Rusape – Kriste Mambo High School is facing significant backlash from parents and child-rights advocates after allegations surfaced that ten female students faced unjust disciplinary actions for bringing mobile phones to school. The controversy centers on the severity of the punishments administered.
Parents report that the students were suspended for two weeks, requiring guardians to travel from various locations across the province to retrieve them. This aspect of the punishment has raised concerns about its fairness and the additional burden it placed on families. “The school’s actions create unnecessary stress for families already dealing with other challenges,” one parent stated.
Following their suspension, the students attended a disciplinary hearing, where they were reportedly compelled to write letters admitting guilt to regain their place in class. Parents argue that these confessions were coerced and lacked the voluntary consent necessary for such statements, undermining principles of fairness and due process.
The situation escalated further when it was revealed that the students endured two days of physical punishment. Child-rights experts have condemned these measures, highlighting that they are explicitly banned under the Education Amendment Act of 2020. Such actions are seen as direct violations of several constitutional protections afforded to children in Zimbabwe.
Specifically, Section 53 of the Constitution prohibits cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, while Section 81(1)(e) mandates the protection of children from various forms of abuse. The Education Act also emphasizes that schools must implement non-violent, child-friendly methods of discipline. These legal frameworks are intended to safeguard students and promote their well-being.
Parents have spoken out against the disciplinary methods employed, labeling them as “extreme,” “humiliating,” and “unnecessary.” Concerns have been voiced about the recent changes in school administration, with one parent noting, “With the coming in of the new headmistress, things have become too hard for the girls.” This shift in approach has alarmed many within the school community.
Additionally, the handling of mobile phones has been a contentious issue. In previous years, confiscated devices were returned to students at the end of the term. However, the current disallowance has raised questions about how it hinders students’ learning experiences.
As the situation unfolds, parents and child-rights advocates are calling for a review of school policies regarding student discipline and a dialogue with school authorities to address these concerns. They are advocating for measures that prioritize students’ rights and foster a more supportive educational environment.
