The Wasu Post
Mutare Rural – Tensions are rising at Dora Secondary School in Ward 5, Mutare Rural, after an attempt by the school administration and the School Development Committee (SDC) to enlist local village heads (Sabhukus) as de facto debt collectors sparked outrage in the community.
In a letter copied to the District Schools Inspector (DSI), the school appealed to village heads from Dora—its main catchment area—to collect $21 monthly from villagers for the payment of two security guards. Additionally, the Sabhukus were asked to collect a total of $109 from each household over four months to fund repairs to the administration block, which was damaged in a break-in involving explosives.
The request follows a tragic incident in May, when unknown criminals broke into the school at night and brutally attacked the lone security guard, gouging out his eyes and leaving him for dead. He was discovered the following morning but later succumbed to his injuries. The suspects, who used explosives to access the admin block and stole cash and electronic devices, have not yet been apprehended, leaving the community deeply shaken.
While the community and traditional leaders agree on the need to enhance security and fix the damaged infrastructure, the SDC’s approach has drawn sharp criticism for bypassing proper channels and attempting to abuse the role of Sabhukus.
Investigations by The Wasu Post reveal that the Sabhukus unanimously rejected the request, describing it as unprecedented and inappropriate.
“Where on earth does a village head become a revenue collection officer for a school?” one disgruntled Sabhuku asked.
Another said: “We work through the Ministry of Local Government and other state departments. For a school SDC and DSI to unilaterally assign us this duty is unacceptable. They are turning us into ‘giants’—thuggish debt collectors—and that is unheard of.”
The letter sent to the Sabhukus, which reads like an affidavit, stated in part (translated from Shona):
> “I, as Sabhuku of this village, will collect $21 per month for the payment of two security guards at Dora Secondary and an additional $109 per month for four months to repair the admin block destroyed by explosives during a robbery. These funds will be handed to the school committee for use as agreed.”
Dora Secondary School serves learners from both Ward 5 and Ward 35. According to the 2015 Poverty Map, the area is classified as low-income, making it difficult for many families to afford such payments. One village head pointed out, “The SDC seems to think money grows on trees. Where exactly do they expect me to go and demand this money? Vanhu havana mari—people don’t have money.”
Another Sabhuku raised a practical concern: “What happens if I fail to collect the stipulated $130 over the next few months, and the $21 monthly thereafter? I cannot take on that responsibility.”
The move has been widely condemned as a disregard for the cultural and administrative roles of traditional leaders. Community members are calling on Dora Secondary School’s leadership to reconsider its strategy and engage stakeholders in a more inclusive, transparent process.
While the community acknowledges the urgent need for improved school security and infrastructure repairs, forcing village heads into fundraising roles risks eroding trust and cooperation. A collaborative approach that respects traditional leadership and follows appropriate governance structures is critical for resolving the school’s challenges effectively and sustainably.