Tendai Makumire
THIS Monday the government has made an indication that it is stepping in to mediate the stand-off between Chief Murinye and businessman Mr Philemon Mutangiri over the establishment of Riverton Academy–Murinye.
The unfolding dispute has ignited a broader national conversation on the delicate balance between traditional land use and the urgent need to expand access to education in rural communities. Social media is awash with many users blaming the chief’s action as uncalled for.
At the heart of the dispute is not merely a blocked road or a disagreement over authorisation, but a fundamental question confronting the general public is whether land primarily reserved for grazing remain untouched when opportunities for educational development arise.
Riverton Academy–Murinye, which is scheduled to open this term, has already enrolled approximately 1 000 learners, many of them from surrounding rural areas who previously faced long walking distances, overcrowded classrooms or limited boarding options. The school offers boarding facilities at US$150 per term, a cost many parents have described as comparatively affordable given the quality and proximity of the institution.
Zimbabwe’s education system, particularly in rural areas, continues to grapple with shortages of schools, infrastructure and boarding facilities.
Government policy under the Second Republic has consistently emphasised education as a pillar of national development, with authorities encouraging private players to complement government efforts in improving the country’s education system.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, today reiterated this position when he announced that Government would convene a mediation meeting.
“As the Second Republic, we want to ensure that all learners have access to education, and we welcome those who assist the Government in this goal,” he said.
Mr Mutangiri, a native of Machingura Village, maintains that Riverton Academy was constructed on ancestral land allocated to his family and that only a portion of the land was utilised for the school. He further argues that the investment has brought tangible benefits to the wider community, including road rehabilitation and electricity connectivity, extending even to the Chief’s homestead.
Beyond education, the school has already created employment opportunities for teachers, support staff and local contractors, injecting economic activity into the area.
Parents supporting the project argue that such developments help curb rural-urban migration by creating opportunities closer to home.
However, Chief Murinye insists that due process was not followed, stating that construction in communal areas requires the explicit consent of traditional leadership.
“He showed contempt by building a school in a communal area without my permission. This is my land and he should have sought approval from me and other traditional leaders before proceeding,” the Chief said earlier today.
While the importance of respecting traditional authority cannot be discounted it has been noted that that land-use disputes should not derail projects that serve the broader public interest, especially when they align with national development goals.
As police intervention prevented further escalation during the weekend standoff, calm has since returned to Murinye, with stakeholders now awaiting the outcome of Government-led mediation. Many parents and community members hope that dialogue will prevail, allowing the school to open while addressing traditional leaders’ concerns through lawful and inclusive processes.
