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Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) workers have declared incapacitation, saying they can no longer afford basic needs such as shelter, transport, food and school fees due to low salaries.
In an urgent letter seen by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>, the Zimbabwe Revenue and Allied Workers Trade Union (ZIMRATU), which represents the workers, said that the erosion of the value of its members’ salaries has made them near destitute.
In a letter addressed to the ZIMRA Commissioner General, ZIMRATU president, Dominic Manyangadze said their housing allowances were pegged at US$75, payable in the local currency at the prevailing interbank rate while landlords were demanding rentals in United States dollars. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
We are now incapacitated to afford basic human needs like shelter, transport, food and education, among others. It is disheartening that the salary of a ZIMRA worker can no longer afford basic food items due to inflationary pressures and the continuous dollarisation of the economy.
</blockquote>
Manyangadze said ZIMRA workers are performing well under difficult conditions but their efforts are not being recognised. He said:
<blockquote>
The ZIMRA workers have continued to perform exceptionally well even in the face of very difficult working and economic conditions but are now having to supplement their incomes from side hustles.
</blockquote>
Manyangadze said ZIMRA workers’s salaries were last reviewed in the first half of 2023 and as a result, they are now incapacitated.
He said the ZIMRATU members will not be able to fully engage with the employer’s business daily to enable them to supplement their incomes to cover transport, rentals, and school fees that are being demanded in foreign currency.

Pindula News

"Destitute" ZIMRA Workers Declare Incapacitation

Public prosecutors have informed their employer they are no longer able to continue reporting for duty because of low salaries in Zimbabwe dollars.
The prosecutors are demanding to be paid their salaries in United States dollars.
Alternatively, they have requested to be allowed to report for work three days a week and use the other days to earn money through other activities.
Prosecutors have written to their employer, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) raising their concerns. In a letter seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013671/prosecutors-declare-incapacitation">NewsDay</a>, they wrote:
<blockquote>
The incapacitation’s context is amplified and made glaringly obvious by the fact that June salaries meant to sustain prosecutors throughout July were issued at a time when $1 000 000 was roughly equal to US$100 and prosecutors are earning around $250 000, which translates to roughly US$25 a month, 83 cents a day.
</blockquote>
The Prosecutors Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) is on Friday, 07 July, expected to meet with Acting Prosecutor-General Nelson Mutsonziwa to discuss staff welfare issues and chart the way forward.
This comes as the Government is struggling to meet civil servants’ salary demands due to the collapse of the local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Public Prosecutors Declare Incapacitation

Telecel Zimbabwe employees have declared incapacitation saying the company’s management’s failure to find a solution to the challenges facing the firm has reduced them to destitutes.
Speaking on behalf of workers, Business, Communications and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general David Mhambare said:
<blockquote>
We are worried as a union because workers have been reduced to destitutes as management has failed to find solutions to the challenges bedevilling the company.
Workers are resigning in numbers and most have resorted to resigning and signing six-month contracts so that they get terminal benefits and pensions from Zimnat.
</blockquote>
Mambare said the lowest-paid Telecel employee was getting ZWL$70 000 plus US$100 transport, which is paid weekly. He added:
<blockquote>
The salaries are not economic and are meaningless in light of the current hyperinflation environment.
</blockquote>
In a letter copied to the Allied Workers Union by a member of the workers’ committee, Telecel employees said they are financially incapacitated to continue reporting for work. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
This letter serves to advise that with effect from June 8, employees will not be able to report for duty as they have stated that they no longer have transport money and have fallen into serious arrears as there is no salary being paid.
They regret to advise that they have exhausted all avenues for borrowing money for transport and basic living expenses.
Staff are stating that, until remuneration issues have been resolved, they cannot afford to come to work.
Staff regrets to state the fact that, as much as they have been very loyal to the company, and continue to report for work religiously using borrowed funds, they are in a very deep financial crisis.
</blockquote>
In <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/23/telecel-zimbabwe-workers-declare-incapacitation/">June 2022, Telecel employees embarked on a strike</a> in protest over low salaries.
The workers claimed incapacitation and also complained about Telecel’s failure to remit their medical aid and funeral policy contributions despite deducting the money from them.
At the time, Mhambare claimed that most of the company’s workers’ salaries were below ZWL$35 000.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Telecel Zimbabwe Employees Declare Incapacitation

Lecturers at the <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/University_of_Zimbabwe">University of Zimbabwe</a> (UZ) have declared incapacitation and are demanding United States dollar salaries.
The Association of University Teachers (AUT), which represents the interests of academic staff at universities, has since written a letter addressed to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
AUT said UZ lecturers no longer afford to come to work, feed their families and meet other normal expenses such as school fees, medical bills and rent. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
To illustrate the situation, as of October 2018, a junior lecturer’s monthly salary was US$2 258, (“pre-October 2018 salary scales”)…
By September 2022, the situation had reached unconscionable levels of a salary worth less than US$200 for a junior lecturer.
Such a salary was lower than the lowest-paid general worker in the private sector.
By the commencement of 2023, the situation had sharply deteriorated. The deductions for normal services like medical aid, pension, funeral policies and motor vehicle insurance were now more than the salary.
In fact, staff was now earning what the university termed ‘negative salaries’. Deductions deducted were more than the salary.
</blockquote>
AUT also revealed that efforts to engage Higher and Tertiary Education Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Amon_Murwira">Amon Murwira</a> over their plight have been unsuccessful. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
The minister was not sympathetic and disclaimed responsibility for the welfare of employees of State universities.
He categorically stated that the responsible authorities and employers were the university councils and not the government.
He stated that the government only provided a grant to assist the universities, which were expected to come up with their own other independent means of self-funding.
</blockquote>
The majority of workers in the private and public sectors are pushing for their salaries to be paid in foreign currency amid a sharp depreciation in the value of the Zimbabwe dollar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

