Merchant Services Manager (Harare)

Library Technical Assistant

Assistant Binder

Broadcast Technician

Research, Innovation and Industry Linkage Officer (RIILO)

Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officer

Procurement Officer

Intellectual Property Management Officer

Research Officers x2

Business Development Officers x2

Innovation Lead (Engineering)

Innovation Lead (Arts & Creative Industries)

Innovation Manager

Public Health Specialist: Prevention, Care & Treatment (Harare)

Driver (Kariba)

Relief Drivers x8

Business Intelligence Analyst (Harare)

Contact Centre Agent-1 (Harare)

Switchboard Operator (OMAO) (Harare)

Procurement Manager (Bulawayo)

Auditor - ICT & Internal Control (Harare)

Legal Officer (Harare)

Auditor (Harare)

Director General (Harare)

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has reiterated its demand for USD$840 salaries for its members.
ZIMTA Secretary General Goodwill Taderera said they have already submitted a position paper to the Government outlining their expectations. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
We are still demanding a meaningful salary increase for teachers and this demand is on our agenda this month. According to a position paper which has already been tabled to government, a sum of USD$840 must be the entry level salary for a qualified teacher.
</blockquote>
He said teachers expect to be awarded salaries that align with their profession, their qualifications, their experiences and the workload.
Taderera said that the US$20 salary increment granted to civil servants fell significantly short and not enough to cover their basic needs. He said:
<blockquote>
Our demand is also, as per our last negotiations where the government, of course, gave us $20.00 and on the part of teachers $39.00 payable in RTGS but still, we thought that this was a mockery on our part and because of that we think that the government should be serious going forward to give us something quite meaningful.
A salary increase of $20.00 is just about nothing to take home, a salary increase of $ 39 RTGS which they are now calling Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG) again is just about nothing to take home about considering the inflationary pressures that are there and the cost of living that is also prevailing within the economy
</blockquote>
The Government recently raised civil servants’ salaries to US$320, up from US$300, and indexed the Zimbabwe dollar component to the prevailing official exchange rate.
The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) is expected to meet this month where ZIMTA plans to table its demands.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

ZIMTA Makes Fresh Demand For Teachers' Salaries

The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions (FOZEU), a collective of radical teachers’ unions, has issued a call to action for all teachers in Zimbabwe. 
Beginning on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, they are urging teachers to participate in a 3-day job strike in response to the government’s recent US$20 wage increase, which they consider a mere “mockery”.
FOZEU said no teacher should report for duty from March 20 to March 22, 2024, and that the mass action will continue until the government pays a living wage. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions, FOZEU, a collective of radical teachers’ unions is calling on all teachers in Zimbabwe to embark on a 3 day Job action beginning Wednesday 20 March 2024.
Following the conclusion of consulting teachers on a fight-back strategy in the face of the mockery of a USD20 increment, we update our constituency as follows;
A total of 56 700 teachers were consulted both offline and online. 55 220 of the consulted teachers asked FOZEU to call for a Job action before Schools close and mobilise for an indefinite national trike when Schools open for 2nd term.
Some of the grievances which came from the teachers during consultations included the incapacity to pay examination fees for children because of inadequate salaries which is ironic for teachers who work to prepare children for examinations whilst their own children fail to sit for the same examinations.
The Federation hereby declares that;
1. No teacher should report for duty from Wednesday 20 March 2024 to Friday 22 March 2024
2. The mass action is to be escalated as the second term opens until the employer pays a living wage.
3. FOZEU leaders to engage other progressive unions in the Civil Service seeking collaborations in the fight for a living wage.
4. Deadlines for registration for sitting for Public Examinations be extended until the Salary Crisis is resolved.
FOZEU stands ready to provide legal assistance to all teachers who may face victimisation during the coming job action.
The Federation calls upon teachers to mobilise each other at classroom level to make this job action a success.
The employer has to be forced to pay a living wage of USD1 260, teachers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to apply pressure on the employer by completely withdrawing labour.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the right to Strike and picket.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Teachers To Embark On 3-Day Job Action To Demand Fair Wages

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has called on the government to immediately address the teachers’ salaries issue by reviewing the United States Dollar component.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 12 March, ZIMTA said it was imperative to address the current stalemate in negotiations with the government by convening a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The NJNC serves as a platform where the government and unions representing civil servants engage in negotiations related to civil servants’ salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
ZIMTA said the prolonged inaction and disregard for teachers’ concerns could not be tolerated anymore. Said the union:
<blockquote>
Our dedicated teachers who tirelessly serve the public day in and day out, are grappling with abysmally low salaries that fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
The lack of a fair living wage not only undermines the morale and well-being of our members but also jeopardizes our ability to provide for our families and to contribute meaningfully to aggregate demand in the economy.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue and expedite the negotiation process to address the pressing issues facing teachers and retirees.
The association added that it was time for the government to prioritise the well-being and livelihoods of teachers, ensuring fair compensation, improved working conditions, and adequate support for retirees. It said:
<blockquote>
Any procrastination of improved salaries beyond March 2024 will be a silent declaration of conflict of rights and interests likely to escalate to a dispute.
We urge the government to revert to the table and improve the USD salary, which is now the dominant currency in the market at about 85% circulation.
The employer should take advantage of this call and correct salary structure discrepancies arising from the wrong manipulation of job grading in the civil service in general.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA also bemoaned the deplorable conditions of service, including inadequate resources, lack of essential equipment, and limited access to proper training, further exacerbating the challenges faced by teachers. Said the union:
<blockquote>
These conditions not only hinder our ability to perform duties effectively but also compromise the quality of services provided to the public.
</blockquote>
ZIMTA demanded that the government should also address the plight of retirees, who have dedicated their lives to public service. It said:
<blockquote>
Many retired teachers are struggling to make ends meet, as their pensions fall short of covering necessities.
The government’s failure to address the concerns of retirees and provide adequate support reflects a callous disregard for those who have served our country faithfully.
</blockquote>
Over the years, civil servants have been pushing for the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 for the lowest-paid employees. They are currently earning less than US$300.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMTA Demands Urgent Review Of Teachers’ Salaries

