Mazombizwe High in turmoil as disgruntled parents stage walkout

MAZOMBIZWE – Chaos erupted at Mazombizwe High School yesterday as disgruntled parents staged a dramatic walkout during a high-stakes meeting.

The exodus was triggered by a directive from Schools Manager Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, who ordered that embattled Head teacher, Ndoda Zondo, remain in his post pending a formal audit.

The meeting, intended to restore order to the crisis-hit institution, was attended by the schools manager from the Ministry of Education, parents, Regional Education Officer (REO) Siboniso Gumbi, the school committee, the head teacher and a highly volatile assembly of parents.

The atmosphere soured as parents began their submissions. One of the parents, Bheki Sangweni, thanked Nhlengetfwa for finally arriving, but alleged a deep-seated financial scandal dating back to December 2025.

He claimed that the school committee and the head teacher presented two conflicting financial reports.

When parents demanded a unified report, the parties allegedly returned with a performance report instead.

Sangweni alleged that E150 000 remains unaccounted for, with no receipts to justify the expenditure. He explained that this money was part of a E1 000-per-child book fee. “I saw it as a good proposal because other schools charge E3 000 to E5 000, which we cannot afford.”

Lucky Mamba of Vusweni added to the allegations, claiming Zondo bypassed official banking procedures to receive cash payments. “Where is the book money we paid for?” Mamba demanded, alleging that despite the payments, children are forced to share books. 

 The allegations shifted from financial to personal as parents detailed a culture of fear.

Sangweni alleged that Zondo frequently insults pupils, calling them ‘stupid, just like your parents.’

He further alleged that the head teacher belittles the school committee, telling them they are uneducated because they lack diplomas.

 Thobile Lukhele spoke on the human cost, stating that many pupils, including orphaned learners cared for by the elderly, have allegedly dropped out because they cannot afford the E1 000 fee.

She claimed that when parents visit Zondo’s office to discuss these hardships, he reportedly speaks to them anyhow without respect.

The angry parents claimed they pay E50 per-child every term for the school feeding scheme (Zondle) alleging there is no break in these payment, even when the ministry has delivered food supplies.

Furthermore, parents made it clear they no longer want the head teacher at the school.

They stated that if the ministry truly cares for his welfare and safety, they should not return him to the post, alleging that the school will be burnt down if he is brought back.

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