University Of Zimbabwe Lecturers Declare Incapacitation

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) workers say they are financially incapacitated and as a result, are unable to report for duty five days a week.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Allied Workers Trade Union (ZIMRATU) has since petitioned the ZIMRA Commissioner General to craft a timetable with three days per week working slots as workers’ salaries have been eroded by inflation.
The letter by ZIMRATU president Dominic Manyangadze was also copied to the board chairperson Antony Mandiwanza.
Manyangadze said ZIMRA employees can no longer afford basic human needs like shelter, transport, food and school fees for their families. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
Further frustrated by the inadequacy of the transport allowance due to continuous erosion of the value of the ZWL payment caused by the exchange rate premiums against the intended US$2 per trip, being paid to the worker by ZIMRA; thus the amount is less than half of the US$104 required to pay for transport in a month.
… Frustrated that the majority of ZIMRA workers are exposed to paying rent twice for themselves and their families due to the nature of their job; the current housing allowance being paid at the official bank rate is less than half of the official amount being demanded by landlords.
</blockquote>
ZIMRATU said its members can only report for duty three days a week since the employer has failed to address their concerns. Said Manyangadze:
<blockquote>
Now therefore, given the foregoing and the inadequacy of remuneration, please take notice that our members will not have the capacity to consistently report for duty and thus a request for a work arrangement which enables them to report for duty three days a week.
The workers further request that you prepare and favor them with a timetable /schedule stating the days each one is to report for duty by Friday, May 26, 2023.
</blockquote>
Over the years, ZIMRA was considered the employer of choice as it was widely believed that the authority paid hefty salaries but the rapid depreciation of the local currency has rendered Zimbabwe dollar salaries unsustainable.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMRA Workers Claim Incapacitation, Propose 3-day Working Week

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 Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has become incapacitated to such an extent that police officers are forced to accept transport to their stations from suspects they would have arrested.
This was revealed by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister, Ruth Mavhunga-Maboyi during the Senate’s latest sitting. She said:
<blockquote>
It is true that police officers are travelling distances to arrest a criminal who owns a car whilst they are travelling on foot which then becomes a very difficult situation.
When they arrive at the scene, they are the ones who are now given a lift by the perpetrator.
However, we have put a budget aside, especially on the supplementary budget.
The Minister of Finance is going to look into our plight in order that we may increase the fleet of vehicles at hand.
At the moment, we have cars but they are very few and some are not working.
The cars are not only going to be used to go and attend criminals with minor offences but also other major crimes like murder.
</blockquote>
Recently, Inspector Kamutanho, the officer-in-charge at Harare’s Southerton police station, appealed to an unnamed company for a donation of stationery.
However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) later issued a statement saying Kamutanho acted on his own accord. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200001729/suspects-offer-police-transport-to-stations">The Standard</a>

Criminals Offer Cops Transport To Police Stations

Workers from the mobile network operator, Telecel Zimbabwe, on Wednesday embarked on a strike in protest over low salaries.
In a letter dated 21 June, workers claimed incapacitation and also complained about Telecel’s failure to remit their medical aid and funeral policy contributions despite deducting the money from them. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
The company has been facing operational challenges for the past five years evidenced by poor network coverage, major network outages, and obsolete equipment among others which has resulted in a significant loss of market share and lower revenues.
We have not seen any tangible efforts to turn around the fortune of the company.
</blockquote>
The letter was copied to Information Communication Technology and Courier Services minister Jenfan Muswere, the Telecel board chairperson James Makamba and the Communications and Allied Services Workers Union of Zimbabwe (CASWUZ).
CASWUZ secretary-general David Mhambare claimed that most of the company’s workers’ salaries are below ZWL$35 000. He said:
<blockquote>
The workers have been engaging the management for a long time. Unfortunately, the engagements yielded no positive incomes.
It’s not like they’re expecting something luxurious. They’re genuinely incapacitated.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Premier Service Medical Investment (PSMI) workers downed tools on Wednesday citing non-payment of salaries.
The workers have reportedly gone for more than two months without being paid. In a circular, PSMI said:
<blockquote>
It is important to note that the Treasury is yet to review its cash flows to PSMI as promised in the meeting held on 13/4/22 wherein both Premier Service Medical Aid Society and PSMI were requested to submit their monthly requirements to operate viably.
Instead, the Treasury instruction for PSMAS to pay 60% of the employer contribution to pay 3rd party service providers still stands, resulting in PSMI receiving inadequate cash flows which are less than the current PSMAS debtors position.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/strike-paralyses-major-hospitals/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Telecel Zimbabwe Workers Declare Incapacitation