Teachers’ unions have expressed mixed views on the proposed Heritage-Based Education 2024-30 Curriculum.
Under the Heritage-Based Education 2024-30 Curriculum Framework, learning the History of Zimbabwe will become compulsory, and national shrines, cultural heritage sites and the national pledge will be accorded special emphasis.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023934/new-curriculum-divides-teachers">NewsDay</a>, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said the current history being taught in schools is flawed. He said:
<blockquote>
We, however, take exception to the issue of emphasising the learning of a flawed history of Zimbabwe. The current history was written to simply praise those who assumed power in 1980.
The true history of Zimbabwe, including the important roles of ZAU, Ndabaningi Sithole and all liberation war heroes should be taught.
The missteps of the ruling party and violations of human rights post-independence, including Gukurahundi, must be taught in our schools.
The heroic sacrifices of people like Morgan Tsvangirayi towards producing the current Constitution must be part of the taught history.
History should not be a eulogy of ZAPU PF, but a detailed account of our past to inform our future endeavours…
Funding of these good intentions is also important. The Treasury has shown a stinking austerity attitude which is not in line with realising these big promises.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said the Government has to explain how the proposed curriculum differs from the previous one and how education will be funded to ensure a smooth implementation of the framework. He said:
<blockquote>
Does the New Heritage-based curriculum differ from the previous one which was competence-based, what are the areas of continuity and change?
How does the minister intend to overcome the resource question given that the previous curriculum was paralysed due to failure to address this question?
One critical error made, therefore, is to rely on local resources in bankrolling the New Curriculum despite the bankruptcy of the teachers, learners and parents.
Another Concern is to have both teachers and learners being forced to endure a huge curriculum shift each time an education minister is changed.
</blockquote>
However, Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) spokesperson Goodwill Taderera said the proposed curriculum was a welcome development. He said:
<blockquote>
As ZIMTA we submitted a paper to the Education minister to the effect that almost everything had to be revised, particularly the CALA which was hovering around 30% and the number of learning areas which we thought needed to be reduced.
We are yet to study the proposed new curriculum, but it is a welcome development. We hear that they have now made it a Heritage-Based curriculum and that they have reduced from the primary sector about 11 subjects to 6 and from the secondary 7 to 5 and we think this is a welcome development.
</blockquote>
Under the the proposed Heritage-Based Education 2024-2030 curriculum framework, the infant level (ECD A to Grade 2), learning areas are being reduced from the previous eleven to six. The reduction will also apply at Junior Level (Grades 3 to 7).
At secondary school level, the core and compulsory learning areas are being reduced from seven to five.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Heritage-Based Education Curriculum Divides Teachers

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, has said the government has employed 2 000 new teachers this term and plans to recruit 5 000 more.
Speaking during a meeting with teachers’ unions and other stakeholders in Harare on Monday, 26 February, Moyo also said there are plans to build 2 800 new schools. Said Moyo (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/psc-targets-recruiting-5-000-teachers-this-year/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We decentralised the recruitment of teachers starting from January 2024, so far we have recruited 2 000 teachers, and we are left with 5 000 more teachers.
We are sure that in the second term, we will recruit more. We are also going to address the shortage of schools by building a further 2 800 schools.
</blockquote>
Moyo told trade unionists that when recruiting teachers, the Public Service Commission (PSC) will give preference to those who completed their college studies long back.
He also pledged to ensure that BEAM disbursements are done timeously so that schools operate efficiently and procure materials on time.
Moyo said allowances that were given to teachers should be brought back and that teachers in rural areas deserve hardship allowances.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Plans To Recruit 5 000 More Teachers In 2024 - Education Minister

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo has backtracked on his remarks that school heads and teachers’ qualifications will be reviewed so that a PhD will be the minimum qualification for school heads and diploma holders will be deemed unqualified to teach in public schools.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/phds-not-required-for-school-heads/">The Herald</a> on Wednesday, 31 January, Moyo said his message was misinterpreted, adding that there were no new requirements on qualifications for school heads. He said:
<blockquote>
I never said that for you to be a headmaster, you need to have a PhD. People misinterpreted the message that I gave to the headmasters.
We were in Bulawayo last week, and my message to teachers and headmasters was that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
I told them that there was a time when holders of ZJC and O’ Levels were teaching without teaching qualifications, and I motivated teachers and headmasters that they needed to upgrade their qualifications.
If they have diplomas, they can have a first degree; if they have a Master’s, they can have a PhD. That was the message.
</blockquote>
Addressing heads of primary and secondary schools, district school inspectors and education officials at St Columbas High School in Bulawayo on Thursday last, Moyo said (<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/qualifications-review-for-teachers-school-heads-2/">via The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
I want to encourage you to continuously upgrade yourselves, I started with a Diploma in Education but I had to continue aiming for the self-actualisation stage. I see youthful faces among you who were lucky to be promoted and are headmasters.
There will come a time when we will come up with a circular to say for you to become a headmaster of a high school you must have a PhD, and for you to become a teacher, teaching in our primary schools you must have a degree.
</blockquote>
He also reminded school heads that there was a time when teachers of Grade One were holders of the Zimbabwe Junior Certificate and were later removed.
Ordinary Level certificate holders were allowed to teach early grades but they were later removed as well.
The Minister’s remarks stirred controversy on social media platforms, with some teachers worried they may soon find themselves unqualified to teach in public schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

PhDs Not Required For Headmasters | Minister Backtracks On School Heads Qualification Remarks

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has described the move by the Government to convert civil servants’ US$300 COVID-19 allowance into a salary as a mere “tissue of misrepresentation”, saying it will not improve teachers’ welfare.
The decision to turn the US$300 allowance into a salary was announced by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube during the 2024 National Budget presentation.
Last week, members of the uniformed forces and the health sector received the allowances as proper salaries amid indications that State employees are now getting less than in previous years as their USD earnings are now being taxed.
Some unions representing civil servants, such as the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), welcomed the conversion of the allowances into pensionable salaries.
However, PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the move was not a product of collective bargaining but was “a product of one-armed banditry”. Said Zhou (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/teachers-scoff-at-us300-salary-a-product-of-one-armed-banditry-says-union/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Talk that the new salary will transform the teachers’ plight. This is high-sounding nothing and tissue of misrepresentation considering a myriad of taxes and increases announced by the Finance Minister that cumulatively heap burning coals upon the heads of the workers.
Salaries must be a result of binding collective bargaining and not a product of one-armed banditry, and primitive exploitation of the employer in a manner tantamount to slavery.
It is only through logical disputation, broad engagement and social dialogue that there could be industrial harmony in schools…
We therefore call for the urgent restoration of US$540 basic salary of teachers, payment of US$80 education allowance in US$, and other host allowances such as infancy, class teacher, bloated class, A level and responsibility allowances in US$s.
</blockquote>
Over the past several years, civil servants have been demanding that the Government raise workers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 levels of US$540 per month for the least-paid employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants' US$300 Salary "A Product Of One-armed Banditry", Says PTUZ

