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The High Court has postponed a case in which five workers’ unions are suing their employer and President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> for blocking them out of salary negotiations.
Justice Lucy Mungwari postponed the hearing to another date after failing to log in to the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), a virtual case management system recently rolled by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Said Edson Matika representing the unions:
<blockquote>
The court faced technical challenges with the IECMS virtual system. This resulted in the case being postponed to Wednesday 27 September 2023 at 9 am on the same platform.
</blockquote>
The IECMS (Integrated Electronic Case Management System) was expected to bring about improvements such as electronic case filing, automatic case allocation to judges, electronic case tracking, and virtual hearings, aiming to streamline the judicial process from filing to finalisation. However, the system has faced significant resistance, with litigants and lawyers expressing concerns about delays in delivering justice.
In the current case, several unions, including the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Teachers_Association_(ZIMTA)/">Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA)</a>, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe/">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe/">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe</a>, Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ), and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), are suing the government, alleging violations of their labor rights.
The unions’ application challenges the Public Service Act, arguing that it undermines the labor rights protected by the constitution by granting unilateral decision-making power to the Public Service minister and the Commission. They are advocating for collective bargaining, which allows unions to negotiate employment terms, including pay, benefits, working hours, leave, and workplace safety policies.
The unions seek a court declaration that sections 19, 20, and 31 of the Act are unconstitutional as they facilitate the violation of their members’ labor rights. They argue that the Commission and the Public Service minister have failed to engage in meaningful consultations with public service employees, thus infringing on their labor rights.
The respondents in this case include the Public Service Commission (PSC), President Mnangagwa, Finance Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube/">Mthuli Ncube</a>, the Public Service minister, and the Attorney General.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Judge Postpones Salary Case Involving President Mnangagwa After Failing To Log Into The System

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takavafira_Zhou/">Dr. Takavafira M. Zhou</a>, the President of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe/">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ),</a> has criticised the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for its “incompetence” and “deliberate” removal of voters from the voters’ roll.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, Zhou who is also a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) expressed concern that a considerable number of Zimbabweans had been disenfranchised due to ZEC’s actions. He said although these individuals attempted to be returned to the voters’ roll, their efforts were unsuccessful in most parts of the country, such as Mutare, Masvingo, Zvishavane, and Mberengwa, as the district offices claimed that the network was down since 28 May 2023.
Zhou said many disenfranchised citizens were unable to inspect the voters’ roll, rendering the exercise futile. Dr. Zhou questioned how individuals who voted in 2018 and the 2022 by-elections could suddenly disappear from the voters’ roll, unless it was a deliberate act by ZEC for political expediency. He said:
<blockquote>
Zec’s incompetence baffling. 
A considerable number of Zimbabweans have been disenfranchised by Zec by deliberately being removed from the voters’ roll. Sadly, attempts by such people to be returned to the voters’ roll were futile as District offices in most parts such as Mutare, Masvingo, Zvishavane and Mberengwa claimed network was down since 28 May 2023. So the inspection of the voters’ roll was of no consequence to many disenfranchised citizens. One wonders how someone who voted in 2018, let alone by-elections in 2022, could suddenly disappear from the voters’ roll unless it is by design and political expediency by Zec.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/01/voters-roll-zec-says-not-targetting-opposition-members-for-removal/">ZEC denied allegations of deliberately removing opposition members’ names from the voters’ roll.</a> ZEC vice-chairperson Rodney Kiwa recently stated that the electoral body is independent and not affiliated with any political party. He said the purpose of the voters’ roll inspection is to ensure accurate registration and corrections, regardless of political affiliation.
Kiwa added that more people are using the USSD platform *265# to check the voters’ roll than physically checking in person. The inspection exercise, which began on Saturday last week, was extended to 1 June 2023. Some registered voters, including opposition members of parliament, claim that their names are missing from the voters’ roll.
More Pindula News

PTUZ President Criticises ZEC For Removing Voters From Voters' Roll

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has announced that it will conduct a nationwide 2023 Curriculum Review Consultation with its clients and internal stakeholders on May 23 and 24, 2023, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The consultations will take place in every school, and the ministry is encouraging internal stakeholders to participate in shaping the country’s education for socio-economic development.
The ministry says it aims to provide equitable and inclusive 21st-century quality education, leaving no one and no place behind. The announcement requests that the word be spread to ensure that internal stakeholders do not miss this opportunity to improve the Competence-Based Curriculum and support the Ministry’s mission.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Deputy Minister, Edgar Moyo, announced in the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">National Assembly</a> last week Wednesday that a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/16/zimbabwe-reviews-school-curriculum-amid-concerns-over-cala/">curriculum review process was underway</a>. The curriculum’s seven-year cycle has ended.
The training for those conducting the reviews was to finish that week, and a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">national review session</a> would take place on May 16th to receive recommendations from stakeholders, including on the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Continuous Assessment Learning Activities</a> (CALA) procedure introduced in 2021.
Critics of CALA claim it burdens pupils, teachers and parents, lacks clarity and standardisation, and may widen the gap between urban and rural, and private and public schools.
Meanwhile, several teachers’ unions have criticised the government’s curriculum review process, calling it flawed, rushed and lacking in consultation. The unions have expressed concerns that the review process could have devastating effects on the education sector if due diligence is not applied.
The unions claim that the ministry did not consult widely and that the process lacked consultation with important stakeholders such as teachers, teacher unions, parents and pupils.
The ministry has denied the charges, stating that they have been meeting and talking to a lot of stakeholders.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Education Ministry To Hold Nationwide Curriculum Review Consultation, May 23-24

