Business Unit Manager x2 (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant - JAC (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – DONG FENG (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – BAIC (Harare)

Spray Painter (Harare)

Motor Vehicle Panel Beater (Harare)

Team Leaders x7

Billing Supervisor (Harare)

Sales Representative (Harare)

Auto Electrician: Artisan (Chipinge)

Sales Representatives (Harare)

Director Human Resource (Mutare)

Assistant Batch Plant Operator (Harare)

Legal & Compliance Manager (Harare)

Processes Analyst (Harare)

Finance Manager Corporate (Harare)

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has issued strict guidelines for the upcoming elections. ZEC’s vice-chairman, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, emphasised that all political campaigning must end by midnight on August 21, with legal consequences for any violations. August 22 is designated as a quiet day with no political campaigning allowed. Kiwa said:
<blockquote>
Any campaigning by any political party, candidates, or individuals should end on August 21 at midnight. August 22 should be a quiet day and no political campaigning is allowed. If any party campaigns they will be liable to the law, it’s in terms of the Electoral Act and they will be criminalised. Those who campaign will be bound to prosecution, as ZEC will see to that. Midnight on August 21 is the deadline.
</blockquote>
ZEC has also published a list of prohibited activities within a 300-meter radius of polling stations, including the ban on party regalia, slogans, political vehicles, leaflets, public performances, and the use of cameras or phones.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, the electoral body also said it is a punishable offence to refuse to leave a polling station when a Presiding Officer orders one to do so. Read the notice:
<blockquote>
<h3>REFUSAL TO LEAVE A POLLING STATION </h3>
It is an offence to refuse or fail to leave a polling station when lawfully required to do so by the Presiding Officer. Offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding level four or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (Electoral Act – Chapter 2;13, Section 90).
</blockquote>
Regarding ballot printing, ZEC announced the following quantities produced for each election category:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Election: 7,126,600 ballot papers</li>
<li>National Assembly Elections: 7,098,750 ballot papers</li>
<li>Council Elections: 6,861,650 ballot papers</li>
</ul>
ZEC’s chief elections officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana, explained the reasons for the variation in the number of ballot papers printed for each election category. He stated that for the National Assembly election, the passing of an independent candidate in the Gutu West National Assembly constituency led to a postponement. In the local authority election, elections won’t be held in 91 wards due to unopposed candidates and the unfortunate demise of four candidates. These elections will be conducted at a later date.
ZEC has also published a list of the 12,374 polling stations distributed as follows:
<ul>
<li>Bulawayo: 434</li>
<li>Harare: 1,559</li>
<li>Manicaland: 1,623</li>
<li>Mashonaland Central: 1,107</li>
<li>Mashonaland East: 1,420</li>
<li>Mashonaland West: 1,507</li>
<li>Masvingo: 1,416</li>
<li>Matabeleland North: 920</li>
<li>Matabeleland South: 721</li>
<li>Midlands: 1,667</li>
</ul>
ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba confirmed that 6 623 511 people have been registered to vote in the elections. She also confirmed the following categories of participants in the elections:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Candidates: 11</li>
<li>National Assembly Candidates: 518</li>
<li>Independent Candidates: 64</li>
<li>Local Authority Candidates (sponsored by political parties): 4,648</li>
<li>Independent Local Authority Candidates: 266</li>
</ul>
Regarding the election of two Senators to represent persons with disabilities, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, provided the following information:
<ul>
<li>The Electoral College, consisting of specified associations and institutions, will convene on August 26.</li>
<li>The election will be conducted in accordance with section 120(1)(d) of the Constitution.</li>
<li>The specified associations and institutions are listed in Statutory Instrument 133 of 2023.</li>
<li>The Electoral College will gather at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 7 am to 7 pm to elect the Senators representing persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
Last month, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, prescribed a list of 119 associations and institutions. These entities will nominate individuals who will compose the Electoral College responsible for filling the Senate seats for Senators elected to represent persons with disabilities. The list was formulated after consultations with Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Paul Mavima.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

ZEC Sets Strict Election Guidelines, Including An August 21 Campaign Deadline

The Government of Zimbabwe has announced a salary increase of US$50 for civil servants, effective from June, with the local currency portion being pegged at the equivalent of US$150 at the prevailing interbank rate. Negotiations for further reviews of conditions of services are continuing.
Previously, government workers received a US$250 monthly Covid-19 allowance, while the rest of their remuneration was denominated in the local currency. The Treasury is working towards raising workers’ salaries to pre-October 2018 levels of US$540 per month for the least-paid employee.
The new salary package was tabled during a recent meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), a platform that brings together the Government and worker representatives to discuss conditions of service. The Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima stated that the package was meant to cushion workers from the rising cost of living. The salaries will continue to be raised until the workers’ demands are met. He told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/civil-servants-get-backdated-usd-pay-rise">The Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
As you are aware, workers have been agitating for a long time to have their salaries restored to pre-October  2018 levels of US$540 per month.
It is clear that Government is answering that call.
But considering the economic challenges we have, we are going there progressively.
As has been said, the NJNC will reconvene for further deliberations, but for now, Government has come up with a workable offer as we wait for another review.
If you do your calculations well, we are now only about US$100 short of meeting that demand.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said engagement with the Government under the NJNC has improved, and negotiations have been positive. Alexander said:
<blockquote>
I can safely say they negotiated in good faith this time.
Even though they did not meet our expectations, the talks we had were positive.
As you can see, after effecting a pay rise, Government has made great interventions that have helped in reducing prices of basic commodities and the local currency has also strengthened against the United States dollar.
</blockquote>
The NJNC is expected to reconvene soon for another round of talks.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet approved a proposed salary increase for public sector employees. She added that negotiations will continue, guided by the spirit of continued improvement of the welfare of the civil service. In March, government workers were awarded a 100 percent salary increase and reviewed their Covid-19 allowance, except for health sector workers.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Govt Increases Civil Servants' Salaries, Says It Aims To Restore US$540