Headmasters from government schools in Zimbabwe are demanding to be paid in US dollars starting from the upcoming term. Currently, school heads and teachers earn at least US$300 and about ZWL$600,000, but they argue that the local currency component is being eroded by inflation. The Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads (ZINUSH) has called for unity among school heads to press for improved working conditions and salaries in hard currency. ZUSH secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021623/headmasters-confront-govt-over-zimdollar-salaries">NewsDay</a> that they believe that their salaries and allowances should be entirely in US dollars to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. He said:
<blockquote>
We take note of the recent monetary statements which are to the effect that the US dollar allowance shall be pensionable come January 2024.
By implication, our members who are retiring from 2024 are expected to get lump sums in USD. We acknowledge this movement by the employer. However, we take this as a case of too little too late. In the shortest possible time, our salaries and allowances must be entirely in hard currency so that we get value for our hard labour!
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been grappling with hyperinflation and a depreciating local currency. The value of the Zimbabwean dollar has plummeted, leading to a steep increase in prices of goods and services. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the local currency, making it difficult for workers to meet their daily needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
Teachers in Zimbabwe have been at the forefront of demanding better wages and working conditions over the past few years. Strikes and protests have become common as they seek to address the financial hardships they face. The Zimbabwean government has attempted various measures to address the economic crisis, including introducing a foreign currency auction system and implementing price controls. However, the effects of these measures have been limited, and workers continue to struggle with the devalued local currency. 
In addition to the call for US dollar salaries, the school heads also raised concerns about the government’s decision to pay school fees for teachers’ children. While they acknowledged the introduction of this facility, they criticised the implementation process, describing it as discriminatory and burdensome. They recommended that the facility be accessible to all education sector employees, similar to other sector-specific allowances in different departments.
The demand for US dollar salaries extends beyond the education sector. The Zimbabwe Congress of Public Sector Trade Union (ZCPSTU) supports the call for exclusive US dollar payments, emphasizing that the hybrid system of payment with both US dollars and the local currency causes inconvenience and loss of earnings due to inflation. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe also supports this demand, arguing that the country’s fee structure, which is in US dollars, recognizes the US dollar as the preferred currency and therefore earnings should be in US dollars entirely.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Headmasters Are Demanding US Dollar Salaries Starting From The Upcoming Term

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has reportedly failed to pay some teachers for work done during the August 2023 general elections.
It is not clear why the elections management body paid some teachers and left out others despite them signing the same contracts.
Further, it is alleged that teachers who received their money were paid in RTGS (Zim dollars) instead of United States dollars as per their contracts.
ZEC engaged the teachers as voter educators and inspectors for the voters’ roll inspection between May and June 2023.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021590/teachers-clash-with-zec-over-election-dues">NewsDay</a>, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said ZEC treated teachers unfairly. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
Some were paid, while others are yet to be paid. The delay of payment for teachers means that the value is different because of inflation in Zimbabwe. By the time we reach [2024], that money won’t be buying anything.
We hope that ZEC puts its house in order so that it does not abuse teachers.
They are so reluctant about the payment of the remaining teachers and we have tried to engage ZEC but it’s not forthcoming.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general, Tapedza Zhou, told NewsDay that paid teachers were still owed about 20% of their dues.
ZEC deputy chairperson, Rodney Kiwa, said that he was not aware that the teachers were yet to be paid for electoral duties. He said:
<blockquote>
About that, I wouldn’t know. We employ thousands of people during elections.
The teachers should provide their proof of employment, identification documents and so on.
Let them communicate with those people. That’s the only way I can help.
</blockquote>
Kiwa then referred NewsDay to ZEC chief elections officer Utloile Silaigwana who has previously said he cannot discuss contractual issues between ZEC and those recruited for electoral duties.
State institutions and agencies, such as ZEC, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), and the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council  (ZIMSEC), are notorious for paying contracted workers late.
The institutions usually contract civil servants, especially teachers for specific programmes such as during elections, to conduct the national census, or marking public examinations, whatever the case might be.
However, in most cases, those contracted complain about late payments, with the money coming as late as six months after they rendered their services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Fails To Pay Teachers For Voter Education

Six female teachers stationed at Tshabili Primary School in Beitbridge East have fled their workplace after they were allegedly sexually abused by “goblins”.
Goblins are thought to be small, ugly, supernatural creatures, regarded as malevolent towards human beings.
According to a report by the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200018363/goblins-terrorise-beitbridge-teachers">Southern Eye</a>, the affected teachers claimed they were sexually violated at night.
Some of the victims have reportedly refused to return to the school until rituals are conducted to get rid of the alleged goblins.
Tshabili Primary School is located about 60km east of the border town
Beitbridge district development co-ordinator Sikhangezile Mafu-Moyo confirmed to the Southern Eye that she was aware of the matter. She said:
<blockquote>
I understand a meeting is on tomorrow (today) between my office, education officials, the school staff and the community.
I am in Bulawayo on a different assignment but I have been informed of the issue.
</blockquote>
District Education Officer (DEO) Freedom Muleya also confirmed that a meeting was to be convened over the issue. Said Muleya:
<blockquote>
Officials from our office will attend the meeting. This is not an issue our office can solve, it’s something to do with the community, traditional leadership and the local authority. These reports were made as early as January.
</blockquote>
The victims reported at the district education offices, the local district council offices and Mafu-Moyo’s office on Thursday and narrated their ordeal.
Majili Primary School in Bubi District, Matabeleland North province, was briefly shut down in June 2022 after alleged goblins molested female teachers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Alleged Goblins Harass Female Teachers At Beitbridge School

Teachers are now required to learn at least three local languages other than their own so that they will not be limited by language to discharge their duties, reported <a href="https://cite.org.zw/govt-to-train-multilingual-teachers-to-close-language-barrier/">CITE</a>.
This was said by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Amon Murwira, while responding to a question by Gwanda South MP Omphile Marupi (ZANU PF).
Marupi had asked why the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continued to deploy teachers who cannot speak local languages. He said:
<blockquote>
My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education regarding the state of affairs concerning teachers.
We find that teachers who cannot communicate in local languages are deployed to teach in communities, particularly at elementary level Grade 1.
</blockquote>
In response, Murwira said his ministry is implementing a policy to ensure that all teachers who graduate from teachers’ colleges a multilingual. He said:
<blockquote>
I wish to thank the Hon. Member for this very important question. You would know that since 2019, the policy for training teachers is now requiring all enrolled teachers at a Teachers’ College to learn three more languages other than their own.
What this means is that a person or a teacher who graduates from the Teachers’ College is able to operate in areas where they are competent in terms of language, but what we are also doing is increasing the pool of Zimbabweans who are multilingual.
It therefore means that this question, as we go into the future, will not become a question.
</blockquote>
Minister of Legal, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi said that Government policy is that junior grades in primary school should be taught in their mother language. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
Indeed, the Ministry now has a policy of ensuring that, that should not happen. You cannot send a teacher to teach Grade 1 or ECD classes when they do not understand the particular language,” he said.
The thrust is now that even the learners in ECD must be taught in their mother language and as they progress, you introduce the other languages.
If something like that is still happening, I think it needs to be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities for corrective action to be taken.
</blockquote>
In 2022, the Government said it would withdraw teachers who are not conversant with local community languages in a move meant to ensure that learners in early childhood development (ECD) are taught in their mother language.
The announcement was made after some communities, mainly where minority languages are spoken, raised concerns over the deployment of teachers who do not speak local languages, particularly in primary schools.
The country recognises 16 official languages, but most schools were mainly teaching Ndebele and Shona.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Student Teachers Required To Learn Three Local Languages

