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Harare Bureau
SOME mission and State-run boarding schools last week defied Government’s directive to enrol 2017 Form One students via an online platform, it has emerged.
Information gathered by our Harare Bureau indicates that the learning institutions told parents to ignore the new arrangement and instead complete application at the respective schools.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora could not immediately state the remedial action to be taken.
A fortnight ago, Dr Dokora introduced online application for prospective Form One students, saying this would curb corrupt allocation of boarding places.
This drew mixed reactions from schools and parents, with some complaining that it was problematic and time-consuming, while others maintained it was “the future”.
Analysts also suggested that authorities need to upgrade and expand internet infrastructure to ensure wider connectivity.
Zimbabwe produces roughly 300 000 Grade Seven graduates every year, but only 20 000 Form One boarding school places are available.
An official from the Zimbabwe Schools Development Association told our Harare Bureau, “We have received reports that more than 50 top boarding schools have been enrolling students using the manual system, arguing that the new system is not working.
“I will not state the names of the schools so as to protect them from possible victimisation from any quarters, but that’s the reality on the ground. The new platform is noble. However, we think a little bit of consultation will do so that we will all have a buy-in and support the new initiative.”
Dr Dokora told our Harare Bureau that problems encountered in the system’s initial stages were “normal”.
“We have introduced a new system, and these teething problems are normal. By Monday (tomorrow), I think all the places will be filled.
“By Thursday, I had received information that close to 100 schools had already filled all their places. Most schools complied with the ministry’s directive, which is meant to ease congestion and eradicate corruption. It was the parents who complained that corruption was rampant during entrance tests, and the ministry responded.”
Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Mr Raymond Majongwe said it is important for the ministry to consult widely before introducing new initiatives.
“The country needs to always support good and developmental policies, but those good intentions will always suffer the rejection of the people if there is no consultation with key stakeholders.
“At least the ministry was supposed to pilot the project because the idea is good.”
Bongani Ndlovu