The hallowed halls of Nemakonde High School, once a beacon of learning and a place where young minds were nurtured, are now shrouded in shame. Four teachers, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and shaping the future of their students, have been dismissed for engaging in inappropriate relationships with their pupils, a betrayal of trust that has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in Zimbabwe’s education system.
According to H-Metro, the dismissed teachers, Joseph Chinhanga, Jeffrey Sarikosi, Dennis Pedzisai, and a fourth teacher identified only as Dendera, were suspended last year following an outcry from students and parents who had witnessed or suspected their inappropriate behaviour. The District Education Office, responding to the allegations, launched an investigation, which ultimately led to the teachers’ dismissal.
“They were charged with improper association and dismissed from service,” confirmed Taungana Ndoro, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s communications director. “Schools should establish confidential, accessible reporting procedures that empower students, parents, and staff to report any suspected instances of inappropriate behaviour or boundary violations. There should be clear protocols in place for investigating and addressing all credible reports.”
The allegations against the teachers, which include physical and emotional abuse, are particularly disturbing given the power imbalance inherent in the teacher-student relationship. The fact that one of the teachers, Jeffrey Sarikosi, is alleged to have fathered a child with a former student, adds a further layer of complexity and underscores the gravity of the situation.
“Because we say teachers are in loco parentis when they have our children at school,” said Shupikai Zebron, treasurer of the Musoro Muchena Skills for Life Board, echoing the sentiments of many parents. “So, if teachers now look at our children as potential girlfriends, or potential sexual prey, then it becomes another story. As Musoromuchena Skills for Life, we really hail the decision that was taken. These teachers must also think about their own families, how they disgraced themselves and their wives, how their children are going to look at them as fathers who behave that way.”
The dismissal of the four teachers, while a necessary step, is only the beginning of a long and difficult journey towards healing and restoring trust in the education system. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review of existing policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has acknowledged the need for stricter measures, outlining a series of steps that schools must take to prevent such incidents from happening again. These include:
- Establishing confidential reporting procedures to empower students, parents, and staff to report any suspected instances of inappropriate behaviour.
- Implementing clear protocols for investigating and addressing all credible reports.
- Providing ongoing training for staff on appropriate boundaries and responsible conduct.
- Implementing thorough vetting processes for all new staff, including comprehensive background checks and verification of past employment history and references.
- Ensuring that counselling and support services are available to help students who may have been affected by inappropriate behaviour.
The dismissal of the four teachers, while a necessary step, is only the first step in a long journey towards addressing the issue of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education must continue to work with schools, parents, and communities to ensure that the safety and well-being of students remains a top priority.