The Government is “looking at all possibilities” of cushioning civil servants, with a salary increase in Zimbabwe dollars and an adjustment of the US dollar allowance “imminent”.
This was said by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/more-usd-for-civil-servants-government-to-adjust-salary-tax-bands/">State media</a>. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
As has always been the case with the Government, our workers are important to us. As we speak, Treasury is working on the issue.
We are looking at all possibilities, including effecting an increase of the US dollar, as well as a pay increase in local currency. The consultations I am talking about do not take a long time.
Once we have our numbers from Treasury, we will immediately submit them to the President for his consideration and adjustment before the National Joint Negotiation Council convenes for negotiations.
A pay rise is imminent; public service workers need to be paid handsomely so that they do their job well.
We, as Government, have an obligation to meet the needs of our workers so that they will not engage in corruption and “kungwavha-ngwavha” (hustling).
We expect workers to discharge their duties diligently.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president Cecilia Alexander said negotiations with Government for a pay rise will resume soon. She said:
<blockquote>
As you may be aware, our salaries, especially the local currency component, have been wiped away by inflation, and that alone calls for a salary increase.
However, what is on the ground is that both the US dollar component and the local component need adjustment.
The Government seems to be promising a good package that will be enough to cater for workers’ needs and they are also saying there is room for backdating the salaries.
</blockquote>
In April, the Government awarded its workers a 100 percent salary increment in Zimbabwe dollars, and increased their COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250, except for health sector workers.
Teachers were also awarded an additional US$80 monthly teaching allowance payable in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pay Rise For Civil Servants Imminent - Minister Mavima

The Government is reportedly set to convene the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting to review conditions of service for civil servants in the coming few weeks.
In an interview with <a href="https://newziana.co.zw/2023/06/01/government-to-convene-njnc-meeting-soon-mavima/">New Ziana</a> on Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a>, said Government ministries are already working on a framework for reviewing civil servants’ salaries. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
So, that consultation is taking place. It might take about a week or so, but once we have that framework and clear indicators of what is possible from the Government’s side, we then convene the NJNC, which will be a discussion between the representatives of the workers and the Government team.
</blockquote>
The Government awarded civil servants a 100 per cent salary hike in April this year but the increment has since been eroded by rising inflation.
Civil servants also rejected the 100% salary increment offer, accusing their employer of unilateralism.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) president <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Alexander">Cecilia Alexander</a> said no agreement was signed when Government representatives and civil servants met under the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
The Government, however, proceeded to effect the salary increment in spite of protests from civil servants.
The adjustment included an increase of the COVID-19 allowance from US$200 to US$250 per month across all sectors, excluding the health sector.
Teachers were awarded a US$80 teaching allowance payable at the prevailing inter-bank rate with effect from April 1, 2023. The school fees payment facility for children of teachers was scrapped.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt To Meet Civil Servants Over Salary Increment Soon - Mavima

Public workers and the government have agreed on a new salary package but the parties still have differences that need to be ironed out.
On Friday, the government and representatives of civil servants met under the auspices of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC).
Speaking to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-workers-agree-on-salary-review/">New Ziana</a>, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima said the salary negotiations will continue on Thursday this week. He said:
<blockquote>
Negotiations are continuing. There are a few sticking points that can be resolved. They will sit again on Thursday to continue with the negotiations.
[However] we are not going to disclose what we offered. But the fact that they went back to the negotiating table means there was a variation. We would not go back without a variation.
</blockquote>
Secretary general of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Workers Unions, David Dzatsunga, said:
<blockquote>
The Government did come up with a substantially reviewed offer, which was a fairly reasonable response to our demands.
The offer, though it was speaking to our counteroffer, there were some sticking points of equality where we felt that all workers should be treated equally.
Within their offer, there were some measures that we felt would, in a way, divide the workers.
We are saying that the reviewed salaries should be backdated to January while the Government offer is from April 1st.
We are going to have to persuade them to backdate the offer.
</blockquote>
Civil servants are demanding US$840 for the lowest-paid worker but the government has rejected the demands citing budgetary constraints.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Mavima Speaks On Civil Servants Salary Negotiations