The Government of Zimbabwe has suggested that unemployed teachers should consider establishing their own schools or companies. Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Raymond Machingura, made this statement during a graduation ceremony at Belvedere Teachers’ College in an interview with a local radio station. Machingura said:
<blockquote>
Unemployed teachers should start their own companies which produce stationery and other consumables used in schools or even start their own schools.
If you look at it, private schools are charging exorbitant fees. So if we have our own teachers with their own private schools, they will not be charging high fees but will be providing quality education.
</blockquote>
Machingura’s remarks come as Zimbabwe, with a student population of six million, is facing a shortage of 3,000 schools. In an effort to address illegal operations, the government closed down hundreds of schools and colleges last year. However, earlier this year, private schools were re-registered to accommodate South Africa-based pupils returning home after the expiration of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits.
Critics, such as Walter Muzamani, President of the National Council of Student Teachers, argue that encouraging teachers to establish their own schools is an acknowledgement of the education system’s failure. Muzamani said:
<blockquote>
That teachers should start their own schools is an admission that it has failed to manage the education system. The government has failed to fund the education system which has resulted in the private education sector thriving. 
It is a fact that private schools are offering quality education compared to public schools.
</blockquote>
Goodwill Taderera, Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, warns that the proliferation of private schools will further weaken the public education system. Taderera said:
<blockquote>
If teachers become entrepreneurs, then the education system will be commercialised. It’s privatising the education system which is exclusive to low-income earners. Accessibility to education will be compromised. Government undertook to provide quality education and has to stick to that mandate and not abdicate its responsibility to job-seeking teachers.
</blockquote>
However, the Zimbabwean government contends that it lacks the necessary resources to recruit more teachers in order to balance the teacher-student ratio. This has resulted in a longstanding dispute between teachers and the government over inadequate salaries. Teachers are demanding the reinstatement of pre-October 2018 salaries, which were approximately US$450. Last year, Zimbabwe sent 154 teachers to Rwanda to provide training and share knowledge with Rwandan teachers and learners. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe Government Tells Jobless Teachers To Start Their Own Companies Or Schools

Unions representing teachers have dismissed the reported latest salary offer by the Government as too little to meet members’ basic needs.
Last weekend Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the Government will soon table a new salary offer for civil servants at the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
Reports claim that the Government plans to increase civil servants’ earnings to a minimum of US$400 when allowances are factored in.
The Government reportedly arrived at the figure without consulting civil servants’ representatives.
Speaking in separate interviews with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013342/govt-salary-offer-too-little-say-teachers">NewsDay</a>, unions representing teachers bemoaned their employer’s “unilateralism.”
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader Obert Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
A salary increment should be tabled at a collective bargaining platform, where the workers and employer haggle around and agree on a bargaining agreement. That agreement should be the one published.
The employer should meet all union representatives to discuss conditions of service.
The minister is also usurping the powers of the Public Service Commission. Section 203(1) of the national Constitution mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to fix conditions of service for civil servants, not the minister.
Such conditions should be fixed in line with section 65(5) which provides for the right to collective bargaining.
We also reject any increment which doesn’t match the basket of needs for teachers. We have done the calculations and come up with a minimum of US$1 260.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said:
<blockquote>
The salary increment was long overdue, hence should have been done yesterday.
As a union, we don’t believe in NJNC whose mandate has long ceased to exist.
We actually believe that US$540 is not negotiable, since it was our pre-October 2018 earnings, and what we could negotiate is additional income above that.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, speaking to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zimbabwe-marks-time-on-pay-talks-as-wages-shrink-to-us10/">ZimLive</a> on Thursday, Mavima dismissed the reports claiming that the Government has already prepared a new salary package for civil servants.
In April, the Government unilaterally awarded civil servants an additional US$50 in allowances and a 100% Zimbabwe dollar salary increment which has since been rendered meaningless by galloping inflation.
Civil servants earn US$250 in allowances and a regular wage of ZW$100,000, which is just US$10 if converted using prevailing exchange rates.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Latest Govt Salary "Offer" Too Little - Teachers

Teacher unions say their members can no longer report for work consistently due to financial incapacitation.
The Education Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has since written to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare explaining the financial challenges teachers are facing and asking for an upward review of their earnings.
The letter, which was copied to the permanent secretary in the Public Service Ministry and the minister and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our members in the rural areas have been long forgotten with a rural allowance of ZW$3 516 which is 72 US cents at interbank rate. Our members shall therefore not consistently report for duty until they are fully capacitated.
Teachers got a paltry ZW$70 311 in April 2023. Then, the interbank rate was at US$1:ZW$994.71 and could secure US$75. The interbank rate has since shot up to US$1:ZW$4 868 as at June 2023.
Prices of basic commodities have also spiraled at each upward review of the interbank rate.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has confirmed that in May 2023, a family of 6 re[1]quires ZW$1 million to survive monthly from ZW$611 275 in April 2023.
Without an immediate review of teachers’ salaries, they cannot afford decent accommodation, transport, food and paying bills.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/teachers-bemoan-us13-slave-wage/">The NewsHawks</a> that the future of the country’s education system is uncertain. Said Masaraure:
<blockquote>
The future for the education sector in particular is bleak. We are witnessing a massive brain drain as workers, including teachers, are leaving Zimbabwe in search of greener pastures in the diaspora.
Those who are unfortunate enough to remain at the workplace are highly demoralised, with very low productivity. Downtime is also high as workers are consistently engaging in job actions.
The revival of Zimbabwe’s economy is next to impossible with the current crisis in labour relations.
To save Zimbabwe, people should vote for a government that can improve the welfare of workers.
</blockquote>
Teacher unions are demanding varying amounts ranging from civil servants’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 to US$1 260 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers' Zimbabwe Dollar Salary Plummet To US$13 - Unions