A union representing nurses has warned the Government that nurses may be forced to declare a strike if their salaries are not adjusted to cushion them from runaway inflation.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo told NewsDay on Wednesday that they will soon hold a consultative meeting with members on the way forward. Said Dongo:
<blockquote>
Yesterday, (Tuesday) we got the shock of our lives to note that we received an average of $30 000 considering what is happening in the economy, where prices of goods and services are galloping.
These issues should be addressed as a matter of urgency. We are giving a warning to government that we declare incapacitation with immediate effect.
We will take a position on what action to take with the state of incapacitation after a full consultative meeting with our members.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union (ZPNU) president Robert Chiduku on Tuesday notified the Health Service Board (HSB) that their members will not report for duty on Monday next week due to “incapacitation”. Chiduku said:
<blockquote>
With reference to the above-mentioned subject, we wish to notify you that our members will not be able to turn up for duty starting on Monday, June 20, 2022, until the following conditions are met.
</blockquote>
Chiduku said nurses want their salaries to be paid in United States dollars as the local currency continues to weaken while prices of goods and services continue to rise.
Health Services Board executive director Engelbert Mbengwa told NewsDay that he was “not aware that nurses want to go on strike”.
Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) secretary Norman Matara said:
<blockquote>
Nurses’ strikes will definitely cause disaster in health institutions. We have been saying over and over again that government needs to take the concerns of its workers seriously.
Until those issues are addressed, we will continue to see such job action.
</blockquote>
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who doubles as Health and Child Care minister, has in the past fired thousands of nurses for embarking on job action.
The government is currently working on amending the Health Services Act which seeks to curtail health professionals’ right to participate in industrial action.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/hospitals-turn-away-pregnant-women/">NewsDay</a></h4>

"Paltry" ZWL$30 000 Salaries "Shock" Nurses

The Government has deducted salaries for teachers who did not report for duty in February as part of the no work no pay policy.
Thousands of teachers failed to report for duty for the first two weeks after schools reopened on 7 February citing incapacitation.
Public Service Commission (PSC) Permanent Secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe confirmed the deductions. He said:
<blockquote>
It is true that Government is serious about the no work no pay principle because it is the only one that is fair to those who show up at work.
There’s no justice and there is no logic in treating the civil servant who reports for duty the same way you treat the one who does not show up.
One of the most important facts to remember is that Government had moved to implement an agreed upward adjustment to salaries and has also extended a number of benefits significantly the maintenance of the US$75 plus COVID-19 allowance and the introduction of the additional US$100, making it US$175 for every civil servant.
There were other benefits so it was important for civil servants to report for work knowing that their issues were being addressed through very significant interventions.
It was important for civil servants to be responsible and show up for work.
And indeed, one hastens to add that the majority of civil servants did report for work.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said that the PSC deducted between $11 000 and $17 000 from teachers.
Wutawunashe said the Government will continue to address civil servants’ grievances through negotiations. He said:
<blockquote>
Government is always looking for ways to improve the conditions of service including salaries.
There are, of course, accepted channels for doing that and it is through negotiations between the workers’ representatives and Government in the context of the National Joint Negotiating Council.
You will notice that all the engagements between the Government and the NJNC in the past three years have always produced improvements.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-recruits-more-teachers/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Govt Deducts "Incapacitated" Teachers' Salaries

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has ordered provincial education directors (PEDs) to submit more names of teachers and school heads who participated in a strike action when schools opened for the first term so that their salaries can be frozen.
In a memorandum to PEDs dated 13 April, PSC director disciplinary services, Silas Nhenjana said only 9 names were submitted to the Salary Service Bureau (SSB) to freeze the teachers’ salaries when over 90 suspension orders were issued. Wrote Nhenjana:
<blockquote>
The commission has noted with concern that only nine of the 96 suspension orders of heads and deputy heads who were absent from duty from February 7 were processed by SSB.
In view of this, you are requested to submit the names of suspended members indicating whether the suspension orders were distributed to SSB, if not give an explanation.
This includes the names of teachers who continued to be away from duty beyond February 22.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu, refused to comment on the matter when contacted by NewsDay. She said:
<blockquote>
I can’t comment on that. You should contact the PSC which is the employer. I can be taken to court for interfering with other people’s areas of operation because I am not the employer.
</blockquote>
PSC acting secretary Walter Mpandawana confirmed that the salaries of teachers and school heads who were on strike will be frozen. Said Mpandawana:
<blockquote>
It’s a common rule which applies to any employer. If you don’t work why should you get paid?
You only get paid for services rendered. I don’t think even where you work they pay you if you don’t report for duty.
</blockquote>
According to teachers’ unions, more than 22 000 teachers and school heads are currently being investigated for failing to report for work while 1 220 have been suspended since schools opened in February.
The majority of teachers failed to report for duty during the first week of the 2022 first term citing incapacitation.
The educators are demanding their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/teacher-witch-hunt-continues/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt Intensifies Witch-hunt Against "Incapacitated" Teachers