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has requested Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima to respond publicly to allegations that he bought a US$350 000 Borrowdale house through the National Social Security Authority (NSSA).
Media reports claim Mavima facilitated the property deal without following due process.
In a statement dated 28 February 2023, ZCTU acting secretary-general Kudakwashe Munengiwa said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions notes with concern the corruption allegations relating to the purchase of a Borrowdale house being levelled against the Minister of Labour and urge him to come clean.
Mavima is accused of arm-twisting NSSA to buy him a house valued at US$350 000 while promising to pay back later after receiving his US$500 000 housing allowance awarded to Cabinet ministers.
Upon purchase, it is said the house was sold to Mavima before the property could be entered into NSSA books.
We note that funds used to purchase the said property are pensioners’ contributions and investments.
It is, therefore, prudent for the minister as the custodian of those funds to come clean on the matter.
</blockquote>
The ZCTU is concerned that powerful individuals continue to manipulate systems to bleed NSSA while payouts and benefits remained paltry.
Contacted for comment by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008483/come-clean-on-us359k-deal-zctu-tells-mavima">NewsDay</a> on Tuesday, Mavima said:
I have no comment. There is a forensic audit underway. It should remain objective and not tainted with comments from the minister.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZCTU Demands That Minister Mavima Publicly Responds To US$350k Borrowdale House Allegations

President Emmerson Mnangagwa could force the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Social_Security_Authority">National Social Security Authority (NSSA)</a> to reverse a US$400 000 house purchase deal in Quinnington, Borrowdale, Harare, involving Public Service minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a>. 
NSSA acting general manager, Charles Shava, was summoned to Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga’s offices last week Monday to explain what was happening. 
Shava was asked to write a report on the purchase of the house which NSSA eventually sold to Mavima. That was before he was arrested later in the week — on Thursday — on allegations of fraud. 
The NewsHawks was told by anonymous sources in the Office of the President and Cabinet that Shava could be forced to reverse the deal. The source was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The issue is now being handled by Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda. There is mounting pressure for urgent action to be taken. Shava might be brought to book or forced to reverse the deal, which is likely.
</blockquote>
These events were before Shava was arrested on allegations of fraud involving US$12.2 million. His arrest for allegedly giving doctors allowances without board approval was seen as a fightback by the minister.
Shava was picked up by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission a day before a disciplinary hearing for NSSA director Brian Mrewa. 
Mrewa, NSSA’s suspended director for investments and properties, helped Mavima in his Borrowdale house deal. He was the one who facilitated everything on that. 
Through his legal advisers, Shava has described the allegations as baseless and unfounded. However, his accusers say he has to clear his name before the courts if he is innocent as he pleads. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-mavima-causes-nssa-to-buy-himself-borrowdale-house/">The Borrowdale House saga:</a></h2>
<blockquote>
i). It is alleged that NSSA bought Borrowdale house secretly on behalf of Mavima.
ii). Due process and board approvals to buy the Quinnington house, Stand No. 218 Lot A1, were not followed.
iii). The property was valued at US$350 000, but US$400 000 was paid by NSSA, creating room for US$50 000 to go into private pockets. The transaction was executed on 3 October 2022.
iv). The house was not transferred to NSSA books before it was sold to Mavima. 
v). The house was registered under a special purpose vehicle, Angvo Investments (Pvt) Ltd and the deeds were under CABS custodial services, not CBZ Custodial Services who are the custodians of NSSA assets bought through asset management firms.
vi). <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/minister-mavima-causes-nssa-to-buy-himself-borrowdale-house/">Minister Mavima allegedly initiated the deal</a> as he identified the property which belonged to one Seremane and asked NSSA to buy and keep it for him while he awaited the disbursement of his US$500 000 housing allowance given to each cabinet minister by the government.
vii). The issue came to light when Shava directed NSSA deputy director (audit) Andrew Nyakonda on 16 February to conduct an investigation into the disposal of the Borrowdale house and the purchase of Kariba Lodge, Stand No. 989 Kariba Township, for US$244 000.
</blockquote>
<h2>Kariba commercial property:</h2>
<blockquote>
a). The commercial property was bought for US$215 000 after negotiations, but US$244 000 was paid. 
b). When other costs were added, the price went up to US$252 631.59. 
c). Since NSSA usually pays round figures, US$300 000 was paid. The balance was purportedly directed to its investment account held at the asset management firm which facilitated the deal.
</blockquote>
When the deals were reported in the media, Mrewa skipped the border into South Africa.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ED Could Force NSSA To Reverse House Deal For Minister Mavima

The first National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) meeting for 2023 is set to be held on Thursday, 2 March 2023.
The National Joint Negotiating Council is a platform that brings together government representatives and unions representing civil servants to tackle issues to do with salaries and conditions of service for civil servants.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said:
<blockquote>
We wish to advise members of the Public Service that parties to the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) are currently finalising position papers for tabling in Council for consideration.
Accordingly, members are advised that the 2023 National Joint Negotiating Council inaugural meeting that had been pencilled for 1 March 2023 has been moved to the 2nd of March 2023.
The Government remains committed to improving the welfare and conditions of service for members of the Public Service.
This round of negotiations is in line with the Government’s commitment that a review will be done in the first quarter of 2023.
</blockquote>
Over the past few years, Civil servants have been pushing for the restoration of their salaries to pre-October 2018 levels when the lowest-paid government worker took home at least US$500.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt, Civil Servants Meet For Negotiations On Thursday

