By Lloyd Takawira
The return of non examination learner’s to school today exposed the shambolic and unpreparedness of the government in the re-opening of schools.
A visit to most schools by Bustop TV News revealed un-orderliness reigning supreme, while most Zimbabweans took to internet to vent their frustration at the government approach to the well-being of the learner’s.
So bad was the situation in Chitungwiza where Bustop TV News managed to visit Seke 7 primary school after parents protested outside the school premises demanding that the school address the issue of sitting arrangements for the pupils.
A parent who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity blasted the school headmaster for the disorder that characterized the schools opening.
“We are being bared from entering the school premises. Our main concern is that we want to get assurance from the Headmaster on a number of issues such as the siting arrangements for our kids. Look how many they are. Covid-19 is real my brother, we fear for these kids. Government should at least intervene and lay down proper covid-19 guidelines to be followed by teachers”.
A visit at Tangenhamo Primary school in Zengeza Chitungwiza by this reporter also witnessed school kids rooming around the school premises after authorities at the school had denied them entry for non payment of fees.
After gaining entry into the school, authorities while appearing to be aware of the covid-19 guidelines on social distancing and proper wearing of masks were busy turning away some pupils in trying to maintain order.
A teacher at Tangenhamo who refused to be named blamed the government for the chaos.
“The government is to blame for this chaos. The education sector is not prepared. We are required to maintain social distancing and all the covid-19 guidelines, but look at the number of pupils and the number of classrooms we have.” said the teacher.
This news crew also visited Highfield 1 high school in Highfield Harare where parents and pupils took turns to blast government for lack of preparedness.
A parent who spoke to this reporter had this to say: “we thought that after last week’s examination classes opening, government is prepared to minimize the risk of Covid-19 infection to pupils but alas the showing here is not pleasing”.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the schools opening Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema had assured the country that all was well.
“We are ready to welcome everyone back to school, and a return to the standard mode of instruction. However, there are still challenges regarding social distancing protocols in some schools which were doing hot seating.
“We are working on that to make sure that everyone is compliant to the regulations. We have broken classes and we will not risk the safety of learners” he said.
However teacher unions have remained adamant that without their demands being met, they will not be attending classes.
Government showdown with teachers is the latest that is going to threaten the full opening of schools .