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has blamed Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s economic policies for the death of a female school head who allegedly committed suicide.
ARTUZ said one Mrs. Muzenda, the Deputy school head at Sarahuru Primary School in Mwenezi took her own life due to “slave wages”. <a href="https://twitter.com/ARTUZ_teachers/status/1671104730083328002">The teachers’ union said</a>:
<blockquote>
[Mthuli Ncube] policies have killed Mrs. Mzenda the D/Head at Sarahuru Primary Mwenezi. She committed suicide. Slave wages are the new guillotine claiming our Teachers.
The government of [President Emmerson Mnangagwa is presiding over the killing of civil servants and untold suffering for those who live on!
</blockquote>
In February 2022, teachers embarked on a week-long strike, demanding the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries when they earned US$540.
The Government responded by awarding civil servants a token salary increment and suspended scores of teachers for taking part in the job action.
Currently, teachers, like other civil servants, are earning US$250 in allowances per month while their RTGS salary is less than US$50.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/18/missing-headmaster-found-dead-near-dam/">the Gwindingwi Secondary School headmaster Stanford Tsindikwa was recently found dead</a> near Rusape Dam in a case of suspected suicide.
Tsindikwa was reported missing after he allegedly made several calls and sent text messages to his wife informing her about his intention to take his own life.
Below are some suicide warning signs suicidal thoughts by <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048">Mayo Clinic</a>:
<ul>
<li>Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”</li>
<li>Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills</li>
<li>Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone</li>
<li>Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next</li>
<li>Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence</li>
<li>Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation</li>
<li>Increasing use of alcohol or drugs</li>
<li>Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns</li>
<li>Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly</li>
<li>Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there’s no other logical explanation for doing this</li>
<li>Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again</li>
<li>Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Blame Mthuli Ncube For Deputy Headmistress' Suicide

Cabinet has approved the principles of the Teaching Professional Council Bill aimed at reversing the decline in morale and behaviour standards in the practice of teaching.
This was revealed by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, who was speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Muswere said the proposed Bill will deal with quality assurance to professionalise the teaching service and raise the dignity of the profession. He said:
<blockquote>
As such, a Teaching Profession Council will be established as a regulatory body. The Council will also promote the mandatory continuous professional development of teachers in order to ensure that the teachers have the requisite skills and competencies.
</blockquote>
The Teaching Profession Council will comprise 15 members drawn from different organisations provided in the Bill.
Its functions will include, among others, the regulation of the professional conduct of teachers.
The objectives of establishing the Teaching Professional Council of Zimbabwe are to professionalise the teaching service and enhance the public standing of teachers, improve and maintain high-quality professional standards for teachers.
The Teaching Professional Council of Zimbabwe is envisaged to be an independent, representative and self-regulated board to champion issues around the teaching profession, strengthen professionalism in the education sector and promote the Zimbabwean philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu and holistic education.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cabinet Approves Teaching Professional Council Bill

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has urged the Government to alleviate teachers’ suffering by paying them decent salaries.
ZIMTA acting secretary general Goodwill Taderera said that the employer should do away with RTGs-pegged salaries and pay teachers in US dollars. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Things are so bad and teachers are suffering. We are getting into continuous borrowing to augment the poor salaries.
The call comes as the Zimbabwean dollar has lost value on both the formal and parallel markets which has resulted in sharp price increases.
</blockquote>
Moreover, most manufacturers, retailers and other service providers are now demanding US Dollars.
ZIMTA has been demanding that the government reverts to the 2018 salaries which were pegged in US dollars when teachers were earning between US$500 and US$600 per month.
Other unions representing civil servants are asking for US$840 per month for the lowest-paid Government employee.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pay Teachers Decent Salaries, ZIMTA Tells Government

Some teacher unions say their members are not ready for the commencement of the Second Term and are incapacitated but are dragging themselves to work to avoid reprisals by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The 2023 Second Term starts today, 08 May, but unlike in previous years, teacher unions have not been urging their members to go on strike.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou on Sunday told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011249/outcry-over-school-fees-hike">NewsDay</a> that teachers lack motivation to effectively discharge their duties. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are demotivated and have outstanding legitimate demands that have not been addressed by the PSC [Public Service Commission] emanating from their discrimination in salary increases in which other government workers have been awarded salary increases four times that of teachers.
Above all, the quantum leap of inflation and increase in basic (commodity prices) has left them virtually incapacitated.
They are parents as well and together with other parents have no money to pay for exorbitant fees paid in US dollars, particularly in boarding schools.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
As teachers, we have gotten used to the government ill-treating us, particularly on salaries.
So in terms of preparedness, the teachers are not very much prepared, but they are sympathetic to the learners.
</blockquote>
Taderera added that teachers were going to work to evade punishment from their employer.
Last month, the Government awarded civil servants a 100 percent salary increment but it has been rendered worthless by the precipitous fall in value of the Zimbabwe dollar on the parallel market.
Before the salary increment was announced, the rate was roughly US$1: ZWL$1 800 but it has since moved to US$1:2 700.
The Government also increased the COVID-19 allowance to US$250 for all civil servants excluding those in the health sector, up from US$200.
Civil servants are, however, demanding US$840 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Teachers Dragging Themselves To Work To Avoid Punishment"

The Government has continued its crackdown on holiday extra lessons with several teachers arrested countrywide.
In late March the Government announced a ban on holiday lessons, saying learners needed time to rest.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education also argued that the 2023 school calendar was never interrupted by COVID-19 hence there was no need for schools and teachers to conduct extra lessons during this April holiday.
However, teachers are reportedly conducting private lessons in odd places such as bedrooms and church premises to evade authorities.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010418/teachers-defy-ban-on-extra-lessons">NewsDay</a> reported that a Chivhu district schools inspector, Emmanuel Kwenda, busted teachers who were conducting extra lessons at an Apostolic Faith Church premises last Friday.
In Marondera, four teachers were recently arrested by the police for conducting holiday lessons.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said extra lessons remained banned. He said:
<blockquote>
Those (teachers) that continue doing that will be sanctioned.
</blockquote>
However, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said the Government should pay teachers decent salaries.
Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said:
<blockquote>
They (government) suppressed the formalised extra-lesson system and they promoted the clandestine system which is in full swing and thriving.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
The current crop of learners really needs extra lessons. Apart from being affected by COVID-19, the government is not paying teachers enough for them to do their best in school.
</blockquote>
While the government has declared that paid extra lessons were illegal, teachers are among the lowest-paid civil servants and extra lessons will most likely not go away any time soon as the impoverished educators try to make ends meet.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Arrested Over Extra Lessons

