adminA GRADE Seven teacher at Mahlabezulu Primary School in Tshabalala, Bulawayo has caused a stir at the school after she started operating her own parallel class where pupils are forced to pay $5 per month to attend lessons after lunch amid revelations that she threatens those pupils who do not pay and chases them out of class.
The teacher (name supplied) is also reportedly not performing from 8am to 1pm but is instead forcing her pupils to pay for the extra time, where she does most of the work. Grade Seven examinations commenced on Monday last week. A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the development. The teacher said parents were told to come forward with evidence so that the school head can act.
“The school is aware of such a situation but the problem is that when the head approaches her with no receipts or tangible evidence, she can report her to the police for abuse or tainting her image. Nothing will happen but what she is doing is very unfair, taking into account the economic situation which we are in,” said the teacher.
A concerned parent, Mrs Lethiwe Phiri, said the matter has been raised on several platforms but the school head and the school development association have watered it down.
Another parent who preferred not to be named said pupils who have failed to pay $5 are told all sorts of insults. She said the development had a psychological effect to pupils who were learning under a cloud of fear.
The visiblly shaken teacher professed ignorance on the matter. She said: “I am not aware of what you are talking about. I have nothing to say on that issue.”
The school head, Mr Harrison Ndlovu, declined to comment on the matter referring questions to the provincial education director, Mr Dan Moyo.
Contacted for comment, Mr Moyo said: “I have not yet heard anything concerning that. Since you have alerted me, my office is going to investigate the matter because that is unacceptable.”
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter