The proposed Education Amendment Bill to allow pregnant pupils to continue with their studies has been criticised by Bulawayo residents.

A Mabutweni resident, Ms Lina Mkoma, speaking during public hearings on the Education Amendment Bill at Mabutweni Hall, quoted by the state media, said: “Pregnant girls should not be allowed in schools. Imagine in the initial stages of pregnancy when they are vomiting and all sorts of things, how that child will cope in class.

“They will definitely be a laughing stock from their peers and this might result in miscarriages.

“Abanye bayabe sebelala (other students will fall asleep) because of pregnant classmates. It’s not right. If one decides that they want to be a mother they must stay at home.”

The residents also demanded that teacher training institutions in the Matabeleland regions should prioritise local students to ensure that local schools have more Ndebele teachers.