Nsuwazi primary school in Thyolo has been reopened after the district council authorities intervened on the land dispute between the community members and the Seventh Day Adventist Church that led to its closure last week. 

Some angry communities from Chakanamba village in senior chief Khwethemule closed the school on Monday to force the district council to resolve the disagreement since it allegedly aided the church to plant beacons on the land which communities freely gave to the school. 

 

Meanwhile, both the school's headteacher, Manuel Chilambe and village headman Chakanamba have confirmed the development on Monday, adding that they are waiting for the council on the way forward regarding the land. 

 

Chilambe said the school reopening comes after a dialogue meeting between the district council officials and both parties on dispute. 

 

"They have resolved that learners should resume their lessons. So this time I can say that learners are now learning," he confirmed. 

 

Village Headman Chakanamba said he is happy that the school has been reopened and that they are waiting for the feedback from the council. 

 

Chief Chakanamba has, however, regretted the disagreement, saying the two parties need each other to function properly. 

 

"There is no problem now; community members, the church and the school have all understood and agreed. What is remaining is the feedback from the District Commissioner on what we have discussed on the dispute. But, on my part, I am ashamed and regret this to see my people quarrelling on this issue," he said. 

 

It is alleged that the church has taken about two hectares of land at the school that the communities freely gave to the school way back.

 

Earlier, one of the church's elders, Mike Solomon said the church had no issues with the communities on the land, but  accused the school teachers of fueling the dispute. 

 

Meanwhile, the district council's spokesperson, Brenda Nkosi said she will respond later on the meeting's resolution and measures put in place to ensure that the dispute does not affect education again at the school.