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> has said there is no joy in seeing the government commissioning housing units as civil servants cannot afford them.
The union was responding to a Twitter Post by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services which indicated that President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> commissioned the FBC Fountaine Ridge Housing project in Kuwadzana, Harare.
The bank constructed 858 housing units.
National Housing and Social Amenities Permanent Secretary Engineer Joy Makumbe previously said the government was doing 20 per cent of the construction while FBC did the rest. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, PTUZ said civil servants cannot afford the houses. Read the post:
<blockquote>
We prefer to see housing projects that civil servants can afford. Fountain Ridge is a housing project for the diaspora. What crime did we commit to be sidelined continuously like this? 
</blockquote>
The houses are being constructed under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)’s Social development pillar which focuses on improving access to basic social services.
The government targets to build 220 000 housing units by 2025 by partnering with the private sector. 
FBC says the whole project factors in modern trends in housing development in line with global standards such as Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to the usually required infrastructure.
Each unit will also have a 5 000-litre water tank and a booster pump.
Civil servants earn less than US$500, therefore, cannot afford the housing units.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

We Prefer Housing Projects Civil Servants Can Afford - PTUZ

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> has criticised the government for unilaterally increasing workers’ salaries by 100%. In a statement seen by Pindula News, PTUZ president, Dr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takavafira_Zhou">Takavafira Zhou</a> said the government communicated the increase amid negotiations. He said: 
<blockquote>
That the government team of negotiators in the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Joint_Negotiating_Council_(NJNC)">NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council) </a> failed to turn up for a pencilled meeting on 20 March is unfortunate in a country 43 years after attaining independence. Needless to mention that it was the government team of negotiators that had postponed the meeting from 17th of March. As if that was not enough a government document dated 15 March, from Sec for Finance &amp; Economic Development (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Guvamatanga">G. Guvamatanga)</a> to the chairman of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Civil_Service_Commission">Public Service Commission</a> (Dr V. Hungwe) seems to communicate the government’s official position on salary increments. What is worrisome is that authentic communication is made before the conclusion of negotiations, an indicator of unfair labour practice on the part of the government.
The government’s ultimate unilateral offer comprises:
1. A 100% remuneration review of ZWL emoluments from the Deputy Director and below for all sectors.
2. An increase of cushion and covid allowance from US$200 to US$250 across all sectors excluding the health sector
3. A US$80 teaching allowance to every teacher (indexed to interbank rate)
4. An increase in cushion and covid allowance for govt pensioners from US$90 to US$100.
5. Free Primary Education up to a maximum of 3 children at govt schools
6. Gvt funded funeral insurance framework
</blockquote>
Some context:
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/civil-servants-granted-100-salary-increment/">Figures circulated in the communique</a> are a product of figures discussed in the second meeting with workers’ representatives.
The government had initially offered a 50% ZWL salary review and an increase of cushion and COVID-19 allowances from US$200 to US$220.
Teachers and the rest of the civil service are demanding US$540 which they were being paid until October 2018.
The security sector salary review and cushion allowances are with effect from 1 February and 1 March 2023, respectively and are already being paid. 
On the contrary, teachers and the rest of the civil servants’ salary review, cushion and COVID-19 allowances are postdated to 1 April 2023. 
Zhou described this as “naked discrimination” and “a monument of Zimbabwean labour injustice.” He added: 
<blockquote>
We don’t need to have access to guns in order to be treated in the same manner as our brothers and sisters in the security sector. We don’t begrudge their salaries but outright discrimination as professionals in the total flouting of our national constitution.
As Ptuz we want, therefore, to reiterate that it would be naive to blame negotiators for government unilateralism and discrimination against teachers and the rest of the civil servants. The blame must be laid squarely on the government’s desire to generate industrial disharmony that militates against productivity in the workplace. Above all, govt is undermining trade unions in Zimbabwe in a dangerous attempt to capture workers by false paternalistic antics.
</blockquote>
2018 to date:
Zimbabwe has experienced significant economic challenges in recent years, including high inflation rates and currency devaluation. 
These challenges have led to widespread wage cuts and layoffs in many sectors, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.
In 2018, the government of Zimbabwe announced a salary increase for civil servants, which was seen as a positive development by many workers. However, the impact of this increase was limited by inflation and the devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar, which has continued to depreciate against major currencies. 
Over the years, healthcare workers, teachers, and civil servants have embarked on industrial action demanding better pay and working conditions. 
The strikes were met with a heavy-handed response from the government. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

