An internal audit conducted by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has uncovered alleged financial irregularities and procurement fraud at Sandringham High School, raising concerns about accountability at the school and within the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ).
Audit Report Uncovers High-Risk Violations
According to the audit completed in January 2025, the school was found to have violated the Public Procurement Act by awarding over USD $516,000 in contracts without competitive bidding. The report identified six “high-risk” areas, including inflated contracts and potential “ghost deliveries.”
Among the key findings:
- Vordim Trading sold a school bus to Sandringham for USD $215,000, which was USD $45,000 more than what sister school Kwenda High paid for the same model.
- Classifield Investments was paid USD $22,933.71 for construction materials with no proof of delivery. The auditors noted discrepancies between invoices submitted to them and those presented to the School Development Committee (SDC).
- Purpose Engineering supplied bakery equipment worth USD $27,880, despite being rejected by the Procurement Committee. The equipment was reported to be used and substandard.
Parental Concerns Over Oversight
Parents at Sandringham High School expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of oversight.
- Some allege that MCZ imposed suppliers, bypassing SDC recommendations.
- The dissolution of the SDC’s bank account in 2023 removed parents’ financial oversight.
An anonymous parent questioned why Sandringham paid more than Kwenda High for the same bus:
“Who benefited from the markup?”
Vordim Trading Responds
The Director of Vordim Trading Kenias Papiro told Bustop.tv that the company charged consistent prices:
“We charged what we charge even if the prices are different,” the director said, defending the price differences between schools.
MCZ Responds to Allegations
In a written response, MCZ Secretary for Education, Rev. Dr. Muzenda, addressed questions from this publication:
- On the audit findings:
“The Church duly received and noted the audit report and the observations of the auditors. We are grateful for the recommendations made, which we are attending to and adopting where applicable. In instances where malpractices were observed, disciplinary processes have already been carried out and appropriate penalties imposed.”
- On allegations of personal gain linked to the USD $450,000 ZB Bank loan:
“There were no individuals identified as having personally benefited. There were also no financial manipulations noted. Should there have been any such incidents, the Church would not hesitate to institute criminal proceedings.”
- On ongoing investigations:
“Currently there are no investigations going on. Investigations were already done and appropriate disciplinary processes were followed. Should there have been any omissions, we are ready to take action.”
- On ensuring transparency and accountability:
“We continue to look at ways to enhance and strengthen our schools’ administration. Those recommendations made in the Sandringham audit will be applied across all our schools. We value transparency and integrity and will do everything possible to curb any future shortcomings.”
- On structural reforms:
“Adjustments will continue to be made wherever possible.”
Calls for Further Investigation
Former SDC Secretary Dr. George Dhliwayo has called for independent investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education, and the Auditor-General.
He urged these bodies to probe:
- Alleged ghost invoices for construction, painting, and signage
- Collusion between school management and suppliers
- The role of MCZ in procurement decisions
Next Steps and Demands
Parents and other stakeholders are demanding:
- Full disclosure of the audit report to parents
- Prosecution of individuals implicated in fraud
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Reforms to reinstate SDC oversight and competitive tendering
“Justice must be served — whether the culprits are school heads, MCZ officials, or suppliers,” said Dr. Dhliwayo. “The USD $450,000 loan was guaranteed by parents. They deserve answers.”