The Progressive Teachers Union Zimbabwe (PTUZ) says the 2022 first term is a wasted period and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Government should shoulder the blame.
In a statement, PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said there was virtually no learning in schools from the 7th to the 22nd of February as teachers were incapacitated to report for work. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
… the Ministry lied to cabinet that schools were ready to open on 7th of February when teachers were grossly incapacitated.
There was virtually no learning from 7th of February to 22 February as teachers were incapacitated to report for work, a condition that PTUZ and other Unions conveyed to PSC and line Ministry in written communiques.
</blockquote>
Zhou said even after 22 February, there has not been any meaningful learning in schools due to a number of factors.
These include marking Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations until the 10th of March and preparations for the 26 March by-elections. 
Zhou said some teachers are currently involved with the ZIMSEC and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) processes. He added:
<blockquote>
… the greatest stumbling block to learning has been the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s heavy-handedness in handling the incapacitation of teachers.
As much as teachers started to report for work after getting money in February, Ministry and government want to profess ignorance of teachers’ incapacitation and have embarked on haphazardous meddling and muddling attempts to discipline teachers for being incapacitated.
</blockquote>
Zhou also urged both PTUZ members and non-members to be careful in how they respond to school heads if they demand that they explain why they did not report for duty when schools opened last month.
He said PTUZ members must never write anything on their own, as PTUZ legal department will draft any note on their behalf.
Zhou also called on all school heads to always act professionally and desist from using the issue of disciplinary action to settle personal vendettas with some teachers.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

2022 First Term A wasted Period - PTUZ

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to suspend teachers, deputy heads and school heads who failed to report for duty when schools opened for the first term on 7 February citing incapacitation.
According to the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), school heads have also been directed to demand reports from those teachers who were not on duty from the 7th of February 2022 together with those who reported either on the 7th or 22nd of February but thereafter left the workplace.
ZIMTA Acting Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera teachers will respond to the demand for written responses within 14 days following consultations with ZIMTA and its lawyers. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
In the meantime, we have commenced legal proceedings before the courts amidst continued engagement with the authorities for an amicable solution to the continued suspensions of our members.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZIMTA has urged its members to desist from acts of lawlessness such as locking learners out of classrooms and demanding cash before learners can be allowed into the classroom. Added Taderera:
<blockquote>
We are aware that some educators who are not our members will also most likely find themselves suspended or asked to write a report explaining their whereabouts from the 7th of February 2022.
We encourage them to move with speed and join ZIMTA through their school representatives or Provincial Executive Officers so that on being served with a demand to write a report we can assume agency and represent them in the review applications before the Labour Court or High Court.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Suspends More 'Incapacitated' Teachers

The Government has started paying teachers’ salaries based on their seniority and qualifications, a cabinet minister has said.
Speaking during an interview with State media on Monday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said $160 million had been set aside for the exercise. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The decompression of salaries was part of the package that was authorised by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa following engagements with unions.
I am not sure about the time frame but it appears that it may be backdated to about 2015.
Teachers will now be graded and paid according to seniority and those who have upgraded their qualifications over the past years will also be awarded.
I know that the Ministry of Finance has set aside $160 million for the exercise which will be effected immediately.
We are simply recognising the contribution that people are making to the public service as we cannot continue treating those who have assumed positions with the rest, they have to be differentiated.
I am sure the exercise may cost a little more than what has been allocated, but since Government is committed, I am sure additional resources will be availed for it to be effectively implemented.
</blockquote>
The announcement comes after teachers and school heads downed tools when schools opened on 7 February citing incapacitation.
The educators were asking for the restoration of their pre-2018 US dollar salaries of up to US$540 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/experience-qualifications-to-determine-teachers-pay/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Teachers To Be Paid Based On Experience, Qualifications

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) plans to march to Parliament on 4 March to deliver a petition in a move aimed at pushing the Government to improve teachers’ working conditions.
In a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe requested Parliament to facilitate the handing over of the petition to relevant office bearers. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
PTUZ intends to deliver a petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly as well as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare as well as that of Primary and Secondary Education.
We intend to hold a procession on March 4, 2022, along routes we have informed the regulatory authorities about, but culminating in our handing over of a petition to the three offices at Parliament.
We request your office to facilitate the presence of the relevant office bearers when we hand over the petition at 1100hrs on the day.
</blockquote>
PTUZ has also informed the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of its plans to march between 10 am and 12 PM and asked for a police escort.
Earlier this month the Government offered civil servants, including teachers, a 20% salary hike, US$100 cash and other incentives.
Teachers’ unions rejected the offer as too little but the Government threatened to fire all school heads and teachers who had been on strike since schools opened for the first term on 7 February.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/teachers-plan-march-to-parliament/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Teachers Plan To March To Parliament

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is investigating cases of teachers who did not report for duty when schools opened on 7 February to ascertain whether their reasons for their absence are genuine or not.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) had given the absentee teachers until Tuesday, 22 February to resume work or be regarded as having resigned voluntarily.
The majority of teachers failed to report for duty when schools opened early this month citing incapacitation.
The teachers were also demanding pre-October 2018 US dollar salaries of up to US$540 per month.
Primary and Secondary Education communication and advocacy director, Taungana Ndoro said that they need up to two weeks to complete their investigations. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
Someone did not come but was not able to give a reason, a valid reason. So we need to give a little bit more time for us to actually say, this person did not come to work deliberately.
We can’t give statistics and figures of those who really absconded from duty as of now. Perhaps in one or two weeks, we shall get a clear picture.
What if that person was unconscious, injured or involved in an accident and they don’t know what transpired?
So there’s a lot of due diligence that we need to do to find out what is really on the ground.
Perhaps in two weeks’ time, we would have published that there are people who are no longer part of the system.
We may even receive resignation letters as there are a lot of things at play. There are people who would say, ‘I don’t know why you want to fire me, as I actually resigned’.
For those who weren’t at work and only pitched up on February 22, the same will happen, due diligence will take place.
They shall be asked why they were not at work.
</blockquote>
Early this month, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education suspended striking teachers and school heads without pay for three months.
However, a High Court challenge by teachers’ unions to stay the suspensions was granted.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/government-investigates-absentee-teachers/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Government Investigates Absentee Teachers

