Martin Muleya
BUHERA-Manicaland Provincial Education director Richard Gabaza and Hande High, School Development Committee have issued conflicting statements on whether an audit has been carried out or not at the institution.
Gabaza told The Midweek Watch that an audit was carried out recently following reports of maladministration at Hande High School.
On the other hand, the newly installed SDC led by Blessing Manyenga said they are awaiting auditors so that they can start their term of office on a clear slate and they have been promised that by the authorities since the beginning of the second term, but nothing is moving.
Gabaza highlighted that a team of auditors from both district and provincial level were dispatched and they all concurred about the financial mismanagement at the school.
“The auditors were dispatched from both the district and provincial offices as per policy, they had their investigations and findings. From their findings we discovered that there were some people who were guilty and we have already charged them. What is left is to summon them for hearings,” said Gabaza.
When pressed to reveal the names of those found guilty, he declined and insisted that they will be summoned for disciplinary hearings.
The parents’ concerns emerged following an audit reportedly conducted in 2024, which is understood to have identified several areas which require financial governance improvement.
Parents now say they are struggling to obtain clear answers on whether the recommendations contained in that audit were implemented during 2025.
Manyenga said the audit had reportedly proposed measures aimed at strengthening financial accountability. These included putting the school’s drip irrigation system into full operation to maximise returns from resources already acquired, reducing large petty cash withdrawals, and tightening controls over the sale of school uniforms.
However, parents say they have been unable to establish whether these recommendations were fully implemented, raising concerns about transparency within the school’s administration.
“The concern among parents is not necessarily about accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but rather understanding whether the recommendations made by auditors were acted upon,” said Manyenga.
Questions have also been raised regarding the number of development projects undertaken during the year, with some parents calling for an independent review to establish whether procurement procedures and expenditure complied with established financial guidelines.
Attention has also turned to a school trip to Victoria Falls held between July 29 and August 1, 2025. Parents have requested a detailed breakdown of how funds collected for the excursion were utilised.
SDC secretary Pamela Mutengo said each learner who participated in the trip paid US$240 for the three-day excursion.
“Regarding the trip to Victoria Falls, what is worrying is that the school authorities did not use a school bus but rather hired a private bus, yet our bus was available and had no mechanical faults,” she said.
“We tried engaging the previous SDC chairperson Zvenyika Machokoto on the issue, but whenever he was pressed to answer these queries, his responses were not clear and often discussions around the matter were avoided.”
Parents argue that the use of private transport, despite the availability of a school bus, raises legitimate questions about procurement decisions and cost effectiveness.
Further concerns reportedly surfaced after a new SDC assumed office in February 2026. According to parents, varying figures relating to outstanding creditors were presented at different times, creating uncertainty and prompting calls for a comprehensive reconciliation of the school’s finances.
Another issue attracting attention is a reported US$140 000 loan secured for the construction of a new hostel. Parents say they were informed at an Annual General Meeting by the headmaster Bright Machakaire that construction materials had already been purchased, but subsequent discussions reportedly created uncertainty over whether all the materials were available.
Manyenga confirmed that a loan had been obtained and indicated that the current committee had also utilised funds generated from second-term fees to advance construction works.
“As the current SDC chairperson, my committee has tried engaging the responsible offices and Buhera District Schools Inspector Tiri Vanhu Mutomba assured us that auditors would visit the school during the second week after opening for second term, but we are already in July and they have not shown up,” he said.
He added that the hostel project is now approximately 98 percent complete.
Parents have also sought clarification regarding the school’s livestock programme. Community members say cattle were acquired to reduce food costs and improve the supply of meat for learners. However, some parents contend that the frequency with which meat was served appeared inconsistent with the objectives initially communicated to stakeholders.
The delayed audit has become a focal point for broader concerns about governance and accountability at the institution. Parents argue that timely audits are critical in maintaining public confidence, particularly at schools where communities contribute significantly towards infrastructure development and operational costs.
Parents insist that their calls were motivated by a desire for transparency rather than confrontation.