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)</a> has petitioned Labour Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a> to urgently intervene following reports of labour violations at the Chinese-run Manhidze Steel Works project.
The project worth US$1.5 billion is being implemented by a Chinese firm, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO).
It will be Africa’s largest integrated steel plant and is anticipated to start production in August this year producing over 1.2 million tons of steel.
While the massive investment is expected to unlock thousands of jobs for struggling locals alarm has been raised over ensuing labour rights abuses at the plant.
Kudakwashe Munengiwa, the acting secretary general of the ZCTU, expressed his alarm about the situation in a letter to Mavima that was obtained by NewZimbabwe.com. Read part of the letter:
<blockquote>
As you might be aware, the Manhidze Project in Mvuma is being constructed by a Chinese company DISCO and our affiliate union, the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trade Workers Union (ZCATWU), visited the company on various occasions with the intention or organising and recruiting the construction workers.
Their efforts to organise and recruit members at the company has been frustrated by the company management which has been giving flimsy excuses to deny them access to the site.
The union even approached the registrar of Labour Ms. Mugomazi and Principal Labour Officer from Gweru Mr. Maburutse, who tried their best to help, but without success.
</blockquote>
He said the company’s management even refused to accept stop order forms signed by workers who wanted to join the union.
The ZCTU says the company is now forcing workers to join a union that the employer is trying to form in direct violation of the Labour Act and the ILO Conventions 98 and 87 on the right to organise and freedom of association.
ZCTU says DISCO’s actions will tarnish the image of the country globally as it will be viewed as anti-union. 
Chinese firms in Zimbabwe face accusations of human rights violations, such as worker exploitation, environmental harm, and lack of transparency. Reports include low wages, hazardous work conditions, and a lack of safety gear. 
Some firms are accused of illegal activities like corruption and smuggling, but the scope of these abuses is unclear and claims are disputed.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZCTU Petitions Minister Over Labour Violations At Chinese-run Manhidze Steel Project

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima, has said the government has not deregistered any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) operating in the country.
In an interview with the Zimpapers Television Network’s The Chase programme on Thursday night, Mavima said the government has identified and informed 391 NGOs who are non-compliant with the dictates of the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act to regularise their operations.
He said the identified NGOs, whose figure was 450 last year but has come down to 391, still have a chance to regularise their operations before the Government gazettes their deregistration. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The list still gives them an opportunity to regularise before we gazette, for now, we haven’t gazetted but soon we will be gazetting.
We have given them a very long rope but once we gazette they will then have to apply afresh to operate.
</blockquote>
He also denied claims that the listing of non-compliant NGOs was done based on the amended PVO Act, saying the process to amend the law has not been completed. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The new Act’s amendment process has not been completed and a lot of people have been saying there is a draconian action by Government in line with the new Act and we have started to see the implementation of that Act which is going to constrain civil society space.
The Act has always been there and just like in any other country, it provides a criterion for registration for anyone who wants to operate a PVO.
It sets the requirements needed, a management arrangement, provides annual reports to the PVO board, audited financial statements and keeps within the mandate that you said you wanted to operate in and also to confine yourself to the geographical space that you said you want to operate from. This is standard procedure, everywhere.
</blockquote>
Mavima said Zimbabwe has only deregistered two NGOs last year for national security reasons.
He said one of the NGOs had said they wanted to provide services to children and started constructing schools and after that started teaching fundamentalism in those schools.
Mavima also explained that Jairos Jiri Association, which is among the 291 NGOs that were listed, has over the years been unbundled and become a number of organisations offering various services.
He said some of the offshoots have complied while others are now defunct. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/minister-clarifies-ngos-deregistration/">Chronicle</a>

"The 391 NGOs Have Not Been Deregistered"

The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) will meet to review civil servants’ conditions before the end of March, a cabinet minister has said.
In an interview with State media in Zvishavane on Sunday, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima said the government is committed to reviewing civil servants’ conditions of service. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The National Joint Negotiating Council meeting to review the civil servant’s conditions of service will be held this quarter as the Government reaffirms its commitment to review their remuneration package.
The NJNC will meet and iron out pressing issues. We are letting everyone know that we are going to have that meeting for reviews but people have to know that whatever comes out of there will depend on what is available to the nation.
</blockquote>
He urged civil servants to be moderate in their demands.
Mavima thanked civil servants, particularly teachers, for not going on strike when schools reopened last week, saying the government understands their stance on salaries. He said:
<blockquote>
The first school term started very smoothly. Even though civil servants are saying there should be a review of their salaries, it is not an antagonistic stance that they are taking and it is understandable.
But remember in 2022, President Mnangagwa did a lot for civil servants culminating in an additional US$200 that was given to every civil servant.
At the moment we are happy with civil servants, with no strikes but they are just urging the Government to review their conditions of service.
</blockquote>
In 2022, the government awarded civil servants a 20 percent salary increment across the board backdated to 1 January.
But civil servants have consistently demanded that the government restores their pre-October 2018 salaries of US$540. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/njnc-to-review-civil-servants-conditions/">Chronicle</a>

