Stakeholders Seek Probe Into Governance at Jairos Jiri Kadoma Centre
By Lloyd Mwale in Kadoma
Concerned stakeholders at Jairos Jiri Kadoma Centre have petitioned the Government to institute an independent investigation into alleged governance, financial management and administrative issues at the institution.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, with copies sent to the Jairos Jiri Association Board of Directors, senior management and education authorities in Mashonaland West Province, the stakeholders requested what they described as an urgent investigation into matters they believe warrant official scrutiny.
The stakeholders stated that their concerns relate to the administration of the Kadoma Centre and are intended to safeguard the interests of learners with disabilities, protect public resources and uphold the reputation of the Jairos Jiri Association.
Among the issues raised in the letter are the reported use of funds under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), the issuing of administrative directives from the Association’s Head Office and the need for clarification of reporting structures between the Centre, Head Office and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The stakeholders also requested the Ministries to verify the employment history of the Association’s Head of Education Services, Ms Maidei Mpofu, including her previous service at Jairos Jiri Kadoma Centre, as well as the circumstances surrounding her movement from that position. They further called for an assessment of whether any actual or perceived conflict of interest exists in relation to the Centre’s administration.
According to the letter, stakeholders want authorities to determine whether any instructions were issued concerning the use of BEAM funds for purposes outside the programme’s approved mandate and whether all funds allocated to the Centre were administered in accordance with Government financial regulations.
The letter also requests a reconciliation of BEAM funds, a review of recent financial and administrative directives issued to the Centre, clarification of expenditure approval procedures and measures to protect employees who may provide information during any investigation.
The stakeholders further appealed for interim safeguards, including ensuring that BEAM funds are used only for their intended purpose pending completion of any inquiry and that financial directives with budgetary implications are issued in writing and supported by the relevant policy authority.
They said their intention was not to target any individual but to promote transparency, accountability and sound governance within the institution while ensuring that the welfare of children and learners with disabilities remains the primary consideration.
The stakeholders also requested written acknowledgement of their petition and an indication of the steps that the responsible Ministries intend to take.
Efforts to obtain comment from Jairos Jiri Association and the relevant Government Ministries were not immediately successful.
