Parents at Alufea Sampofu Combined School in the Katima Circuit locked the school gates on Wednesday morning, demanding the removal of three teachers accused of absenteeism, misconduct, and unprofessional behaviour.
In a petition signed by school board chairperson Vincent Mwemba, the parents listed several complaints against teachers Constance Mabakeng, Calvin Mushe Mushe, and Lifumbela Mutanimiye.
Mabakeng, who teaches Life Science and Agriculture, is accused of frequent absenteeism and abusing sick leave, which parents say is negatively affecting learners' academic performance.
Calvin Mushe Mushe, a History and Geography teacher, is accused of being unproductive and engaging in misconduct, while Mathematics teacher Lifumbela Mutanimiye is accused of defying school management, disrespecting the principal, and lacking consistency in his work ethic.
“The school board has tried their best in advising these teachers, and looking forward that they will change but to no avail,” said Mwemba. “This is a final petition that we are presenting, but if these teachers continue teaching at the school, we are not going to allow them.”
NANTU Zambezi Chairperson Harry Bona said the parents were left with no choice after failed engagements with the regional education leadership.
“From long time there has been some arrangement with the regional leadership for education, so that they should resolve this issue but it was not done as expected,” said Bona. “So to make them understand, that is why they have to seek up a peaceful demonstration so that at least they should be heard.”
The school gates were locked, preventing the three teachers from entering, along with other teachers and staff members.
Education Inspector for Katima Circuit, Rosco Lukubwe, received the petition in the absence of the regional director.
“I have close to 40 teachers inside here, but now they cannot go in because you locked the gate,” Lukubwe said. “If you have got an issue over three teachers, let it be three teachers. The other ones should have walked in to do their job. That is the way you handle matters.”
Lukubwe confirmed that the petition would be forwarded to the appropriate offices.
Responding on behalf of the accused, Mutanimiye denied the allegations and claimed the complaints stem from their efforts to expose irregularities at the school.
He dismissed claims of sick leave abuse and denied allegations of alcohol misuse by a colleague, stating the colleague is undergoing treatment which has not interfered with his duties.
Mutanimiye defended their performance, citing that Grade 9 learners achieved a 100 percent pass rate in their subjects last year, exceeding the regional target of 54 percent.