NJNC To Review Civil Servant’s Conditions Of Service - Mavima

Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/another-9-year-old-zimbabwean-girl-6-months-pregnant/">nine-year-old pregnant girl</a> from Kambira Primary School is not aware of her condition.
The Minister said the girl is under the care of the Social Development Department to protect her from further trauma.
He added that the minor is in stable condition and is receiving counselling based on a preliminary assessment done by mental health professionals.
While in a place of safety, the girl is receiving comprehensive services including food, health care, and psycho-social support.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Thursday <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/police-confirm-arrest-of-suspects-who-raped-9-year-old-girl-who-is-now-pregnant/">confirmed the arrest of two suspects</a> who allegedly raped a <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/another-9-year-old-zimbabwean-girl-6-months-pregnant/">9-year-old who is now six (6) months pregnant.</a>
The girl who is from Kambira Village in Bindura is currently admitted at Bindura District Hospital under the care of the Social Development Department.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Social Welfare Minister Speaks On 9-year-old Pregnant Girl From Kambira Primary School

The government is targeting to provide revolving loans to 1 000 people with disabilities (PWDs) countrywide, according to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/loans-for-people-living-with-disability/?fbclid=IwAR2FJxs0qaQg9L0-kzf7_nPgUwUU3i5iKoY5lOFqC-_mgnOwFz3Sz32E1HI">the Chronicle</a>.
This is part of the broader strategy that has been adopted by the Department of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to promote, protect and ensure that they enjoy their rights.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a> revealed this on Wednesday during the National Assembly Question and Answer session saying this will address problems associated with some PWDs begging on the streets. He said:
<blockquote>
The Department of Disability Affairs has procured over 300 assistive devices for PWDs which are equitably distributed throughout the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. Additionally, the Department of Disability Affairs is targeting to provide over 1 000 PWDs with disability revolving loans and special grants.
Please note, individuals with disabilities will receive loans amounting to US$1 000 equivalent to the prevailing current Zimbabwean dollar rate and PWDs groups of 10 will receive special grants amounting to US$3 000 equivalent to the prevailing current Zimbabwean dollar rate.
</blockquote>
Mavima expressed concern over the use of minors by people with disabilities while they begged on the streets. He said the government is considering putting them in foster care.
He said Government will further consider providing capacity-building training workshops on positive parenting skills specifically targeting parents with disabilities who are begging on the streets being accompanied by minors.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Government Announces Loans, Capacity-building Workshops For People With Disabilities

Teachers will not get a salary increment any time soon after the Government said it cannot raise teachers’ salaries each time schools open.
Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima on Friday, 29 April told NewsDay that teacher’s packages cannot be changed every time schools open and educators need to exercise patience while their grievances are addressed through dialogue. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
We just changed the package for teachers, and we cannot change that package each time schools open.
We are getting into the second quarter, and we need them to be patient and go through the negotiation process.
If there is any need for a review, it will be determined during the negotiation process.
We must also realise that there was something special that we did for teachers including the $20 000 per child school fees package, which will support up to three children in government institutions.
</blockquote>
Mavima said the Government will facilitate the construction of decent accommodation for teachers at public schools. He said:
<blockquote>
This will be institutional housing so that we don’t have problems and teachers have to be in very good decent housing.
We are undertaking that aggressive programme to provide housing for teachers.
</blockquote>
Schools are scheduled to open for the second term on 3 May but teachers’ representatives have threatened not to report for duty saying they are financially incapacitated.
Teachers want the Government to revert to their pre-October 2018 salary of US$540 saying the US$175 they are currently getting is not sustainable.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/be-patient-teachers-told/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt Rules Out Imminent Salary Hike For Teachers

The Government has dismissed a report by the United States of America Embassy in Zimbabwe claiming that an estimated 840 000 schoolchildren have dropped out of school since 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
According to the US embassy report on the 2021 state of human rights in Zimbabwe, released on Wednesday this week, hundreds of thousands of children of school-going age are involved in tobacco farming, artisanal mining, street vending and prostitution.
However, Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima on Thursday told NewsDay that the Government was conducting its own assessment and will not rely on external reports. He said:
<blockquote>
We do not rely on external reports. We have our own report that will be released in May. After all, the US has never reported about us in a positive way, so why should we rely on their reports?
</blockquote>
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro also rejected the report saying it is part of the United States’ “regime change agenda”. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The report should never be considered. The figure is out of this world. The main aim of such ungrounded and highly-inflated statistics is to tarnish the image of the government and to push the regime change agenda. There are no such statistics on school dropouts in the country.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) said children are quitting school because they don’t see the value of going to school. PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said:
<blockquote>
Our findings show that one of the major reasons children are dropping out of school is a lack of appreciation of the importance of education.
It is not inspiring at all when a school-going child sees an engineer selling tomatoes in the streets.
They know they will not get jobs after graduating and so they will not value going to school.
</blockquote>
According to PTUZ, their survey covering only five provinces has shown that 45 000 pupils had dropped out of school since 2020.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/840-000-children-drop-out-of-school/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt Rejects US Embassy Report On School Dropouts

