Parents in Matobo dstrict in Matabeleland South have raised concerns over reports that schoolchildren selected to participate in this year’s Independence Day celebrations are being required to buy regalia costing US$22 per child.
This year’s national celebrations will be held in Maphisa, with schools from across the province expected to provide pupils who will take part in the commemorations.
Ward 19 councillor Nqobizitha Ngwenya (CCC) said he had received reports from surrounding schools that parents were being asked to pay for special regalia to be worn by pupils during the April 18 event.
Ngwenya said the price was too high for many parents and questioned the decision to require children to wear regalia instead of their normal school uniforms.
“As a parent, the price is very exorbitant. It is also not ethical according to my conviction that a schoolchild is seen wearing political regalia,” he said.
“What is the government trying to prove and what are they teaching the schoolchildren? Children must not be involved in politics.”
He said opportunities linked to the national celebrations should benefit local businesses in the district.
“The tender of a product to be used in Matobo should benefit people from this area,” Ngwenya said.
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"We have capable tailors here in Maphisa who can do that job.”
Ngwenya added that many parents had complained that the directive left them with little choice as schools were reportedly told to buy the regalia from a specific supplier.
Parents who spoke to Sunday Southern Eye said the cost could exclude children from poorer households.
“One of the problems is that parents were told to buy the regalia from a particular supplier and the price was already fixed,” said one parent.
“What happens to children from poor backgrounds? Some parents even struggle to pay school fees.”
Parents said the arrangement could also affect the selection of pupils to participate in the celebrations.
“If participation depends on paying for the regalia, then some children may be left out even if they have the talent to take part in the activities,” another parent said.
They also argued that if uniforms were required for the event, local dressmakers in Maphisa could have been contracted to produce them.
Parents estimated that if 10 children were selected from each of 10 schools, families would collectively pay about US$2 200 for the outfits.
However, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education dismissed the claims, saying it had not instructed schools to collect money from parents for regalia.
Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said government budgets normally cover logistical requirements for national celebrations.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has noted reports circulating regarding allegations that schools are demanding payments from parents for the sewing of regalia for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations,” Ndoro said.
“The ministry wishes to state, in the strongest possible terms, that no such directive has been issued by the Ministry to any school or cluster of schools.”
Ndoro said government provides adequate funding for national day commemorations, including any materials or regalia required for school participation.
He said the ministry viewed the claims as attempts to divert attention from the significance of this year’s celebrations, marking 46 years of independence.
“The ministry assures parents, guardians and the general public that there is no truth to these allegations," he said.
"We will not be diverted from the joyous occasion of celebrating nearly five decades of sovereignty."
