The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
A row has erupted between parents and school authorities at Highfield 2 High School amid revelations that the outgoing School Development Committee, led by Mr Castain Gusha, misappropriated school development funds.
Following an audit which unearthed misappropriation of thousands of school development funds, another audit was requested by the incoming SDC led by Mr Evans Sekete. It is alleged that during the preliminary audit, the bursar failed to avail records from 2009 to 2014, only availing 2015 debtors value amounting to $148 327,50.
Following a cash count, some variance was noted within the school service funds, raising concerns that the school funds might have been abused for personal use.
“The school authorities should ensure that they take action as per requirements of Statutory Instrument 0435,” said Mr Sekete.
Efforts by the auditors to have a look at the school books were fruitless as the school authorities were reluctant to avail financial books.
“The reluctance by the school bursar to submit books of accounts to the treasurer for inspection is in violation of standing rules which clearly state that the bursar holds that office for and on behalf of the (SDC) treasurer. Failure by the outgoing chairperson to present a written annual chairman’s report and a smooth handover-takeover as there was no shred of documents that was made available for the new committee,” reads part of the report.
Besides the missing school funds, dubious contracts between the school and various service providers which were not in writing were unearthed.
“Furthermore, it came to the auditors’ attention that while several purchases were made without authorisation, contracts for some of the ancillary staff had expired while others had no contracts at all. New employees must submit all personal documents upon engagement and these should be filed in their respective files as evidence that recruitment procedures were observed. Some of the ancillary staff were paid through electronic transfers such as mobile money, making accountability difficult,” said Mr Sekete.
It is against this background that money could have been grossly abused, leading to the outgoing chairperson failing to present an annual chairman’s report.
Reached for comment, Mr Gusha said he had already spoken to the auditors and they advised him on what to do.
“We discussed the matter and I was absolved of any wrongdoing,” said Mr Gusha.
Deputy provincial education director Mrs Joyce Maphosa said the school had not yet discussed the matter with the province but emphasised that action would be taken if any misdemeanours happened. “Appropriate action will be taken regarding the matter,” said Mrs Maphosa.