The Secretary for the Public Sector Trade Unions Mr David Dzasunga has said there is no reason for civil servants to declare incapacitation.
He made the remarks in an interview with Zimpapers Television Network. He said:
<blockquote>
We believe that these new measures will certainly make it difficult to justify incapacitation. With US$175, the RTGS component could amount to an extra US$100 and we are looking at US$375 for the lowest worker on the current obtaining parallel market rate. I believe that US$375 should be enough, it’s not good enough, it’s not the best, but it should be enough for someone to get to work.
</blockquote>
He said they were in negotiations with the Government over the suspension of teachers. Dzasunga added:
<blockquote>
We had a fall out on the Government side with the threat to punish teachers who didn’t travel to their workstation because of incapacitation.  They have genuine problems of incapacitation and the divide was too wide between the poverty line and their income.
</blockquote>
Also speaking to ZTN, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavhima said the deadlock between teachers and the government affected learners.
He said the matter should not have spilt into the courts as the Government is “making frantic and very genuine efforts to improve the conditions of service of the workers.” 
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/civil-servants-have-no-justification-to-strike-anymore/">The Chronicle</a>

It's Now Difficult To Justify Incapacitation - Trade Unionist

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima has warned trade unions against pursuing political agendas under the pretext of advancing the interests of workers.
Mavima made the remarks after the United Kingdom (UK) Commonwealth Minister Tariq Mahmood Ahmad recently admitted that Britain was in constant contact with unions in Zimbabwe.
Local workers unions, however, denied holding consultations with the UK government.
Bu speaking to NewZimbabwe.com this week, on the sidelines of the Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF) workshop underway in Victoria Falls, Mavima said:
<blockquote>
In actual fact, we do not need any other confirmation than what Ahmad has said. It is enough evidence.
We do not stand against anyone’s political ambitions, but we are simply against the habit of politicians masquerading as trade unionists.
All we want is a constructive dialogue on labour issues. Unionists are free to join political parties as opposed to mixing the two.
We will soon be dealing with that matter.
</blockquote>
Ahmad’s comments, made in November, naturally angered the Government of Zimbabwe, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Ahmad said:
<blockquote>
We certainly have been meeting in Harare with various (workers’) unions, including teaching unions, most recently in September 2021 on salaries and the impact of COVID-19.
Trade unions form an important part of civil society in any country, and we engage with them at all levels.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mavima-warns-pro-regime-change-unionists/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Public Service Minister Tells Unions To Stay Out Of Politics

The government on Monday said it is giving some civil servants up to the end of December to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Last month, the government issued Statutory Instrument 234 of 2021 to bar unvaccinated civil servants from reporting for duty and gave them until 15 October to get jabbed or be fired.
Speaking to NewsDay Zimbabwe, Public Service minister Paul Mavima said the order would only affect civil servants who deliberately avoided vaccination. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
The policy will be implemented as per the letter of the law in respect of those who have deliberately avoided vaccination.
Those, who have not been vaccinated due to factors that are not deliberate on their part, will have until December 31, 2021, to be vaccinated.
</blockquote>
The move to “fire” unvaccinated workers attracted criticism from labour unions, which accused the government of infringing the constitutional rights of its employees.
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions secretary-general David Dzatsunga said the government was yet to communicate the new position to its workers adding that the government did not consult workers.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said some teachers had not reported for work following the government’s directive to bar unvaccinated workers from reporting for duty.
He said some of the reasons why civil servants were not vaccinated included chronic illnesses, pregnancy and lack of access to vaccination.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general Japhet Moyo condemned the government stance on firing unvaccinated workers and withholding their salaries. 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/10/govt-changes-tack-on-vaccination/">NewsDay</a>

Government Gives Grace Period To Some Unvaccinated Civil Servants

Traditional leaders must mobilise people in rural areas to pay school fees and parents and guardians should make payment plans with schools when facing financial difficulties, a cabinet minister has said.
Responding to questions in parliament last week, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Service Paul Mavima said schools have been told to accept such payment arrangements.
Reports indicate that a lot of parents no longer have the incentive to pay tuition for their children knowing that learners are not sent back home for non-payment. Mavima said:
<blockquote>We have appealed to traditional leaders to mobilise the communities in order to support the schools and to communicate the problems that are faced with schools when parents do not pay.
We have also publicised the BEAM programme and assessments are made of the households to ensure that these are vulnerable households who qualify for that kind of assistance.
If that happens and they qualify, then the school gets money directly from us.</blockquote>
Mavima was responding to Umzingwane lawmaker, Levi Mayihlome, who had asked him what the government is going to do to ensure that schools are capacitated to function when parents are not paying school fees.
Mayihlome said in some schools like in his constituency, only four out of 200 parents are paying school fees.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-more-parents-fail-to-pay-school-fees/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

'Only 2% Of Parents In Rural Areas Pay School Fees'

The government has revealed that it is cutting the COVID-19 social support grant that was being given to vulnerable households to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic, The NewsHawks reports.
The matter came to  light when Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima was presenting his food-deficit mitigation programme and Covid-19 relief grants report to the parliament yesterday (Monday) when he said he was not given any funds to continue with the programme in 2021:
<blockquote>We have not received funds for this programme in 2021. However, cash transfers for the 23 child protection supported districts continue. Allowances for cash transfers have been raised from $300 to $1 500 per month per household per five people.</blockquote>
Prior to the program’s abrupt end or suspension, the government had reviewed the payout from ZW$300 to ZW$1 500 per household of five people. There were arguments from concerned parties that $1500 is close to nothing against the $21 000 needed by a family of 5 per month to survive according to the Consumer Council Of Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/cash-strapped-govt-cuts-off-covid-19-allowances/">NewsHawks</a>