The National Health and Allied Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NHAWUZ) has expressed support for teachers who have not been reporting for duty since schools reopened last Monday citing incapacitation.
The Government responded by effecting a blanket three-month suspension without pay on all the absentee teachers.
In a statement on Tuesday, NHAWUZ criticised the unilateral action by the Government, arguing that it has no place “in a well-developed democracy”. NHAWUZ said:
<blockquote>
We support Social dialogue and collective bargaining through trade unionism and we want to see constructive relationships between the government of Zimbabwe and teachers.
This kind of relationship has proved its high value in many countries, both in times of economic growth and during a crisis.
In spite of attempts to demonize Zimbabwe’s public sector (through the Public Service debate, for instance), the problem of the irresponsibility of the banking sector, the unfairness of those paying for the reckless, corrupt and greediness of a few political elites is very much difficult to align with neoliberal conventions.
This logic of injustice and unfairness has to reawaken politics and galvanize actions that governments dismiss at their own peril.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Public Service Commission (PSC) gave all teachers, deputy heads and heads of schools until Tuesday 22 February 2022 to report for duty.
The PSC said that teachers who have either not reported for duty or are reporting for duty but not teaching will be deemed to have resigned if they ignore the 22nd of February deadline.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

NHAWUZ Backs Striking Teachers

Outspoken Norton MP Temba Mliswa, (Independent), has criticised the Government for suspending teachers and headmasters in his constituency, saying authorities’ response is archaic.
Mliswa vowed to stand with the suspended educators whom he said have been dedicated to their profession even during difficult times. He said:
<blockquote>
Heard that some teachers and headmasters in Norton were served with suspension letters. It’s pathetic of Govt.
It is the one that has failed to pay them adequately and when they complain it comes in with a heavy hand. They cannot be fired or suspended.
The response by Govt is archaic, you don’t do that in this era. I will stand by them. They have been dedicated through very difficult times and I promise to fight with them through it all.
I will get the names and we strategise on the way forward to fight this grave injustice.
</blockquote>
The former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman queried why “corrupt individuals” are moving freely yet the Government descends heavily on poor civil servants. Added Mliswa:
<blockquote>
As Norton we had very great results and after that one gets suspended because they need to be paid more? What’s that?
We have corrupt individuals out there to whom nothing has been done and yet we target poorly paid civil servants.
Our Government is taking advantage of our people being said to be passive. But it’s enough. We can’t be quiet at such injustice.
</blockquote>
Last week, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Evelyn Ndlovu, suspended all teachers who did not report for duty when schools opened on 7 February, for three months without pay.
The suspended teachers did not report for duty citing incapacitation while demanding that the Government restores their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Mliswa Vows To Fight For Suspended Teachers

The Government has threatened to severely punish teachers who have failed to report for duty since schools opened on 7 February citing incapacitation.
Addressing reporters after Cabinet’s first sitting in 2022, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu, has been instructed to deal decisively with the striking teachers. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
Cabinet noted with dismay the reported absenteeism by some teachers and Headmasters.
Of particular concern, is the alleged barring of some teachers from attending to their work as well as attendance by some teachers without delivering lessons.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education has been instructed to take stern action in consultation with the chairman of the Public Service Commission and the Ministers of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development; and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
An appropriate statement on the matter will be issued by the minister soonest.
Cabinet would like to commend those teachers who have continued to attend to their duties.
</blockquote>
The Government offered teachers and other civil servants a 20% salary increase and a few incentives but it still remains far below the poverty datum line.
Teachers are holding out for a US$540 salary, better working conditions and a reasonable COVID-19 allowance.
 More than 90% of the country’s teachers in public schools are said to not have been reporting for work in the past week, a development that prompted the Government to announce the salary increase.
Reports indicate that more teachers are reporting for duty but are not conducting lessons.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/striking-teachers-resilience-shocks-government/">New Zimbabwe</a></h4>

Govt Threatens To Take 'Stern Action' Against Striking Teachers

Some teachers who have not been taking classes since last week citing incapacitation, have accused the Zimbabwe Teachers Union (ZIMTA) and the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) of betraying them.
One aggrieved teacher who spoke to NewsDay on Monday castigated the unions for allegedly conniving with the government to suspend them. Said the teacher:
<blockquote>
ZIMTA and PTUZ are selling out but we are not going to go back to work as we are still incapacitated.
</blockquote>
However, ZIMTA secretary-general Goodwill Taderera denied selling out the teachers. He said:
<blockquote>
I wouldn’t call it selling out. We are just working on what was discussed with the National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC).
There is a circular that ZIMTA put out urging teachers to go back to work.
</blockquote>
PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou yesterday also denied the allegations that his union has let down teachers. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
I have a track record to protect. To whom will I even sell the struggle when the government does not want to see my face in any meeting as they accuse me of supporting the regime change agenda?
I cannot salivate at ZANU PF predatory leaders, thuggery and thievery.
</blockquote>
The majority of teachers and headmasters at public schools initially rejected the Government’s 20% salary increment to all civil servants and a US$100 allowance to be converted from the local currency salary component.
They vowed not to return to work until the Government restored their pre-October 2018 salary of US$540.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Evelyn Ndlovu responded by suspending all the striking teachers, but the move has been challenged in court.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/teachers-accuse-unions-of-selling-out/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Teachers Accuse Unions Of 'Selling Out'

