Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
TO address transportation challenges and diversify revenue streams, several Zimbabwean schools have submitted requests to the Government for permission to purchase school buses.
The Government Gazette, published on December 27, 2024, revealed that at least seven schools had received approval to initiate tender processes for bus supply.
These schools include Diggleford, Lobengula, Lytton Council, Rujeko Primary and Rimuka 3 High School.
This initiative necessitates parents contributing to a bus levy, raising concerns about potential financial exploitation by some school authorities.
Parents express apprehension regarding the transparency of procurement processes, citing instances of inflated costs and the non-delivery of buses despite years of levies.
Furthermore, some schools impose bus levies on newly enrolled learners, even after purchasing buses and even withhold report cards from learners whose parents fail to pay.
This occurs even though the learners would have completely settled their tuition fees.
Transparency, accountability
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Moses Mhike commended the schools for this initiative but emphasised the importance of adhering to strict Government regulations.
“Schools have the autonomy to purchase buses as their resources permit,” Mhike said.
“However, they must strictly adhere to Government procurement procedures, including obtaining prior approval and conducting transparent tender processes.”
He further clarified that schools are permitted to generate income by hiring out their buses for approved purposes, such as transporting learners from neighbouring schools or providing transportation services during school holidays.
“Schools must submit a request to the ministry for approval to hire out their buses,” Mhike explained.
“Upon approval, they must provide detailed information regarding the hiring agreement, including charges, duration and destination. This ensures accountability and transparency in the process.”
Stakeholder collaboration
Evaristo Jongwe, secretary of the Zimbabwe Schools Development Associations and Committees (ZSDA/C), emphasised the importance of investing in school buses.
“Schools should actively engage with parents and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in all bus-related transactions.
“Given that these buses are procured using public funds, schools have a responsibility to be transparent with the community,” said Jongwe.
However, past instances of alleged misuse of school buses for commercial purposes during school holidays have raised concerns among parents and stakeholders.
This initiative presents an opportunity for schools to enhance student transportation while also generating additional revenue for school development.
However, ensuring transparency and accountability in all aspects of the bus procurement and utilisation process is crucial to safeguard
the interests of both learners and parents.