Govt Cuts COVID-19 Social Support Grant To Vulnerable People

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima has attempted to allay education stakeholders’ fears emanating from a ballooning number of coronavirus cases in schools, saying the government is on top of the situation.
Speaking in an interview before commissioning a new service delivery vehicle fleet bought by Gokwe town council over the weekend, Mavima asserted that the government will not hesitate to shut down schools if the situation threatens to spiral out of control. He said:
<blockquote>If there is a serious problem, the Government will not hesitate to take measures to protect pupils and their teachers because their lives come first. We have had a few worrying cases and we hope the situation remains under control.</blockquote>
Several schools across the country have recorded worrying numbers of COVID-19 cases at a time when Grade Seven, Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates commence examinations this week.
John Tallach High School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North Province, has recorded over 100 coronavirus cases, Chinhoyi High School in Mashonaland West Province now has 88 and Mtshabezi High School in Matabeleland South Province has registered 15 cases.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-to-closely-monitor-situation-in-schools/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Schools Will Be Closed If Corona Gets Out Of Hand - Mavima

Striking Teachers and their employer, the government of Zimbabwe will meet tomorrow to discuss and if possible find a way forward, The Sunday Mail reports.
This was revealed by the Public Service and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima who said he  wants to understand their grievances of the striking teachers ahead of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC):
<blockquote>
We know that they (teachers and other civil servants) have said what we have given them is not enough,” said Prof Mavima. We are at the negotiating table to discuss their demands.
On Monday (tomorrow), we will meet unions in the public service to discuss the way forward. We want to find a common ground with them. We are appealing to them (teachers) to go back to work while we negotiate with the unions. I am meeting them ahead of the National Joint Negotiating Council.
</blockquote>
Teachers and other <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/02/civil-servants-given-a-40-cost-of-living-adjustment/">civil servants last week received a 40% cost of living adjustment</a> after they cited their incapacitation. Teachers are demanding that the government matches the October 2018 salaries of between US $500 and $530.
The civil servants’ negotiations with the government collapsed last month as they could not reach an agreement and accusations of the government negotiating in bad faith flew around.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-meets-teachers">The Sunday Mail </a>

Govt, Striking Teachers In Crunch Talks

The minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima has said workers have to make practical demands.
He speaks when workers across sectors are declaring incapacitation owing to the erosion of their salaries by the soaring inflation.
Workers are demanding that the “broke” government pay their salaries in the stable United States dollar or equivalent as per the agreement they made in 2018 when the local currency was at par with the U.S. Dollar. Mavima said:
<blockquote>Our workers need to be realistic with the demands they bring to the table. Our workers have to think in terms of what is available and what we can make available in the future is to a very large extent dependent on what we do now.</blockquote>
He also commended the APEX council and the various unions representing workers for their willingness to engage with the Government and for the positivity that they have shown.
Recently, the government raised workers’ salaries by 50 percent, which it has completed paying this week, and also gave them US$75 COVID-19 allowance.
Workers are rejecting the offer saying the money is insignificant given that the economy in the country is inflationary.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/were-willing-to-engage-civil-servants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

"Be Realistic," - Govt Tells Workers

Zimbabwean ministers of Mines and Mining Development Minister, and State for Provincial Affairs for Midlands, in that order, Winston Chitando and Larry Mavima have slammed the shooting of two Zimbabwean employees by a Chinese employer in Gweru recently.
Speaking at Reden mine during a ministerial visit to establish circumstances that led to the mine manager, Zhang Xuelin (41) shooting two employees, Kenneth Tachiona (39) and Wendy Chikwaira (31) for demanding their salaries in US dollars, the ministers equated the incident to machete gang violence that rocked the small scale mining sub-sector last year.
The notorious machete-wielding gangs who were famously known as Mashurugwi and Al Shabab terrorised gold mine owners and residents residing close to gold mines across the country. Senator Mavima said:
<blockquote>It is regrettable that we have encountered this in our province and more to it the person in charge says he is busy to come and attend to us.
Such incidents are not different to those of machete wielding gangs and we will not tolerate such here.</blockquote>
Minister Chitando said they failed to establish what transpired leading to the shooting due to the absence of an interpreter as the Chinese nationals running the mine “cannot understand a word in English.”
More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2020/06/30/chitando-mavima-slam-chinese-mine-shooting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZiana</a>

Govt Ministers Equate The Shooting Of Zimbabwean Workers By Chinese Boss To Machete Gang Violence

