Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
PARENTS and guardians stormed Dangare Primary School on Tuesday, demanding answers after authorities allegedly quoted US$290 000 for a school bus — a figure they claim is grossly inflated and exploitative.
The protest erupted on the opening day of the second term, with families accusing school officials of attempting to overcharge them for the bus, which was meant to improve the learning environment.
They vowed not to contribute until the price was explained and justified.
Investigations by The Manica Post revealed that the quoted figure far exceeds market rates.
A brand-new MAN Diesel bus costs significantly less, while comparable Yutong buses range between US$60 000 and US$70 000.
The discrepancy has fuelled allegations of mismanagement and prompted calls for an immediate audit of the procurement process.
A public transport operator, speaking anonymously, said: “We sell buses to schools at around US$230 000. I actually have 40 buses in stock right now. The US$290 000 price is just too much.”
Police intervened on Tuesday to restore order after angry parents besieged the premises.
The parents later drafted a petition dated May 9, 2026, addressed to Chief Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mr Richard Gabaza, and copied to the Mutare District Schools Inspector, the school head, and the School Development Committee chairperson.
Beyond the alleged inflated price, the petition also raised concerns over the financial burden placed on parents, who are being asked to pay US$20 per term for nine terms per child — totalling US$180 per learner.
“We, the undersigned parents and guardians of learners at Dangare Primary School, Sakubva, Mutare, hereby submit this petition to oppose and request denial (sic) of the proposed purchase of a school bus at a cost of US$290 000, and the associated US$20 per term contribution for nine terms from parents. “Reasons for this Petition: Inflated Purchase Price: The quoted price of US$290 000 is far above the current market rate for a 60 to 70-seater school bus in Zimbabwe. Comparable buses in good condition are available locally for under US$100 000. Spending public and parent funds at nearly triple market value is not in the best interest of learners or parents.
“Unfair Financial Burden on Parents: Requiring US$20 per term for nine terms per child totals US$180 per learner. Many families at Dangare Primary are already struggling with school fees, uniforms and basic living costs. This contribution is unaffordable for most households, especially those with multiple children,” reads part of the petition.
The parents and guardians also expressed bitterness over lack of transparency in the transaction.
“Lack of Transparency and Due Process: Parents have not been provided with quotations, supplier details, or a breakdown of the US$290 000 cost. There was no consultation meeting, and no evidence that three competitive quotations were obtained as required by the procurement guidelines.
“Misuse of Parent Contributions: Parent contributions must be used responsibly and transparently for the direct benefit of learners. Approving this purchase without due diligence sets a dangerous precedent,” reads the petition.
The parents also requested the parent ministry to intervene and immediately stop the collection of funds for the bus.
“Our Request: We respectfully request that your office immediately halt the collection of the US$20 per term contribution for the bus; investigate the proposed US$290 000 purchase and verify it against current market prices; Direct the SDC to obtain and publish at least three written quotations from registered suppliers; approve only a cost-effective and transparent option, preferably under US$100 000, or explore alternative transport solutions;
“Provide a written report to parents on the outcome of your investigation. We support safe and reliable transport for our children, but we insist that it be done legally, transparently and affordably,” reads the petition.
Repeated efforts to obtain a comment from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were fruitless.
Mr Gabaza refused to comment, and referred all questions to the DSI, Mrs Tracy Mademutsa, who was unreachable at the time of going to print.
Last year, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education roped in the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZAAC) and the police to tackle rampant cases of fraud and deliberate sabotage by school authorities, exposed through internal audits.
An audit at Mweyamutsvene High School, also in Mutare District, prompted by concerns over financial irregularities, revealed that approximately US$320 000 had been misappropriated from the school coffers over a two-year period.
Parents have also raised red flags over school heads’ tendency to splurge funds on attending functions, including sporting events in which not a single learner from their schools will be participating, as well as imposing financial demands outside the formal school fee structures approved by the Government.
The Manica Post also has it on good authority that, in an effort to address these irregularities, the ministry has centralised the procurement of high-value assets, such as school buses, and is establishing integrity committees to serve as internal oversight bodies promoting ethical conduct and preventing corruption within all educational institutions.
The committees will ensure adherence to codes of conduct, investigate misconduct and recommend corrective actions, while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and integrity — crucial roles in curbing corruption. The committees will also provide a safe and confidential channel for reporting corruption, enabling schools to identify and address detectable vulnerabilities.
The move to centralise procurement follows revelations that some school authorities were prioritising the acquisition of expensive assets, often by splitting tenders to receive kickbacks, despite the lack of essential learning and teaching materials, inadequate learning infrastructure and insufficient ablution facilities in some schools.
My question is; Why do schools require buses? How much is saved by buying a school bus against hiring one when the need arises? Are buses justifiable assets to schools or simply symbols of unjustified pride? Schools require desks, books, learning tools, proper sports fields, air conditioners in classes and offices, proper school security systems and hygienic ablutions. Most of the schools that buy buses don’t even have these basics. Government must put conditions that schools should meet certain requirements first before purchasing such luxuries like buses. And parents must be wise enough to ensure that schools don’t go into such useless competitions of buying buses.