A video showing a Zimbabwean head teacher cutting students’ hair because their hairstyles violated school rules has sparked debate.
Masimba Mupavaenda, the school’s headteacher, stated that “stylish haircuts” were not tolerated at George Stark High School.
“Learners have a tendency of coming to school unprepared… there are some who have stylish hair, some have tints and all sorts of hairstyles which do not promote good learning,” Mr Mupavaenda said.
The just over two-minute long video shows him running a pair of scissors across the students’ hair.
Schools open smoothly, putting emphasis on discipline
— The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) January 9, 2023
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Critics commenting on Twitter said his actions were an “abuse”, “colonial”, “ignorant”, “humiliating” and offensive”.
But one supporter applauded Mr Mupavaenda saying it was necessary to instil discipline.
“Thank you sir, as a former staff at the GSHS, it has been our mandate to bring discipline and sanity at the institute, keep up the good work sir. I am so delighted to see you pushing towards the disciplinary pole! keep it up.”
“Rules are there to be followed. The parents know the rules and so do the students. You either tow the line or face the music. Well done for implementing what we already know,” another said.