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has expressed outrage after the Government snubbed a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting on Monday, 20 March.
Apex Council representatives and officials from the Ministry of Public Service were supposed to meet on 16 March 2023 to discuss civil servants’ salaries.
The meeting was postponed to 20 March but the Government team did not show up for the meeting, a development that has angered teachers.
In a statement released on Monday, ZIMTA demanded that the government should address all teachers’ grievances before the end of this month. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This statement is an expression of great disappointment in the selective, divisive and iniquitous treatment of teachers that the government has exhibited for the first time in independent Zimbabwe. 
The government has amply demonstrated its dislike for the teaching profession, and the year 2023 goes down in history as the year of evidence of that position. 
Teachers are not only disappointed but also angry, and now prepondering on dumping the goodwill they had for the negotiations.
The 2023 season of negotiations was delayed up to late March with the promise that when negotiations start all will be set for meaningful and life-changing dialogue. 
This procrastination was tolerated with goodwill and hope but has turned out to be the greatest abuse of trust and utmost good faith. 
When the negotiations finally commenced they went on an erratic mode of fits and start and with insignificant and below-expectation awards tabled by Government.
Today, the 20th of March 2023 the negotiators went to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in anticipation of an NJNC meeting after it had been moved from last Thursday 16 March 2023 to this day, Monday 20 March 2023. 
Sadly, we must report that the meeting did not take place as the Government Team did not show up. 
It took a forced meeting to glean the situation from senior officials in the Ministry of Public Services, Labour, and Social Welfare. 
The workers’ negotiating team was advised by these officials that the Government side was seized with the matter and was busy consulting. 
The government side was said to be ready to call for the meeting once their internal consultations were through. (A response that sounds too familiar to believe).
ZIMTA, therefore, does not take lightly the government action as it views this as negotiating in bad faith, smacking of unilateralism that leans on skewed social dialogue legislation.
ZIMTA demands that the employer urgently addresses the looming crisis as its membership is already agitated and feeling disparaged by the employer.
Given that the employer paid other sectors enhanced salaries with effect from this March 2023 and that this month our membership received eroded salaries due to increased service providers’ premiums, inflation tax, etc, with some teachers taking home less than ZWL 5000.00. 
Our membership is left severely handicapped and incapacitated to report for duty.
ZIMTA, therefore, demands that in the interest of social dialogue the employer addresses this looming crisis by resolving all the outstanding demands as a matter of urgency and inside March 2023.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Express Outrage After Govt Ignores Rescheduled Salary Meeting

Teachers on Friday rejected a 100% salary increment on their Zimbabwe dollars earnings, up from a 50% hike that had been offered the previous week.
Teachers are reportedly earning at least ZWL$36 000 and a US$120 component, plus a US$75 COVID-19 allowance, but together with the rest of the civil service, are demanding US$840 per month.
The government made the latest offer on Friday during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting.
On Thursday the previous week, another NJNC meeting, the first to be held in 2023, had ended in a deadlock.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008752/govt-workers-reject-us50-increment">NewsDay</a>, over the weekend, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said the government had offered to pay the salary increment starting next month, but they rejected the arrangement. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Government reviewed our gross salaries in local currency from 50% to 100% and reconfigured the COVID-19 allowance and the cushion allowance to the amalgamated civil service allowance, which moved from the previously offered US$220 to US$250.
Additionally, there is a teaching allowance of US$80 paid in local currency. This is inflation-adjusted. But we have not yet agreed on any of these figures.
The effective date was given as April 1, 2023, which we rejected and demanded that it be backdated to January.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that teachers are planning to down tools. He said:
<blockquote>
Our power is not in the boardroom, but in collective action by workers. So we are mobilising workers for a massive strike to resume on March 13, 2023, if the government fails to address our demands.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Teachers Reject 100% Salary Increment

Hundreds of civil servants, among them teachers, were left counting their losses after failing to get residential stands despite paying the National Housing Delivery Trust (NHDT) for the stands.
The civil servants, who paid subscriptions to buy stands from NHDT in 2012, are now desperate to get to the organisation’s offices after they did not get their residential stands.
<a href="https://masvingomirror.com/where-are-you-national-housing-delivery-trust/">The Mirror</a> reported that NHDT directors allegedly disappeared with thousands of United States dollars of civil servants’ money.
The offices of the organisation disappeared and the directors can no longer be located and stands were not delivered.
The victims of the “scam” told The Mirror that one of the NHDT directors is Goromonzi West MP and aspiring Bikita South MP, Energy Mutodi (ZANU PF) who was the chairperson.
Mutodi, however, said he left the organisation and no longer has anything to do with it. Said Mutodi:
<blockquote>
I left that company in 2011. I was the chairperson, but I no longer work for it. As you are aware I am a Member of Parliament and therefore am not allowed to partake in such. The director of that company is Tendai Hangadya. You can contact the person.
</blockquote>
He referred the publication to Tendai Hangazha whom he said is now the owner of the organisation.
The Mirror reported that repeated efforts to get through to Hangazha’s number were futile as the number was either on voicemail or went unanswered.
The letter of allocation in the hands of The Mirror indicates the directors as Alma-Louise Gordon, B Chikono, B Chifamba, E. Mutodi, K Bhotsha and OZ Gumbo who are also listed as executives.
Tawonga Musina, a lawyer said that the clients can approach the registrar’s offices for verification of the company’s registration and thereafter file a Police report.
Some of the duped civil servants have reportedly given up after trying for many years to get their money back
According to civil servants who spoke to The Mirror on condition of anonymity, the stands sold by NDHT were mainly in Masvingo and Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) spokesperson Daisy Zambuko confirmed the “scam” but said most of those affected got their money back through the courts.
She, however, did not reveal the number of teachers from her organisation who were affected.
One of the affected teachers told The Mirror that he lost US$1 150 after paying US$100 monthly subscriptions from 2011 for a stand in Riverside.
He said the NHDT offices were at Masvingo Post Office along Emmerson D. Mnangagwa Street but the organisation left without giving any notice to clients in 2014.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Hundreds Of Civil Servants Duped In Residential Stands Deal

