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The Herald
Manicaland Office
CHAIRMAN Mnangagwa has said that the striking teachers will not pressure the government to succumb to their demands, saying that only those who report for service will be paid.
Teacher representatives are asking for a minimum wage of US $ 520 or the equivalent of the auction rate.
However, the Government has indicated that it is not in a position to pay in US dollars as the local currency has been reintroduced.
The government gave all exam classes the go-ahead to resume a fortnight ago, but the reopening of schools has been marred by industrial action by teachers, forcing some schools to send students back home.
Speaking during a briefing in Mutare on Wednesday, the president said there was no going back to ensure the smooth flow of lessons in schools.
“I heard that after the schools reopened in Manicaland, only 30 percent of the teachers have shown up for work. Let me assure all of you that teachers will never demand a ransom from the government.
“By not showing up for service, they think they will push us to do whatever they want. No, we have many principles in that. However, we are glad that some have returned to work.
“We will apply the principle that those who work will receive a salary. Those at home are not considered at work, ”said President Mnangagwa.
Earlier this week, the teachers’ unions promised to continue industrial action as negotiations with the government.
Some teachers were just logging in, marking records, giving students homework, and disappearing from their jobs.
Others are allegedly teaching illegal private lessons for a premium of $ 10 per subject or $ 20 per month for seventh grade classes.
On Wednesday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema said that an average of 29 percent of teachers had shown up for work across the country, adding that those teachers could cope with the returning exam classes. to school.
Minister Mathema said the government was doing its best to address the teachers’ complaints.
He said the government, with the support of some partners, has created safe teaching and learning environments in schools.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with this, other socioeconomic challenges that have impacted the education sector, including the well-being of our teachers, students and their families.
“In accordance with the labor regulations of our land, negotiations are under way to address the concerns of teachers and ensure their full attendance at the schools.
“I commend the involvement of all sectors, including the private sector, in ensuring that safe school environments are provided for all Zimbabwean children to enjoy their basic right to education. There is room for further contributions towards promoting a quality 21st century education that will transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy by 2030, ”said Minister Mathema.
He said that a lot of work has been done to ensure the safety of students, teachers and non-teaching staff in schools.
“The first phase of the reopening of the schools is underway while the remaining two phases are being prepared. In line with the need to observe physical distancing, the ministry is currently hiring 2,300 teachers. Thereafter, the ministry will hire another 3,000 to serve primarily the smaller classes as dictated by Covid-19 guidelines.
“While many plans have been interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Education Sector Response Plan recognizes our commitment to fulfill the right to an inclusive, quality and safe education for all. It is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic threatens this promise, particularly as it deepens other vulnerabilities and widens other inequalities, ”said Minister Mathema.
He applauded the development partners who have continued to support the education sector.
“Development partners have provided additional funds to supplement Treasury allocations for the provision of drinking water sources and other WASH infrastructure in schools, the acquisition and distribution of essential Covid-19 requirements such as personal protective equipment, hygiene kits, disinfectants and infrared thermometers, ”said the minister.
He said the education sector has been innovative during prolonged school closings.
“The usual methods of learning and teaching were affected while virtual learning was an alternative method to try to close the gap in learning,” said the minister.