ZANU PF activists in Umguza district, Matabeleland North province, have reportedly requested school development committees (SDCs) to submit names of teachers who have not reported for duty since schools opened for the first term on 7 February 2022 citing incapacitation.
A message circulating on the party’s WhatsApp group signed by one J Sibanda, the ZANU PF district co-ordinating committee member, read:
<blockquote>
Morning Umguza, I request that SDCs must go to their schools and write down names of all teachers who did not turn up for work since the schools opened (Monday) up to Friday and submit the names of the school, and the names of the teachers to the constituency offices on February 16.
Forward this message to your respective (WhatsApp) groups.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland North Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) chairperson Kwanele Ndlovu said they were not bothered by the messages. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
As teachers, we must not be afraid of any message that does not come from our employer, we must remain guided by our public service contractual obligations.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister, Richard Moyo, who is also ZANU PF provincial chairperson and Umguza legislator expressed ignorance over the matter. He said:
<blockquote>
I am not aware of that as it is supposed to be done by the Public Service Commission.
I will find out from the constituency if they have such a programme.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/zanu-pf-demands-names-of-striking-teachers/">NewsDay</a></h4>

ZANU PF Demands Names Of Teachers Who Are On Strike

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) National Executive has appealed to teachers who live close to their workstations to resume their duties as soon as possible.
ZIMTA officials met this Saturday to deliberate on the salary offer made by the Government to civil servants during a National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting held yesterday.
The ZIMTA National Executive, which is made up of 26 elected members and 5 appointed officers, decided that educators should return to class while negotiations with the Government for better working conditions under the NJNC framework continue.
In a statement issued after the meeting today, ZIMTA expressed hope that its members will understand the need to resolve their differences with the Government amicably before their relationship completely breaks down. ZIMTA said:
<blockquote>
The National Executive acknowledged that these principles should be put in the kit, while like “Oliver Twist”, we go back for some more as NJNC resolved to pursue quarterly reviews.
With finer details of the awards continuing to be exposed, we believe our members will understand the desire to de-escalate this tiff before it crosses the rubicon of peace and degenerates into a full industrial conflict.
Thus, we plead with members, in particular, those within school environs or who are within reach and without heavy financial challenges to give our learners a chance to get back to school and commence lessons as soon as is practically possible.
</blockquote>
Here are the other issues that the ZIMTA National Executive observed and took note of following yesterday’s NJNC meeting:
<ul>
<li>The ZWL component of the salary had in the D1 grade as adjusted represents an equivalent of USD $200 at obtaining auction rate.</li>
<li>The USD component as adjusted from March 2022 and made up of salary + Covid allowance will be USD $175.</li>
<li>This will give a total of USD $375 movement towards the restoration of the pre-October 2018 salary level of USD $540 for D1 grade then. This will represent 69%.</li>
<li>Discounted for current inflation and as set in the ZIMTA demand for 2022, of USD $671 this movement would represent 55% of the distance covered towards the minimum poverty line.</li>
<li>De-bunching/ Decompression of salaries whose provision has been made by Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, and to be applied with immediate effect has an effect of compounding the ZWL offer and improving it beyond 20%.</li>
<li>The National Executive agreed to approach the Government within the next 24 hours so that the whole scale suspension of teachers and members can be lifted following which members shall be comfortable in reporting for duty.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, we appeal and urge Government to avoid stoking the furnace by applying retributive measures and at the same time be considerate of the teachers’ response time, which may include waiting for the payday for some teachers.</li>
<li>We take this action to preserve goodwill and utmost good faith in education and its personnel, while we continue to negotiate with all the relevant authorities.</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZIMTA Pleads With Teachers To Return To Work

Teachers who have been on strike since the 2022 first term started on 7 February started receiving their suspension notices on Friday.
The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) confirmed that its members have started receiving suspension letters.
In a statement yesterday, ZIMTA president Richard Gundane said the union will make all efforts to protect the interests of its members. Said Gundane:
<blockquote>
We further request that those of our members who have been served with suspension letters or those who are not our members but have been served with suspension letters and want to join us forthwith, must without delay send their suspension letters to their respective Provincial Executive Officers who in turn will forward such letters and where applicable membership forms without delay to Head Office.
We urge our members to remain calm during this period as we make all efforts to advance and protect their interests. Believe in us.
</blockquote>
This came as the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), which comprises Government and civil servants’ representative body, the Apex Council convened in Harare on Friday.
The meeting was called to deliberate further on the Treasury offer on conditions of service for public sector workers.
The Treasury this week announced a 20 per cent salary increase for all civil servants including part of the salary converted to US$100 cash, as well as school fees allowance among other non-monetary benefits.
Civil servants are however pushing for the restoration of their pre-2018 salaries that were pegged at US$540 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/popular/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Striking Teachers Receive Suspension Notices

