Top Harare college in Labour abuse storm.
A top Harare college is in the eyebof a storm after several staff members alleged unfair dismissal. Administrators at the Nyabira-based Lord Brighton are being accused of gross labour violations after dismissing more than seven employees under unclear circumstances.
The college headmaster Mr Dennis Pasipavaviri Takaza stands accused of allegedly ill-treating teachers at the college, verbally abusing them, intimidating,and name dropping top politicians (name withheld) saying that whoever challenges him is challenging the top politician since he is one of the shareholders at the school.
However the school’s headmaster Mr Dennis Pasipavaviri Takaza (pictured) dismissed the allegations and denied any wrong doing saying the alleged sins he is accused of are all false.
”I don’t know anything about that, these are all false allegations. I can take you to my school to check your facts,”said Mr Takaza.
The top class college lost a court case early last month after being dragged to court by one of the six fired employees over unpaid salaries.
The other five employees wh alleged unfair dismissal have developed cold feet fearing victimisation since the school head threatens them with unspecified action if the want to challenge the school authorities alleging that the top politician has shares in the school and is one of the directors.
”I am now hopeless amd I no longer have strength to take this matter up as the head threatens us with unspecified action from the top polotician,” said
one of the teachers who asked not to be named.
The college is also embroiled in another case with Sean Zvarevashe – an upcoming lawyer – who recently won a $1000 suit against Lord Brighton College for breach of contract and non-payment for services rendered.
Mr Zvarevashe, who also works as a public speaking coach, had been engaged by the college to provide oratory coaching services to their students.
Zvarevashe had conducted several sessions with the students, including a pilot session, professional modules, and groomed the students to make presentations on Power FM which they did. The results were tangible, with one of the students, Angel Kondo, being elected Honourable Councillor for Zvimba District.
However, despite the successful outcomes, the college failed to pay the coach for his services.
Zvaravashe said despite numerous efforts to engage with the school authorities, nothing materialised leaving him with no option but to take legal action.
He sent a formal letter of demand and eventually issued summons through the Magistrates’ Court.
Zvaraavashe said the court ruled in his favour because the school administration was in default.
”The college administration failed to show up in court to defend themselves, resulting in a default judgment in favor of the upcoming lawyer. Even after being served with the court order, the college still refused to pay,” Zvarevashe said, adding he was thus forced to initiate a writ of execution.
Zvarevashe’s victory has sent shockwaves through the education sector, with many calling for greater accountability and professionalism from institutions.
Sean Zvarevashe’s win is not just a personal victory but also a landmark case that sets a precedent for professionals in Zimbabwe. It highlights the importance of valuing professional work and respecting contracts even if verbal. his story serves as a warning to institutions that exploit professionals and a beacon of hope for those who have been silently suffering.
The young lawyer also wrote to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education urging it to take note of the case and ensure that institutions under their jurisdiction adhere to labour laws and respect professional contracts.
