Kwayedza High School Tuckshops Spark Safety and Corruption Storm in Highfield

Kwayedza High School has become the centre of a growing controversy after permanent concrete tuckshops were constructed along the school’s perimeter wall, triggering outrage from residents, parents and city officials over learner safety and alleged irregular approvals. The structures, built just metres from pathways used daily by pupils, have raised fears about congestion, security risks and the disruption of the learning environment at the Highfield-based school. At the centre of the dispute is a cooperative known as 50 Angels Pay Scheme, which insists it legally obtained approval from the City of Harare before beginning construction.

According to documents seen by local media, a letter dated 6 May 2024 shows that the City of Harare’s Small to Medium Enterprise Committee reportedly recommended approval of the application before the decision was later adopted by full council in March 2024. The approval allegedly authorised the construction of SME trading structures along the school boundary wall, with the area reportedly described as an illegal dumpsite before the development.

Cooperative chairperson Philemon Chaguruka defended the project, arguing that members invested significant resources after receiving what they believed were legitimate approvals.

“We followed due process, and we are even paying levies to council,” Chaguruka reportedly said while presenting receipts and council correspondence as proof of compliance.

He added that demolishing the structures without compensation or alternative trading space would unfairly punish cooperative members who acted in good faith.

However, Jacob Mafume has distanced the city from the development, describing the project as unlawful and inappropriate for a school environment. Mafume reportedly labelled the construction “unmitigated mischief” and vowed disciplinary action against any council officials who may have facilitated the project. He insisted that council policy does not permit permanent commercial structures to be erected close to schools because of the safety implications for learners.

Stanley Gama, the City of Harare spokesperson, also dismissed the structures as illegal and confirmed that demolition proceedings are being prepared.

“The municipality does not support encroachment on school boundaries and will move to restore order,” Gama said.

Residents and parents in Highfield have strongly opposed the development, arguing that the structures compromise the safety and integrity of the school environment. Some community members rejected claims that the site was previously a dumpsite, alleging instead that the project represents an illegal land grab disguised as an SME initiative. Parents also expressed concern over increased pedestrian congestion, possible criminal activity, and the exposure of learners to disruptive commercial operations during school hours.

A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity said learners now walk dangerously close to construction material and trading activity every day.

“It is not safe for children to squeeze through crowded tuckshops when entering or leaving school,” the parent said.

The dispute has since escalated into a legal battle at the High Court of Zimbabwe after earlier attempts by the city to demolish the structures were challenged. Court records indicate that a consent order was later issued after the cooperative withdrew its urgent chamber application on condition that the demolition notice would also be withdrawn. Urban planning experts say the case exposes broader governance and land management challenges facing Harare, particularly around informal trading spaces and municipal oversight.

Governance analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said authorities must prioritise public safety and transparency in all land allocation decisions.

“When developments near schools become controversial, it reflects deeper problems in urban planning accountability and local governance,” he said.

Kwayedza High School tuckshops