Zanu PF shuts down Goromonzi High School

Zanu PF shuts down Goromonzi High School

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By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWE'S ruling Zanu PF party has shut down a school almost two weeks before the close of the third term in preparation for its annual people's conference to be held there, New Zimbabwe.com learnt last night.

Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East Province was ordered to close on Friday this week, almost two weeks before the normal school term ends.

The Zanu PF conference, to be attended by President Robert Mugabe, runs from December 13 - 17.

Furious parents last night told of their surprise at the decision to close the school early.

One parent who has a child doing Form 3 at the school said: "I paid fees for the duration of the term. I am not sure Zanu PF will be refunding me."

Another parent blasted: "It's a scandal. It looks like our schools are now political theatres...politics now takes precedence over the education of our children."

There was no immediate comment from school authorities.

Zanu PF sources last night said the closure was precipitated by a realisation that there would not be enough time to renovate some buildings and spruce up the school's surroundings between the end of the normal term and the start of the Zanu PF conference.

A decision was taken by the party's coordinating committee for the conference which includes State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa, Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo, Health Minister David Parirenyatwa and Mashonaland East governor, Ray Kaukonde.

The officials toured the school early this month and were joined by Education Minister Aeneas Chigwedere and the Goromonzi headmaster, Abisha Mujeni.

At the end of the tour, Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi told state television that Zanu PF would be releasing funds to renovate some of the buildings at the school.

During the tour, the Zanu PF officials were shown the school hall, classrooms, the clinic, the kitchen and offices which will be opened to thousands of party delegates from across the country.

The committee also took an interest in the school's football ground where tents will be pitched.

Last year's congress was held at Mzingwane High School in Matabeleland South. After years of neglect, the school received a major facelift when the Education Ministry suddenly made available funds for extensive renovations.

President Mugabe is set to use the Zanu PF conference to call for unity among the party's senior officials who have crossed swords in the race to succeed him when his term expires in 2008.

Mugabe recently hit out against fierce jockeying for his position, accusing would-be presidential candidates of waiting impatiently "like witches" to see him go.

It is thought Zanu PF might pass a resolution to use its parliamentary majority to force through new constitutional amendments necessary to allow the postponement of the presidential elections to 2010, the same year as the parliamentary elections.

Presidential candidates at present appear to be ruling party political heavyweight Emmerson Mnangagwa; vice-president Joice Mujuru; former finance minister and ruling party moderate Simba Makoni; and possibly Central Bank chief Gideon Gono, although Gono has denied any interest.

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