Heads warned against graft in enrolment

SEEKING bribes from parents to give their children a place at a school of t heir choice, or forcing parents to buy school uniforms from designated shops or at the school itself are acts of misconduct and guilty heads who do this or permit this will face extreme disciplinary action, Government has warned.

In separate interviews, school heads associations from both primary and secondary also condemned the malpractices which they said tarnished the image of their profession and the integrity that people automatically expect from a school head.

The warnings follow accusations levelled against some heads that they were demanding bribes from desperate parents to enrol their children either starting Form One, Form Five or Grade One, as well as those transferring from other schools.

Private schools are being accused of short- changing parents forcing them to buy uniforms at designated stores or a school store, with prices usually above the market value, despite this being illegal.

“I cannot say if it is happening or not but if anyone is taking bribes that is wrong, illegal and has to be stopped with immediate effect. It cannot go on,” said National Association of Primary Heads ( NAPH) president Mrs Cynthia Khumalo.

“It is illegal and those doing that must stop. We want to know who is doing this, people should bring evidence and those taking bribes must be exposed. They are on the wrong side.

“Every head knows the rules, and anyone taking bribes knows that what they are doing is against the law.’’

National Association of Secondary Heads president Mr Arthur Maphosa condemned school heads taking bribes and implored law enforcement agents to initiate legal proceedings.

He did not know if some of secondary heads are demanding bribes, but noted that if it is happening, it is tarnishing the image of their profession.

“I do not know where it is happening, but those doing that would be misguided head elements,” said Mr Maphosa. “If they are our members they are tarnishing the image of NASH and the teaching profession as a whole.

“Every child has the choice to choose their individual schools, the preference varies from proximity to their homes, history of the school or any other and no one should stand in their way unless if the places are full.

“So those who are requesting bribes it is an act of misconduct and the law should take its course.”

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is quite prepared to investigate allegations, encourages parents to make complaints if they meet these illegal practices, and will take action against the guilty.

“We rely on the public for such information, particularly parents and guardians of children going for Form 1 or Grade 1,” said the Ministry’s spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro.

“Any head found carrying out such underhand dealings will be charged with an act of misconduct under the First Schedule ( section 2) of the Public Service Regulations, in particular, sub- section 13, which deals with corruption or dishonesty, including any contravention of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and sub- section 24 which involves any act or omission which is inconsistent with or prejudicial to the discharge of official duties, including the abuse of authority.

“The complaints on such abuses were very serious and could warrant dismissal and even criminal charges and imprisonment.”

Mr Ndoro said private schools would not be allowed to work outside the law and should also follow the Education Act as they are registered by the Government.

He reminded parents and children that they were allowed to buy uniforms at shops of their choice and not to be forced to do so at expensive shops.

“Pursuant to public pronouncement by the Permanent Secretary on 9 January 2018, I want to reiterate once more that parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms wherever they find it cheaper in line with the specifications by the schools,” said Mr Ndoro.

“Therefore, the Ministry’s position with regards to purchase of uniforms remains unchanged.”