A coffin created for a school project seven years ago is causing trouble at Lukhanyiso Primary School in Bulawayo. Local residents are worried that it may be making the school environment uncomfortable and inappropriate for students.
Donaldson Mabutho, the councillor for Mpopoma ward 9, was alerted by a concerned resident about the coffin in a classroom. He went to check and found out that it was made by a former teacher years ago.
Mabutho is worried because the coffin might negatively affect the students. He said that in their culture, having children around such items is considered very inappropriate and unlucky.
Mabutho has asked the headmaster, Aaron Mhango, to quickly arrange a meeting with parents to figure out how to remove the coffin.
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Headmaster Mhango confirmed that the coffin was part of an old school project to raise money. “I wasn’t here when the coffin was made,” Mhango said. “The previous headmaster who was responsible for it has retired and passed away.”
Mhango also tried to find out why the coffin hadn’t been removed yet.
A School Development Committee (SDC) member revealed that the coffin was made in 2018. “I found out about it after joining the SDC and confirmed when it was made,” the member said. “I was told to find a buyer, but I was uncomfortable because of the superstitious beliefs around it.”
Phethangani Nyoni, the former SDC chairperson, chose not to comment as he is no longer involved with the school.
Bernard Mazambane, the provincial education director, said he didn’t know about the coffin. He promised that if he had been aware, he would have helped to get rid of it.
