GOVERNMENT is investigating some schools in Kalulushi and Chambishi districts on the Copperbelt Province, for allegedly soliciting money from parents for infrastructure development, as well as the school feeding programme.
This is after the affected community members complained to Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana during his engagement on local radio stations in the province.
Following the revelation, Kawana made impromptu visits to some of the named schools in Kalulushi and Chambishi on a fact finding mission.
Kawana said government will not tolerate such incidences, as they undermine the free education policy.
“We wish to remind school managers that are seeking to expand their school infrastructure that they are expected to utilise existing government programmes, including channels through the ministry of education’s technical services or the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to ensure sustainable development,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary said that soliciting money from parents or guardians for infrastructure development is not only against government policy, but also places an undue burden on families.
He added that this also compromises the learning environment for pupils coming from pressured homes.
Kawana, therefore, assured the affected citizens that action would be taken against those found wanting of sabotaging the school feeding programme and the free education policy.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability in the management of education resources, and we will provide updates on the investigations and any subsequent actions taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kawana urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities to ensure the swift resolution of the matters, emphasising the collective responsibility to safeguard education resources.
By Sanfrossa Mberi
Kalemba March 31, 2026
