The headmaster at Mugadza Primary School in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, is under investigation by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for allegedly sexually harassing and victimising a female teacher at the school.
The school head, Tendai Mada, was this week reported by a teacher to Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union for allegedly making sexual advances on her.
The Manica Post reported that the female teacher (name supplied) also alleged that the headmaster harassed her after she rejected his advances.
The married teacher, who was deployed to the school this term after being transferred from another institution, alleged that Mada made sexually explicit comments to her on the very first day she assumed duty.
A complaint filed at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Makoni District office by the teacher reads in part:
I humbly seek help from the union. I went to Mugadza Primary School on January 1, 2023, and from day one, the head, Mr. Mada, started making advances on me.
He told me, ‘Ndingade kuona zvidya zvenyu nedumbu renyu’ (I want to see your thighs and stomach). He asked me if I had a boyfriend and if I would want one.
The head told me that he had a dream and in that dream, he had seen me, but I quickly rebuked him and told him that I was married.
In fact, he even saw my husband. When I went to ask for permission to go and access my salary he said, ‘Wakuda kuti ndikubvumidze asi wakandiramba.’ (You want me to sanction your trip when you spurned my advances.
The head continued to say a lot of sexual innuendos, but I strongly rebuked him. When he noticed that I was not relenting, he turned into a tiger.
He started being cruel and harsh towards me. He embarrasses me in front of my workmates.
Makoni District Schools Inspector, George Chidhakwa confirmed receiving the letter, saying the matter is now under investigation.
When contacted for comment, Mada could neither deny nor confirm the allegations.
He said he had responded to the allegations and the district office had a copy of his response.
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union president, Martin Chaburumunda told The Manica Post that sexual harassment of teachers is rife in schools, but most of the victims suffer in silence.