Chief Ndiweni urges rethink on on seizing property over unpaid school fees

Mbekezeli Ncube

United Kingdom-based former Ntabazinduna chief, Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni, has responded to his counterpart, Dambisamahubo Mafu (Chief Maduna) of Insiza District in Matabeleland South, regarding his recent proposal to seize property from parents who fail to pay school fees for their children.

In a viral video on social media, Chief Maduna encouraged school headmasters and School Development Committees from schools under his jurisdiction to compile a list of parents who are in arrears and face property seizure if they fail to meet the deadline for paying school fees.

“As your chief and with all authority vested in me, I have got the right and privilege to seize your property. I have the right to drive cattle away from your homestead in the presence of police, your headman as well as my traditional police. That is if you fail to meet the deadline of paying school fees,” said Maduna

Speaking to Community Podium, Ndiweni acknowledged that, as chiefs, they have the authority to make by-laws and technically, Chief Maduna has the authority to find ways to ensure parents pay school fees. However, Ndiweni urged consideration of the difficult economic circumstances many people are facing, stating that some do not even have livestock to seize.

“Concerning the jurisdiction of chiefs, yes we have the authority to make by-laws and technically Nkonjeni (Chief Maduna) has the authority to say I will personally find ways to make people pay school fees but then again you’ve to consider that people are living in hardship and things are tough. Others don’t even have livestock.

Furthermore, Ndiweni brought attention to the quality of schools and education in Matabeleland, citing a lack of science laboratories and teachers, particularly in science subjects, which are essential for children’s education. He also emphasized the need to address historical inaccuracies in the education curriculum, which overlook the history of the Ndebeles.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the education system in Matabeleland, Ndiweni called for a reevaluation of Chief Maduna’s proposal and consideration of alternative solutions that would not further burden struggling parents.