion them when they are no longer in employment.
“As we dedicate our lives to serve the education sector, it is equally important to plan for our future beyond active service. Retirement planning is, not merely a financial exercise, but a strategic life decision. I encourage all school heads to understand their pension benefits, invest wisely and diversify income streams. Engage in financial literacy programmes and develop sustainable retirement plans while still in active service.
“A secure retirement contributes significantly to personal dignity and national development. Yes, we are still in active service but it is the right time to plan our exit. Let us plan our retirement so that we maintain our dignity as leaders of schools and communities. Ensure that you have a home, whether in rural areas or in town. Make a decisive step in preparation for your retirement,” said Mr Gabaza.
