The government has explained and defended the recent significant increase in tuition fees at state universities, especially the part that is charged in United States dollars. They argue that this increase will help the universities function effectively, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019382/govt-defends-varsity-fee-hike">NewsDay</a> reported. However, many parents and guardians who receive their salaries in the rapidly depreciating Zimbabwe dollar have criticized the fee hike.
During a question-and-answer session with lawmakers, Skills Audit minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima/">Paul Mavima</a> stated that the current fee increases were essential. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
It is government policy to increase fees at State universities, but only when it is necessary. In order for those universities to operate optimally and efficiently, there has to be increases.
I am not sure whether there was a specific increase recently, but if there was, I would assume that it was caused by the need to make sure that our universities are providing sufficient services to those students who are going to those universities.
If there have been increases, they should be justified. Remember universities have to offer services ranging from student services, to teaching and learning infrastructure that should be top notch and that require those who go to those universities to pay commensurate amounts to make sure that our universities are well funded.
</blockquote>
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_Institute_of_Technology/">Harare Institute of Technology</a> last month increased fees by 300%, to US$900 while the University of Zimbabwe tuition fees now range between US$470 and US$720.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Midlands_State_University/">Midlands State University</a> hiked its fees for the August semester to between US$933 and US$1 888.
When asked whether the government had privatised tertiary institutions, Minister Mavima responded by saying that the assumption that current student fees cover the full cost of education is incorrect. He admitted that the government is not fully funding the education sector. Mavima explained that the increases in fees are necessary to ensure the provision of quality education at the tertiary level.
International declarations, such as the Dakar Declaration and the Incheon Declaration, recommend that a significant portion of the national budget or the country’s gross domestic product should be allocated to education, typically around 20%.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Government Defends Recent Increase In State University Tuition Fees

The Zimbabwean government is planning to offer a new salary package to civil servants to help them cope with the increasing cost of living. 
The National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), which represents both the government and workers’ representatives, is set to meet this week to discuss the issue.
The Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) leaders recently met with President Mnangagwa, who assured them that the government is committed to addressing their concerns. The Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima/">Paul Mavima</a>, stated that the new pay offer will be presented once internal consultations are completed. He told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-salary-offer-for-civil-servants">The Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
We are currently doing consultations and working on a comprehensive framework, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Once we come up with the framework and clear indicators of what Government can offer, we then convene the NJNC, which 
will be a discussion between the representatives of the workers and the Government team.
We were hoping we will be done by this week (last week) and once we are done, we will definitely call for a NJNC meeting.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is said to be working on a comprehensive framework that will provide a clear roadmap for the government’s remuneration and non-monetary incentives. The government is already offering its workers various allowances of up to US$250 per month in foreign currency.
The NJNC meeting is expected to allow representatives from both parties to discuss a range of issues related to the welfare of public sector workers and the erosion of the value of wages.
After meeting with the President, the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) is hopeful for an improved salary offer. ZCPSTU secretary-general Mr David Dzatsunga said they discussed the welfare of public sector workers and the erosion of wages. The President assured them that measures are being taken to find a lasting solution.
For the past four years, the government has been in a disagreement with workers over poor salaries and working conditions. The workers are asking for the restoration of their pre-October 2018 salaries, which were around US$540 and for their salaries to be paid in US dollars due to the rapid depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar. The government has been unable to meet these demands, citing financial incapability.
<h3><a href="http://pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwean Govt To Offer New Salary Package To Civil Servants

Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima/">Paul Mavima</a>, the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, has announced the appointment of Dr Emmanuel Anesu Fundira as the new chairperson of the board of directors of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Social_Security_Authority/">National Social Security Authority (NSSA). </a>
The appointment is effective immediately.
Dr Fundira’s appointment <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/19/nssa-board-chairman-percy-toriro-resigns/">follows the resignation</a> of Percy Toriro. Toriro, who is a renowned urban planning expert, offered to step down before the expiry of his term, as he has been out of the country for almost six months, doing urban planning consultancy in West Africa. Toriro was appointed to the NSSA board in May 2021, and his first five-year term was due to expire in 2026. He becomes the fifth person to leave the NSSA board in seven years, with board chairpersons and general managers typically lasting no more than two years on average. A recent report from Business Weekly suggested that NSSA was planning to remove Toriro at any time.
During a press conference held in Harare, the Minister stated that Dr Fundira’s appointment was made after several consultative processes and good recommendations based on his qualifications and experience related to NSSA’s work. 
The Minister believes that Dr Fundira’s leadership credentials and experience in leading both private and public sector institutions at executive and board levels make him a good fit for NSSA. Mavima said:
<blockquote>
It is my hope and expectation that through the leadership of Dr Fundira, the NSSA board will make sound decisions to ensure the well-being of NSSA beneficiaries and contribute to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe through good investment decisions.
Our aspiration as a nation is that we leave no one and no place behind. As such the appointment of Dr Fundira as board chairperson comes at a time where it is imperative that NSSA continue to develop and implement an all-encompassing informal sector scheme framework.
</blockquote>
According to Professor Mavima, it is important that NSSA increases funding and resources for the development of an informal sector scheme, which should be informed by a needs assessment survey. The scheme’s design and cost should be based on studies of other informal sector schemes in the region and globally.
He said there is also an urgent need to review and update all NSSA governance policies and procedures to ensure they are suitable for the changing environment. The statutes governing the authority should also be reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of the people NSSA serves.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Professor Paul Mavima Latest News

Latest Jobs