Uncovering embezzlement in four Zimbabwean high schools: How we can ethically safeguard school funds

Solomon Chibaya
University of Free State, South Africa

Embezzlement of funds is a global problem that occurs continually, with increasing complexity and intensity when turbulence and multiple deprivation rage. The embezzlement of funds is becoming more complex and intense; hence, exploring and discussing it is necessary before it festers more. Embezzlement is not only infesting schools but has also grown in its intricacy, especially in emerging economies such as Zimbabwe that are plagued by poverty. Acts of embezzlement of funds directly conflict with the basic principles of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which aspires for dignified hard work that values equal, fair and honest living. This article, drawn from the author's PhD thesis, aims to determine whether the Zimbabwean sampled schools are safe from the 'monster' of embezzlement. Data from research on ethical leadership practices in schools from a qualitative case study were analysed. My objectives included designing a definition of embezzlement specific to schools, advancing ethical leadership, calibrating the extent to which embezzlement has penetrated the sampled schools, and making recommendations to fight embezzlement. My article is grounded on ethical leadership theory, which provides a counterpoint that focuses on ethical behaviour and how the absence of ethical leadership breeds embezzlement. Data were collected through interviews with school heads, deputy heads and selected teachers in four schools selected using purposive sampling based on my accessibility to the schools. They were in the same district, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the phenomenon within the same district. Documents were also reviewed for triangulation. Among other findings, I found that even though some of the school personnel understood the unethical nature of embezzlement, they indicated that embezzlement was fanned by turbulence and multiple deprivations. Their knowledge of ethics did not seem to deter unethical conduct.
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Author: Dr Solomon Chibaya is a lecturer in the Department of Education Management, Policy and Comparative Education, Bloemfontein Campus, University of the Free State, South Africa. He holds an MEd and a PhD (Education, Leadership and Policy Studies) from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2442-5401 Email: chibayas@ufs.ac.za Please cite as: Chibaya, S. (2025). Uncovering embezzlement in four Zimbabwean high schools: How we can ethically safeguard school funds. Issues in Educational Research, 35(4), 1396-1409. http://www.iier.org.au/iier35/chibaya.pdf