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has voiced support for striking teachers after Primary and Secondary Education minister Evelyn Ndlovu on Thursday announced a blanket suspension of those involved in the industrial action since schools opened on Monday.
In a statement, ZINA threatened to join the strike by teachers if the Government doesn’t immediately revoke the “unlawful” suspensions. ZINA said:
<blockquote>
… we confirm that we stand in solidarity with the teaching profession and echo the grievances they have made to Government.
Instead of using threatening tactics, the Government must engage in genuine dialogue and desist from making unilateral offers that do not address the grievances raised.
We further implore Government to immediately revoke the unlawful suspensions issued out to teachers and invite not only the teaching profession, but the Civil Service at large, to the negotiating table to find a lasting solution.
Should it become clear that the Government intends to proceed with its unlawful position, nurses in Zimbabwe will have to consider their position as we cannot watch our colleagues being punished for grievances that we all share.
</blockquote>
The Government recently announced a 20% local currency salary increment and a conversion of part of civil servants’ salaries equivalent to US$100 to be paid in hard cash. This has, however, not pacified teachers.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Nurses Criticise Govt, Threaten To Join Teachers' Strike

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it has noted with concern the move by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to suspend striking workers for three months without pay for demanding a living wage.
ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo has demanded that the Government reverse the suspension of the teachers, saying the move violates the laws of the country. He said:
<blockquote>
What is more worrying is for a government that just wakes up and suspends workers without following due processes.
The laws of this country are very clear and of all institutions, the Government ought to know better.
We strongly condemn such a knee-jerk approach to a national crisis. It is not a secret that workers are suffering from the economic hardships spurred by the ever devaluing Zimbabwean dollar.
The devaluation of salaries was a result of government policy through the promulgation of SI 33 of 2019 that distorted wages and the government must, through the proper channels, address its mistakes and restore the value of wages and salaries.
</blockquote>
Moyo expressed the ZCTU’s full support for the teachers saying that they are fighting a genuine cause.
He accused the Government of downgrading the teaching profession from a once “noble profession” and the envy of many to a “laughingstock”. Added Moyo:
<blockquote>
Teachers used to be venerated in society but now have become the laughing stock of the community. We need to restore the dignity of both the teachers and the classroom.
We roundly condemn the government for suspending the striking teacher and demand civility in dealing with such issues as well as reverse such pronouncements without prejudice to teachers.
The government should also respect workers’ rights to freedom of expression, collective bargaining processes as well as social dialogue.
</blockquote>
ZCTU reiterated its call for the government and all employers to pay a living wage and other benefits in United States Dollars.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZCTU Demands Govt Reverse Suspension Of Striking Teachers

The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) has urged its members to desist from locking pupils out of the classroom under the pretext of “incapacitation”, saying the Government has given assurances that it is working on addressing their grievances.
In a statement, the ZIMTA Chief Executive Officer, Sifiso Ndlovu, said Government representatives invited the union for talks this Tuesday following the declaration of incapacitation by teachers. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The (ZIMTA) leadership did put matters straight and square. The government admitted that its cocktail of intervention was informed by ZIMTA’s position papers and had a strong focus on a hybrid salary package so as to address the dual pricing model of goods and services in the market.
Pressed to hint at the package, the representatives could only say, “Government is looking at a package that is good.”
</blockquote>
He said teachers should expect a positive response from the Government after the union presented a strong case for better remuneration and improved working conditions.
Ndlovu added that ZIMTA officials reiterated their demand for a hybrid salary of US$671 for the lowest-paid worker. He said:
<blockquote>
There is nobody benefiting from the current tiff. While we declared incapacitation members should note that this is not a lockout.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt, ZIMTA Meet Over Teachers' Incapacitation

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has invoked the principle of “no work no pay” for teachers who have not reported for duty when the 2022 first term started on the 7th of February 2022 citing incapacitation.
In a letter addressed to all Provincial Education Directors (PEDs), District School Inspectors (DSIs) and heads of primary and secondary schools, dated 8th of February 2022, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela said teachers who did not report for duty when schools opened yesterday are depriving children of their right to education.
The letter, which was copied to Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Permanent Secretary for Public Service Commission, Chief Director Human Resources Development A/Chief Director Primary, Secondary and Non-Formal Education, read:
<blockquote>
RE: FAILURE TO REPORT FOR DUTY BY SOME OFFICIALS
It has come to the attention of the Permanent Secretary of Primary and Secondary Education that some officials did not report for duty when schools opened on 7 February 2022 as per the 2022 school calendar.
This unwarranted conduct deprived learners of their right to education as enshrined in Section 75 and 81 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Accordingly, Heads of Offices should take urgent disciplinary action against any of their members who obstructed the opening of schools and deprived learners of their constitutional right.
Where necessary, Heads of Offices should charge and suspend such members at the school, district, provincial or national level and ensure that all due processes are followed as per Public Service Regulations 2000 as amended.
Provincial Education Directors are hereby directed to provide a daily update on progress disciplinary cases in their respective provinces.
Officials are reminded that the principle of “no work no pay” shall apply where members failed to render their services.
Please be guided accordingly.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Adopts 'No Work, No Pay' Principle For 'Incapacitated' Teachers

