Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
A Headmaster from St Rupert Mayer High School in Makonde has taken the school WhatsApp group to respond to allegations raised against her administration over misuse of funds.
There had been claims that the head, Kudzai Mudzingwa has been evasive, avoiding responding to the audit which was carried from February 4 to 26.
The matter came light following an audit which covered the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2024.
Following the publication of the story in H-Metro last week, she responded in a parent’s WhatsApp group blaming some authorities for creating tension between her and parents.
She also blamed school authorities and the leakage of the audit report.
In her response, Mudzingwa raised her issues to the parents who are also demanding answers from her.
“It is normal that when schools’ close, parents have concerns raised by learners as to how their term progressed.
“I might not be able to fully give you what you expected, but I think that I share with you what I have.
“It is evident from your concerns that teaching and learning was very poor this term.
“Among the main factors which may have contributed to poor teaching and learning I will start unfavourable environment that has prevailed this term.
“When we opened schools, our solar panels were not fixed from last year’s event whirlwind destruction, which occurred on 1 November 2024.
“Without electricity it has been difficult for teachers and leaners, so study was affected, no of exercises given to learners.
“True there were one or two teachers, who could have neglected their work, and leaners have suffered in subjects such as mathematics, combined science, and heritage studies.
“This prevailing environment has forced some of the teachers to go on leave, and nowadays, if a teacher goes on leave, the ministry does not give a replacement.
“Again, learners were affected. Alcoholic teachers- am not sure. Need thorough investigation to comment on that,” she said.
Mudzingwa further said, there have been lack of appreciation for work done or results produced from the responsible authority.
“This seem to be lacking, or appreciation is selective, some members are recognised and praised while others’ efforts are totally ignored.
“Discrimination of teachers some referred to as for the responsible authority, and others for the government.
“There is a serious shortage of accommodation, and sharing accommodation comes with a lot of challenges.
“Use of derogatory and abusive language, public humiliation of school administration by the responsible authority in church or when addressing learners.
“Class teachers used to attend morning masses, and after these experiences, they have suddenly stopped.
“The geographical location of our school is in itself a challenge.
“The distance between the hostels, dining, and school give room for a lot mischievous behaviour.
“The boys’ hostels are not fenced and they are isolated, so it is difficult for the Boarding Master to have control of the learners.
“And also, the Boarding Master, besides age, has his own challenges regarding child safeguarding.”
She also raised concerns over the poor relationship with the authorities.
“There is not much left to say regarding the relationship between the Head and the Responsible Authority.
“It is clear from how Fr refers to the Head in his responses. There is no healthy and constructive relationship between the two of us.
“And he is making great efforts not only to replace me but also tarnishing my image.
“I have no intention of remaining at St Rupert Mayer High School. There is life outside St Rupert’s.
“And some of you parents are helping him without fully understanding what is happening.
“I would like to comment on some issues or comments raised by some of you parents on the platform.”
The head also confronted a parent.
“(name withheld), what evidence do you have, when you said that we can rely on the auditor’s report and that H-Metro will never report falsehoods.
“What are the requirements when an audit is conducted? Enlighten us.
“And how sure are you that everything was in place. I know you are a very good friend of Fr, so do not patronise me because of your friendship.
“Mari yakabiwa? US$191 000 munoiziva painowanikwa. You are referring to the issue yebike. it happened when?
“Administration yakafa ndozvandaona, you are the one destroying the school with your backbiting and snitching. How do you know about my qualifications?
“Mentioning that the SDC chair is using the school solar without a clear background will cause the school to have bad relations with the community.
“Those who installed the solar system had an agreement with the chair that since some poles were passing through his field, if he can buy his cables then he could benefit.”
Meanwhile, there are demands for an explanation on the issues of non-banking of school levies and projects monies and non-receipting of all cash collected from school projects.
“She should respond to issues of all cash receipted by the bursar at the school for levies and other projects were not being taken for banking.
“It was used before banking. The period in question is January 2019 to 10th February 2025.
“Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Financial Management Training Manual for Non Finance Education Managers, Chapter 4, Section 6.4, which indicates that the Head must ensure that ALL moneys received are banked INTACT into the School Account regularly to reduce the risk of loss through theft or other calamities.
“Statutory Instrument 144 of 2019 Public Finance Management Act (Treasury Instruction) Part VII, Section 48, Subsection (I) which indicates that money received at an Institution must be banked INTACT and in the currency in which they were received,” said the source.
Another parent said, the head should also explain why all payments were unauthorised by the finance sub-committee.
“All payment vouchers were signed for by the bursar. No Head and Deputy Head signatures on payment vouchers.
“No consistence in preparation of bank reconciliation statements.
“Head did not certify correct, those few bank reconciliation statements prepared.
“The Head of a School is the Accounting Officer.
“She is accountable to everything at the station.
“She is accountable for the school’s performance, adherence to policies, legal and regulatory requirements.
“The Head chairs the Finance sub-committee and as Finance sub-committee, they approve and authorise payments.
“The Finance Sub-Committee comprise of Head, Deputy, SDC Chair, SDC Vice Chair and the RA.
“These should be the signatories to the School Fund Account.”
