School Bus Accident – a lingering controversy surrounding a 2022 school bus accident has reignited longstanding tensions between parents and the administration of Mapanzure High School in Masvingo, triggering public outrage and renewed calls for accountability, transparency, and better governance in public education.
The school bus in question, which was allegedly hired out to the ruling ZANU PF party for an event in 2022, was involved in a traffic accident during that period. Parents claim the vehicle, which was procured using funds collected through a community development levy, was misused for political purposes without their consent. Nearly two years later, the issue remains unresolved—and frustrations are now boiling over.
The conflict reached a new height on Wednesday, June 11, when a group of disgruntled parents gathered with the intention to stage a protest at the school premises. The protest was aimed at highlighting a host of grievances, with the bus accident serving as the catalyst. However, police from Muchakata intervened before the demonstration could take place, opting instead to mediate between the two sides.
School head Mr. Clapos Chauraya confirmed the incident to TellZim News, acknowledging that the parents had serious concerns, particularly about the use and condition of the school bus. He said the school was open to dialogue and hoped to resolve the issues peacefully.
Mapanzure High School Bus Accident Deepens Rift Between Parents and Administration
“Yes, the parents came, probably intending to demonstrate over some grievances they had. However, the police intervened and stopped them. So we are going to engage them and address the concerns, which include the issue of the school bus,” said Chauraya.
Parents argue that the school’s decision to lease the bus for a political event was a violation of trust. They say the damage caused by the accident was never properly explained, and they were neither consulted nor informed when the arrangement was made. For many, the accident represents broader issues of mismanagement and disregard for stakeholder input.“The bus was bought using our money, and now it’s being used for political purposes with no explanation? That’s unacceptable,” one parent said.
But the bus is just one of several issues fuelling discontent. Parents point to the slow pace of development at the school and the collapse of once-thriving projects such as a cattle-rearing initiative. Once a source of pride and a means of raising funds for the school, the project has reportedly failed, with the number of cattle dwindling and some animals allegedly slaughtered for committees without proper accounting.
“There’s no visible development at the school. We used to have a vibrant cattle project, but the cattle are gone, and some were reportedly used without informing the community. That’s poor management,” said another concerned parent.
Adding to the grievances, the school recently closed its A-level classes, citing poor enrolment. The administration blamed the trend on students opting to go directly to vocational colleges after completing their O-levels. However, parents believe the real issue lies in the school’s deteriorating academic reputation, which has driven learners to seek better-performing institutions elsewhere.
“The school says learners prefer vocational training now, but the truth is students don’t have confidence in the school anymore. That’s why they’re going to other schools for A-level,” one parent explained.
Allegations of misconduct have further tarnished the school’s image. Parents claim that some A-level teachers, now left with no classes to teach, spend working hours loitering at nearby shops instead of being on campus.
To make matters worse, parents were reportedly not informed about another recent accident involving a school vehicle—further eroding trust in the administration’s ability to manage resources and communicate transparently.
Despite the growing tensions, a temporary resolution was reached following a meeting between the school administration and parent representatives. According to those present, the school agreed to hold a formal meeting where all grievances would be discussed in detail.
“They have committed to a proper meeting to address everything. If they do it sincerely, we can find a way forward. But we want full transparency,” a parent stated.
This ongoing saga at Mapanzure High School has become a microcosm of wider challenges affecting Zimbabwe’s public education system, where issues of governance, accountability, and political interference frequently intersect. As stakeholders await the promised engagement, parents are demanding not just answers, but a clear, actionable plan to restore credibility, improve infrastructure, and rebuild trust between the administration and the community it serves.