A Zimbabwean science teacher based in South Africa has won awards for recording the best results in the neighbouring country.
The teacher, Nkosiphile Moyo (34) of Filabusi, teaches Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics at the Johannesburg Polytechnic College in South Africa.
He recently walked away with an award for being the best educator in Physical Science and Mathematics under the 2022 National Senior Certificate Awards for Johannesburg East District.
According to the Chronicle, in 2020 Moyo was recognised for achieving a 100 percent Matric pass in Mathematics Literacy at Demseel College in Johannesburg.
Moyo was the first Sciences teacher at Mabhikwa High School in Lupane in 2013 and taught at the school up to 2018.
Moyo, who is a holder of a Bachelor of Science Education Honours Degree in Physics from the National University of Science and Technology, only studied Sciences at tertiary level as the secondary school he attended only offered Arts.
After leaving Mabhikwa High School, Moyo taught Sciences in various schools in Bulawayo from 2018 to 2019, before moving to South Africa in 2020. He said:
<blockquote>
I joined Demseel College in Johannesburg West in 2020 where I taught Mathematics.
I received a certificate for recording a 100 percent Matric pass in Mathematic Literacy in that same year.
I recently secured an award from my school for being a top achieving educator in Physical Science and Mathematics under the 2022 National Senior Certificate Awards for Johannesburg East District.
The district had about 30 secondary schools.
These awards are a great achievement for me. I wish to take the knowledge and expertise that I have gained to nurture learners back home.
People often complain that Science subjects are difficult but for me, they are just like any other subject and they have become a part of my life.
</blockquote>
Moyo did his primary education at Tshazi Primary School from 1993 to 1999 and secondary at Tshazi Secondary School in Filabusi District from 2000 to 2003.
But due to financial challenges, he failed to immediately proceed to A-level and only proceeded with his education in 2006 and he completed his A-level in 2007.
He then proceeded to Hillside Teachers’ College in 2010 where he specialised in Sciences — Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Moyo attained a Bachelor of Science Education Honours Degree in Physics from the National University of Science and Technology in 2019.

Zimbabwean Maths & Science Teacher Shines In South Africa

The United Kingdom is raiding its former colony Zimbabwe for key public sector workers: nurses, doctors and teachers, according to Zimbabwe-based writer, Ashley Simango.
The writer who got an honourable mention at the 2021 Arrude Jesuit Center For Ethics in Society High School Essay Competition, says it is “cruel for the UK to “poach” Zimbabwe’s key health sector personnel. 
In an article first published by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/2/8/zimbabwe-is-bleeding-doctors-teachers-to-the-uk-whos-to-blame">Al Jazeera</a>, Simango whose writings on diplomacy and economics appeared in Newsweek, Fast Company, The New Arab and The Africa Report said:
<blockquote>
This is cruel. It appears unstoppable. Yet it also captures a vicious cycle in which foreign aid meant to help countries like Zimbabwe strengthen their education and health systems is undermined by migration of trained talent to those very same donor nations.
More than 4,000 nurses and doctors have left Zimbabwe since February 2021. The UK is by far the destination of choice: data from the British Home Office in 2022 reveals that Zimbabwe is now in the top five skilled worker visa recipient countries.
This is a big drain. According to the Zimbabwe Medical Association, the country has a paltry 3,500 doctors for a population of 15 million people. Access to nurses is poor, too — just 2.6 per 1,000 people as of 2017, reveals the World Bank. In a key 1,000-bed public hospital, managers told reporters that services were crippled when dozens of nurses and doctors left for the UK in 2021.
Of course, the UK — like any other country — must look after its interests first. But the imbalance between a $3.2 trillion economy (the UK) and a $28bn economy (Zimbabwe) is such that the scramble for medical personnel isn’t a fair contest.
</blockquote>
Simango added that despite the woes of the National Health Service (NHS), the UK still has 8.5 nurses per 1 000 people — more than three times the number in Zimbabwe. Added the writer:
<blockquote>
And poaching talent from a country like Zimbabwe comes cheap. The UK spends £230,000 ($281,000) in training each doctor — much of which it saves when it imports trained and skilled medical professionals.
Simply put, at a time when healthcare workers are leaving the NHS in droves because of poor pay and conditions, the British government — instead of addressing their concerns — is plundering doctors and nurses from former colonies like Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Her remarks come after the UK announced that from February 2023, Zimbabwe will join a select group of nations and territories whose educators will be eligible to get <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zimbabwean-teachers-eligible-to-apply-for-qualified-teacher-status-in-england-starting-2023/">Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)</a> which would allow them to work long-term as teachers in the UK.
Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa are the only other African nations on the list. 
Teacher unions in Zimbabwe fear that many of the country’s 135 000 public school teachers might be tempted to take up posts in the UK. 
For the last four decades, Zimbabwe has boasted one of Africa’s most impressive post-colonial educational outcomes with the World Economic Forum ranking it fourth-best on the continent in 2016.
Simango also puts the blame on the Zimbabwean government which she says is unable to pay doctors, nurses and teachers living wages, a factor pushing them to seek greener pastures.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"UK Is Raiding, Its Former Colony Zimbabwe For Nurses, Doctors And Teachers, This Is Cruel"

ZANU PF activists are reportedly forcing teachers and nurses to buy party membership cards in Zaka District, Masvingo Province.
ZANU PF Zaka District women’s league chairperson Confidence Mukau allegedly forced all the nurses at Musiso Mission Hospital and teachers at the mission to buy party cards or face undisclosed consequences, <a href="https://tellzim.com/zanu-pf-forces-teachers-nurses-to-buy-party-cards/">reported TellZim News.</a>
Mukau is allegedly linked to a ZANU PF faction aligned to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
The Mission is in Ward 19, a well–known opposition territory that has had an opposition councillor since 2008.
TellZim News reported sources at the mission as saying Mukau led a team that was forcing teachers, nurses and other ancillary staff at the mission into party cell registers and to buy cards at a cost of US$3.00. Said a source:
<blockquote>
We are appealing to the press to expose ZANU PF here in Zaka, they are forcing us to buy party cards whereas we are not even part of them.
We are no longer at peace here as we are being forced to belong to the party by buying membership cards.
</blockquote>
Another source claimed that another ZANU PF team went to the mission for cell registration and they forced people to register into the cells. Said the source:
<blockquote>
A few weeks ago they were here at the mission doing cell verification and registration.
All teachers, nurses and student nurses were forced into cells and the list of names was used to get presidential inputs from GMB but only teachers from both the mission schools got the inputs and the nurses failed and they are bitter.
</blockquote>
Mukau stays at the St Anthony’s High School teachers’ quarters by virtue of being a wife to one Mukau a building studies teacher.
She is also closely related to former Catholic Bishop Michael Bhasera – a privilege she reportedly uses to threaten all mission staff.
When contacted for comment, ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa said:
<blockquote>
I haven’t received any complaints about people being forced to buy party cards. However, it’s unlikely for us to force people because cards are sold to members only and they come willingly so we cannot force non-members.
At Musiso Mission, we have a number of party members some of who are even in the district executive so those are the ones whom we target when we go there and those who are not part of us should be left out.
I will talk to the district chairperson to about the issue so that it will be addressed.
</blockquote>
Zaka District is infamous for politically motivated violence since 2002. A number of opposition supporters were reportedly killed and some injured during the 2002 and 2008 elections.