The Government has warned teachers who are not reporting for duty citing “incapacitation” that the “no work, no pay” principle will be invoked against them.
Schools opened for the first term on 7 February 2022 amid reports that the majority of school heads and teachers in urban areas did not report for work.
Director of communications in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, said it is the normal procedure “the world over” that sanctions are imposed on employees who fail to report for work. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The normal procedure is that if there is someone who does not report for duty, the normal procedure the world over is that there are remedial actions that are taken by an organisation and one of the measures is not to pay the absent teachers as they might not be part of the ministry anymore.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said 60 per cent of teachers nationwide reported for duty on Monday while some educators were still on their way to their workplaces.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) president Richard Gundane teachers may not have travelled to their workstations because they don’t have money for bus fare. He said:
<blockquote>
Those who do not have boarding transport, or who live far away from their workstation might not have reported for duty because they have genuine concerns that they do not have money to do that.
But what we have observed is that there are educators who genuinely reside in the schools such as boarding schools and rural schools and a few who reside in houses that are near urban schools.
Those ones you will find that they are there.
</blockquote>
Teachers’ unions declared incapacitation just before schools opened. They are demanding that the Government restore their pre-2018 salaries of roughly US$540 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/treasury-to-announce-new-salary-perks-for-civil-servants/">Chronicle</a></h4>

No Pay For Absent Teachers - Govt

ZANU PF has implored teachers to heed the call by the Government for them to return to work while their grievances are being addressed.
The 2022 first term commenced this Monday amid reports that some teachers in Harare did not report for duty citing “incapacitation”.
All the teachers’ unions declared incapacitation in protest over salaries that have been rendered meaningless by inflation and a weak currency.
Teachers have demanded that the Government restore their pre-2018 salaries of about US$540 per month. They are currently earning less than US$100.
In a statement this Monday, ZANU PF Secretary for Education Harare Metropolitan Province, Takudzwa Mashumba, said the strike by teachers is not fair for both parents and children.
Mashumba said the Government is aware of teachers’ grievances and is working on addressing their concerns. Said Mashumba:
<blockquote>
Today some teachers in government schools didn’t report for work following a declaration of teachers incapacitation issued by teachers unions.
The incapacitation declaration (Strike) by the teachers unions is not fair for both parents who had sacrificed and paid their school fees and kids who have been greatly disadvantaged due to COVID 19 lockdown.
Teachers have genuine grievances which according to the government are being addressed.
We strongly condemn desperate opposition opportunists who would want to hijack and politicize the teachers strike into a political problem.
Government is committed to solving teachers grievances which is why a National Joint Negotiating Council was put in place.
We strongly appeal to the teachers unions to give heed to the government directive and call for teachers to report for duty whilst their grievances are being addressed.
</blockquote>
Teachers accuse the government of insincerity and “spoiling for a fight” after the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting held in January failed to come up with meaningful results.
Last year, the Government invoked the “no-work no-pay” policy for striking teachers and tasked school heads with compiling and submitting the names of teachers that were not attending classes.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

ZANU PF Urges Teachers To Return To Classes

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), has declared incapacitation ahead of the opening of schools next Monday and has pleaded with the Government to act on civil servants’ poor salaries as a matter of urgency.
In a statement this Friday, ZIMTA president, Richard Gundane, said teachers are not able to return to their workstations to assume their duties. Said Gundane:
<blockquote>
The Salary levels earned in January 2022 are inadequate to support transport needs for commuting to various stations in the rural areas and to support daily commuting by teachers in urban areas.
Educators have failed to pay school fees and buy uniforms for their children, let alone failure to subsist as families, a scenario that has pushed educators to moonlight.
Without a meaningful salary increase, educators have no way of going back to assume their duties.
</blockquote>
Gundane also criticised the Government for not taking teachers’ grievances seriously during the last National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC) meeting held last month.
He said the NJNC meeting “did not give an aorta of hope, instead it squandered all the goodwill that educators had credited the negotiating platform with.” Gundane added:
<blockquote>
Teachers now postulate that the USD $75 .00 COVID-19 allowance was a make-believe gesture meant to pull the wool over their faces so that the State would appear it cared about teachers’ welfare.
Teachers’ patience has been overstretched and now feel provoked, underrated, thought off and abused, a strong feeling of disdain has been generated on the negotiating structures. 
Due to the reasons above, ZIMTA now declares a state of incapacitation and now informs relevant authorities, parents, and stakeholders of this unpalatable situation in the education fraternity.
</blockquote>
The ZIMTA president warned the Government against pushing teachers and the rest of the civil service to embark on job action. He said:
<blockquote>
We urge the responsible authorities to conclude the salary issue now and further desist from the tendency of throwing teachers and indeed the rest of the civil service into cyclic industrial disharmony.
ZIMTA stands by the recommendations of the many teachers in the public schools and many civil servants tormented by the poor salary and employment benefits awarded negligently by the employer.
</blockquote>
Last month <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/29/teachers-declare-incapacitation-2/">the</a> <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/29/teachers-declare-incapacitation-2/">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) also said teachers are financially incapacitated</a> and are therefore not ready for the reopening of schools.
In a letter addressed to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and copied to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE), dated 29 January 2022, PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe accused the Government of “spoiling for a fight” with its employees.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/teachers-declare-incapacitation-ahead-of-schools-opening/">CITE</a>; <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a></h4>

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