BULAWAYO – A faded and torn Zimbabwean flag flying above Rio Hostels, a property owned by Bulawayo Polytechnic College, has ignited public outrage, with many citizens accusing the institution of neglecting basic respect for the country’s national symbols and failing to adhere to government protocols.
Photographs of the flag, which has remained hoisted despite its deteriorated condition, have circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from both residents and civil society groups. Observers have expressed concern that the flag’s state symbolizes a disregard for national pride, particularly given that it remained aloft even during periods of national mourning, including the deaths of notable figures and national heroes.
The issue has prompted heated discussions among the public, with many questioning the commitment of educational institutions to civic responsibility. Critics argue that the flag’s dilapidated condition reflects a broader culture of institutional indifference toward national values and symbolic protocols.
One civic activist commented, “A national flag is not just a piece of cloth; it represents our identity, unity, and respect for those who sacrificed for our country. Allowing it to remain tattered sends the wrong message, especially in an educational environment that should model civic pride.”
According to concerned members of the community, the flag has reportedly been in this condition for months, raising questions about internal oversight at Bulawayo Polytechnic College. While some argue that the oversight may be unintentional, others see it as a failure of accountability and governance, especially for an institution tasked with shaping the minds and values of young Zimbabweans.
Tattered Zimbabwean Flag at Bulawayo Hostel Sparks Public Outcry Over Neglect of National Symbols
Civil society groups have called on the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education to intervene, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that national symbols are respected and maintained in all public institutions. A statement from a local advocacy group read: “Educational institutions must lead by example. A worn-out national flag on a college property undermines the spirit of patriotism and civic responsibility that schools and colleges are meant to instill.”
The Ministry has not yet issued a statement, and Bulawayo Polytechnic authorities have remained silent regarding the allegations. Meanwhile, residents continue to express frustration, noting that the institution’s failure to act could embolden other organizations to treat national symbols with disregard.
The controversy also raises broader questions about flag protocol and civic education in Zimbabwe. According to government guidelines, the national flag should be displayed in a dignified manner, replaced if damaged, and lowered during periods of national mourning or in respect for significant events. Failure to adhere to these protocols can be interpreted as disrespectful and negligent, especially when undertaken by a public or semi-public institution.
Social media reactions have been especially vocal, with users posting images of the damaged flag alongside messages criticizing the college. One user wrote: “This is shameful. If we can’t respect our own flag, how can we teach the next generation about national pride?” Another added, “It’s not just a flag; it’s a symbol of who we are as a nation. The college should be held accountable.”
While the debate continues, experts suggest that addressing the situation would not only involve replacing the flag, but also implementing internal policies for monitoring national symbols across campuses and public properties. Such measures could include routine inspections, civic education programs for staff and students, and a clear chain of accountability for maintaining national emblems.
In addition to institutional oversight, some commentators have highlighted the role of community vigilance in ensuring national symbols are treated appropriately. They argue that public scrutiny, while often uncomfortable for the institutions involved, serves as an important check against complacency.
For now, the tattered flag continues to hang over Rio Hostels, serving as a stark reminder of the potential gap between national values and institutional practice. Whether Bulawayo Polytechnic will respond to public pressure and rectify the situation remains to be seen, but the incident has undeniably sparked a nationwide conversation about respect, civic duty, and the symbolism of the national flag.
Ultimately, the controversy underscores a larger issue: that national pride is not only reflected in ceremonies and events but also in everyday actions, such as the proper display and maintenance of the country’s most revered symbols. Citizens, educators, and authorities alike are now watching closely, hoping that this visible lapse will prompt corrective action and a renewed commitment to honouring Zimbabwe’s flag and what it represents.
Source- Byo24