ZANU PF Forces Teachers, Nurses To Buy Membership Cards

The government is recruiting another 8 382 teachers to complement the existing staff.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said 7 000 names were sent to Treasury for its concurrence and to budget for their salaries and allowances before they were engaged.
He said 1 382 names were still with the Public Service Commission (PSC) for vetting and approval. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
We have 1 382 attrition posts awaiting PSC approval, and they will be recruited once the processes are done.
We also have 7 000 posts sent to Treasury for concurrence so they will also be joining once the process is done.
Everyone is back at school and it’s business as usual across the country.
However, there are schools that need more staff and that is why the process of engaging more teachers is in place.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/8-300-more-teachers-hired/">The Herald</a>

Govt Hires 8 300 More Teachers

The Government is recruiting more qualified teachers to be deployed in 28 largely rural districts of the eight non-metropolitan provinces.
The teachers will be deployed to 28 districts in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and the Midlands.
The 28 districts include Muzarabani, Rushinga, Mount Darwin, Mudzi, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Hurungwe, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Chipinge, Binga, Lupane, Tsholotsho, Bulilima, Matobo, Gwanda, Insiza, Umzingwane, Gokwe North and South.
The recruitment is being done through the Public Service Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
In a statement, PSC secretary Tsitsi Choruma interested newly-qualified teachers should submit the required documents to the district office of choice by not later than 16 January. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
Those who are interested should complete application forms available at the Public Service Commission district offices.
Duly completed teacher application forms with certified copies of national identification, birth certificate, academic and professional qualifications including transcripts should be submitted to the district office of choice by not later than January 16.
</blockquote>
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said qualified teachers will have the opportunity to work in their own districts. He said:
<blockquote>
We are recruiting teachers from their own districts through our district offices so as to avoid the issue of transfers.
We are giving people the opportunity to work in their own districts so that it would be better for them.
The applications are still coming because the vacancies are still open. This is a lucky shot for people who grew up in those districts.
</blockquote>
In August 2022, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), secretary-general Robson Chere urged the government needs to decentralise teacher deployment to ensure that teachers are placed in areas where they can speak the local language. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/massive-recruitment-for-teachers-underway/">The Herald</a>

Govt Recruiting Teachers At District Level

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has reiterated its demand for the restoration of teachers’ pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.00.
In a letter dated 9 January 2022 addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC), ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere said a meeting between the Commission and teacher unions should be convened to address teachers’ incapacitation. Wrote Chere:
<blockquote>
We write to remind you that the incapacitation of teachers remains unaddressed and is an obstacle to the efficient discharge of duties by teachers.
As the schools open this January of 2023, Our members have advised us to engage you on the need to restore the salaries to pre-October 2018 figures of USD $540.
As a Trade Union, we are also passionate about the development of the Education sector in our country and we are alarmed by the continued prejudice of learners who continue to suffer, as long as this matter remains unaddressed.
Even the development of our nation is being compromised as each year students with potential do not get the best from their teachers.
We implore your office to give this matter the urgency it deserves.
We reiterate our call for a legitimate conversation between yourselves and bona fide workers’ representatives from the education sector.
</blockquote>

Rural Teachers Write To PSC, Reiterate Demand For Restoration Of US$540 Salaries

Unions representing teachers have demanded the scrapping of the Government Employees Mutual Savings Fund (GEMS), arguing it is not benefiting their members.
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/govt-launches-savings-facility-for-civil-servants/">GEMS was set up by Cabinet</a> in March 2020 with the government saying it would provide $100 million in seed capital to improve the welfare of civil servants.
Under GEMS, civil servants are subjected to 2.5% monthly wage deductions to support the loan scheme.
But Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said the government is still making the deductions from teachers who opted out of GEMS. Masaraure said:
<blockquote>
The scheme was unilaterally imposed on workers. Teachers opted out but were surprised to realise that deductions continued and are still being done.
Those who have sought loans from GEMS have been denied because they are said to be earning too little to qualify. So they qualify to contribute but don’t qualify to access the loans.
We are aware that fat cats in the civil service are benefitting from the contributions of the underpaid junior civil servants.
We have clear instructions from teachers to call for the scrapping of the fraud called GEMS.
We will do everything in our power to make sure that teachers will not suffer this prejudice in 2023.
</blockquote>
Educators Unions of Zimbabwe (EUZ) secretary-general Tapedza Zhou said:
<blockquote>
This level of abuse at the hands of an arrogant employer is unparalleled and should never be seen again.
Once the scheme has been dissolved, we demand both an audit and an apology for the abuse of workers’ funds.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said:
<blockquote>
It’s a deduction that does not help workers and no one has benefitted from the so-called loan fund. It is, therefore, a liability to employees.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) general secretary Goodwill Taderera said:
<blockquote>
We have always said nothing for us, without and we think there has to be a way of getting back to the drawing board, because the board currently running that scheme does not include civil servants. As civil servants, we must be involved.
</blockquote>
The government <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/govt-avails-100-million-seed-capital-for-gems/">said that GEMS is a scheme that seeks to create wealth during and after the termination of civil servants’ employment</a>. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005711/gems-fund-a-ponzi-scheme-civil-servants">NewsDay</a>

Teacher Unions Demand Scrapping Of GEMS

Teacher unions have urged the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) to protect the credibility of public examinations after 588 people were arrested over examination paper leakages this year.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said ZIMSEC should pay its staff meaningful salaries so that they won’t be tempted to leak examination papers. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
Indeed, we have heard of the examination leaks and over 500 people were arrested, which means that all our examinations lose their integrity and credibility.
The widespread leaks mean that they fall far too short of the expected international standards. We do not support the leaks.
ZIMSEC must begin to take the examination process seriously, it must try to pay people well so that they do not leak the examination papers.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure claimed that some examination markers have recommended the nullification of the 2022 ZIMSEC ordinary level examinations due to “widespread” leakages. He said:
</blockquote>
The teachers, who are marking the examinations, have advised us that the situation is a disaster.
<blockquote>
The examiners have actually advised Zimsec to nullify the results. To deal with this, we need to set up a team to investigate what went wrong. As unions, we are ready to assist with investigations.
Remedial action will be recommended after thorough investigations, and we recommend that these examinations be nullified.
</blockquote>
Last week, ZIMSEC deputy director Farai Zisengwe said A” Level results will be out in early January, but it did not specify when the “O” Level examination results would be out.
He also said three subjects were leaked, including Mathematics, English Papers 1 and 2 and Combined Sciences Papers 1 to 3.
Zisengwe was appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005426/protect-exams-integrity-teachers-urge-zimsec">NewsDay</a>

Teachers Latest News

Latest Jobs