Parents Halt Education at Mkaya Primary School Demanding Principal’s Removal

Learning has been halted at Mkaya Primary School in Mangwe District, Matebeleland South Province, due to parent protests demanding the dismissal of the school principal, Mrs. Clemencia Sibanda.

Parents have accused Sibanda of serious financial mismanagement, low approval rates, and disrespect for the community. They claim to have no receipts for school fee payments and question the accountability of funds from churches renting school facilities.

Despite having qualified teachers, the school’s seventh-grade pass rate for 2023 was a mere 11.11%, well below the national average of 45.57%. Parents’ frustration has led them to withdraw their children, insisting on Sibanda’s removal before classes can resume.

Local leaders, including Chief Zibuyeni, have attempted to mediate and encourage parents to send their children back to school while the issue is resolved, but their efforts have been futile.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has acknowledged the situation but emphasized that removing a school principal is a complex process involving multiple stakeholders. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Taunguna Ndoro, stated that the focus is currently on supporting and empowering the existing leadership to improve school performance before considering leadership changes, if necessary.

Parents at Willow Creek Elementary School are demanding the dismissal of Principal Sarah Jones, citing concerns over her leadership and communication style. A group of parents, led by Mary Smith, have organized a petition calling for Jones’s removal. The petition has garnered over 100 signatures from parents and staff members. “We’ve had enough,” said Smith. “Principal Jones has created a toxic environment at our school. She’s inaccessible, uncommunicative, and has failed to address our concerns.” Parents have raised specific concerns about Jones’s handling of discipline issues, her lack of support for teachers, and her poor communication with parents. “I’ve had to go to the school board to get my child’s discipline issue addressed,” said one parent. “Principal Jones refused to meet with me or return my calls.” Teachers have also expressed concerns about Jones’s leadership. “She doesn’t listen to our concerns or support our professional development,” said one teacher. “The staff morale is at an all-time low.” The school board has received the petition and is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the matter. Jones has not commented on the petition or the parents’ demands.