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Nyemudzai Kakore Harare Bureau
SEKE Teachers’ College in Chitungwiza posted an advert inviting applications for teacher training — and 5,000 people turned up.
The trouble? Well, there are only 500 places available. The college abandoned its traditional method of asking prospective students to apply, and then carry out a pre-selection process before inviting a few for interviews.

This time, the college published an open invitation to individuals who meet their requirements to come for the interviews yesterday and today.

To the astonishment of the school authorities — 5,000 people turned up. And with each paying a $10 interview fee, the college could be $50,000 richer.

Some of the prospective students were already gathering at the college as early as 1AM and by 7AM, long, winding queues had formed resulting in a stampede that left many bitter and disappointed.

Most of the aspirants returned home angry, amid concerns that the college was ripping them off by demanding the non-refundable fee.
Addressing the prospective students, college  principal Ephraim Mutubuki said they were overwhelmed by the big turnout.

“This is the largest crowd that we’ve attracted at Seke Teachers College,” he said.
“I know we will not be able to accommodate such numbers, but I think we have a story to tell.

“Our interview fee is $10 which will facilitate the purchasing of stationery . . .”