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said that the government is aware of the ongoing erosion of salaries due to rising inflation, therefore, there is a need to continuously review them.
In an interview with State media on Thursday, Mavima said in February this year, the National Joint Negotiating Council reached a compromise agreement to set a minimum wage for people in the unclassified sectors and this has to be continuously reviewed. He said:
<blockquote>We would really want to see macro-economic stability whereby salary negotiations are done once a year or even after two years.
At the moment we have to constantly review salaries and wages to keep up with rising inflation. If we don’t do that we will be shooting ourselves in the foot as salaries and wages will be eroded by inflation.
You know the National Joint Negotiating Council reached an agreement in February this year. There was a compromise where they said Minister go ahead and set what can be considered a minimum wage and I think we have just gazetted a minimum wage for people in the unclassified sectors including domestic workers.
So, we have to continuously review. The Government is really alive to the fact that there is the ongoing erosion of wages and salaries and we need to continue to review.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-works-on-new-salary-structure/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Govt Will Constantly Review Salaries And Wages - Mavima

The Tripartite Negotiating Forum meets on Monday (today) and the discussions will be centred on workers’ salaries and wages after the parties failed to reach an agreement in February.
The TNF brings together the government, labour and business.
TNF chairperson and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paul Mavima</a> confirmed that the meeting resumes today. He said;
<blockquote>Yes, we are meeting tomorrow [today]. I will communicate to the TNF the views of Cabinet about the issue that we had referred to it. After that, I think we will instruct the setting up of a technical committee to pursue the issue further. Thereafter we will have to meet again, probably after two weeks.</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Congress_of_Trade_Unions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union</a>s secretary-general, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Japhet_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japhet Moyo</a>, said workers were looking forward to hearing what the government has resolved.
Meanwhile, a business representative, Israel Murefu, rejected claims that business was stalling progress. He said parties should avoid finger-pointing:
<blockquote>The economy has problems and it is incumbent upon the partners to find possible solutions to arrest the situation rather than play the blame game. The focus must be on finding solutions and a way forward as opposed to pointing figures. After finger-pointing, the partners still need to engage and find each other.</blockquote>
The TNF held two meetings last month seeking solutions to the erosion of wages and salaries bu galloping inflation.
While the Government and labour agreed that there should be a minimum wage, business rejected the proposal.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tnf-meeting-resumes-after-impasse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Tripartite Negotiating Forum Meeting Restarts After Deadlock

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Paul Mavima, said schools will open or the third term on Tuesday as scheduled.
This follows social media reports that schools will now be opened for the third term on 17 September to allow the nation to grieve the passing away of former president Robert Mugabe.
Mavima refuted those claims and insisted that the schools’ calendar has not changed. He said:
<blockquote>The death of the former President has not affected the opening of school. The schools are still opening Tuesday this week as planned so social media posts should be ignored.</blockquote>
In a tweet on Saturday, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting also said schools will open on 10 September 2019. The tweet read:
<blockquote>Schools are due to open on Tuesday 10 September 2019. There has been no change to that plan. Please ignore any messages to the contrary. Borders are expected to travel to their respective schools on Monday 9 September 2019.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/schools-to-open-as-scheduled/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Schools To Open On 10 September 2019

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is set to introduce technical high schools and science academies next year.
Education Minister Paul Mavima said that initially there will be one school in each of the country’s 10 provinces.
A list has been drawn up of schools that will be targeted, and these are schools that already have suitable infrastructure for technical and science learning. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>As a ministry, we decided to come up with these schools of excellence that favours the competence of learners in their respective areas of choice with the targeted subjects of learning being technical and science ones.
The least number of schools we are targeting to start with countrywide is 10 that is one per each province. So far a tentative list has been done and will be shortlisting them soon.
Our target schools are existing ones that already have a suitable infrastructure for technical and science learning.
These we are going to quickly resource them to facilitate the start of this project.
In terms of funding, we are getting a large chunk from the fiscus, but education being everyone’s business parents can also chip in, but entirely the project is a Government thing with no outside source of funding.</blockquote>
Minister Mavima also revealed that the technical high schools and science academies certificates will be awarded by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC). The certificates will be on par with an Advanced Level certificate, with holders privileged to enrol at university.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-to-set-up-specialised-schools/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt To Establish Schools Of Excellence

Teachers have warned the government that they will not be able to resume their duties when schools open for the third term next month because of incapacitation.
They are demanding salaries to be paid in United States dollars or the equivalent of US$550 at the interbank rate, which translates to ZWL$5 500.
In a statement issued on Monday, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said:
<blockquote>Schools will remain closed until (our) demands are met. Let’s prepare for an indefinite closure of schools until our demands are met. Let the schools open while they are closed.
That the government has taken this long before addressing our legitimate demands calls for greater coordination, unity of purpose, a collectivity of action, dexterity, vigilance and resilience.
We cannot be treated as if we are of no account. When we spoke, the government did not listen. It’s now time to act and our actions must speak louder than words.</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) said that teachers are incapable of returning to their work stations due to runaway prices: ZIMTA president Richard Gundane had this to say:
<blockquote>Teachers are seriously incapacitated as a result of runaway prices in the wake of salaries that are way below the poverty datum line.
The delayed implementation of a cost of living adjustment coupled with a budget that does not give any hope of a living wage will occasion the failure of the majority of teachers not to go to work in the third term.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima told NewsDay that there was no need for teachers to down tools as the government has promised to address their grievances.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/08/teachers-threaten-tools-down/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

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