PTUZ Criticises Government As Workers' Salaries Increase By 100%

The government has offered a 400% pay hike for the soldiers and police much to the annoyance of teachers who were offered a 50% increase.
Teachers are currently the lowest-paid civil servants, earning around ZW$36 000 plus a US$120 foreign currency component.
Teachers rejected a 50 per cent increase in their local currency wages during the National Joint Negotiating Council meeting last week.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a>, leader of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)</a> criticised the government for selectively applying standards. NewsDay quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
The 50 per cent offered to other civil servants including teachers is a joke; unfortunately, we can’t laugh it off because families are starving.
We will not allow government to discriminate against any section of workers.
To that end, we shall force the employer to pay teachers a living wage. US$1,260 is the minimum demand from teachers.
Soldiers have guns but we have our collective force as workers.
The government is warned not to keep on stretching our patience. They will be faced with a tsunami of workers’ protests.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Raymond_Majongwe">Raymond Majongwe</a>, secretary general of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a>, echoed Masaraure’s remarks. He said:
<blockquote>
We don’t challenge that soldiers have been paid, we celebrate that at least somebody has realised that soldiers are being underpaid but then why then cherry-pick and choose soldiers over the teachers; why not give us the same.
Remember in the past, teachers were the first to be paid. They have turned it around.
They have paid the soldiers first, they have paid the police, they have paid the nurses and teachers who come last in that rank and file. That is unacceptable.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Congress Of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU), organizing secretary, Charles Chinosengwa described the government’s selective awarding of a 400% pay hike to soldiers and police as a divide-and-rule tactic capable of bringing ruin to the education sector.
Observers view the government’s decision to award soldiers and police a 400% wage increase as an attempt to appease the security sector ahead of harmonised elections scheduled for July this year.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Soldiers, Police Get 400% Pay Hike

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> has been called to catch students who bullied a schoolgirl in a video circulating on social media.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zenzele_Ndebele">Zenzele Ndebele</a>, a Bulawayo-based journalist and human rights activist, said the bullying allegedly happened at Mathula Secondary school in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tsholotsho">Tsholotsho</a>.
The founder of Centre For Innovation &amp; Technology (CITE) posted the video on Twitter and captioned it:
<blockquote>
Hello <a data-user-name="PoliceZimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/PoliceZimbabwe/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@PoliceZimbabwe</a>.I Am told this could be Mathula Sec school in Tsholotsho. Please do something.
</blockquote>
Watch the video below for more:
<div><video controls="controls" height="640" preload="metadata" width="352"><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brutality.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brutality.mp4</a></video></div>
In the video, about four male students are seen caning the unidentified schoolgirl with belts and switches (tree branches) while another girl, who could be the one recording, is heard laughing.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Raymond_Majongwe">Raymond Majongwe</a>, the Secretary-General of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe" title="Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe</a> (PTUZ), said the students who bullied the schoolgirl need to be held to account. He commented on the video:
<blockquote>
This is dangerous if the bullies don’t face the music.
</blockquote>
This comes barely a fortnight after a Form Four student at Founders High School in Bulawayo <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/form-4-student-stabbed-in-gang-related-violence/">died after being stabbed</a> by a pupil from Hamilton High School in gang-related violence.
The deceased, Wayne Ndlovu, allegedly confronted his attacker questioning him why he had beaten up his friend. This resulted in a fight between pupils from Founders High School and those from Hamilton High School.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

WATCH: Police Called To Catch Students Who Bullied Schoolgirl

The Public Service Commission has announced a new pay structure for civil servants noting that they will be paid according to their academic qualifications, experience and seniority starting this month.
The government is apparently reactivating a policy that promotes the advancement of public workers which was abandoned in 2012.
The advancement policy will start to be operational this month, <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/new-pay-structure-for-civil-servants/">The Sunday News</a> reported citing a statement issued on Friday, by Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Dr Tsitsi Choruma. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Following engagements in the context of the National Joint Negotiating Council, Government resolved to reactivate the advancement of all civil servants in terms of the applicable advancement procedures. Accordingly, the Public Service Commission embarked on and finalised the placement of all civil servants in their respective grades by the end of December 2022. All civil servants will, therefore, be paid the salaries that reflect their advancement and placement within their grades with effect from January 2023.
In pursuit of the foregoing, all the Heads of Line Ministries are implored to submit all relevant higher qualifications obtained by civil servants under their ministries and departments to the Public Service Commission to facilitate the completion of the advancement exercise by 31st March 2023.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) president Mr Richard Gundani said the exercise is an issue of fundamental rights enshrined in the conditions of service.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Dr Takavafira Zhou said the review of grades would see civil servants getting what they deserved. He said:
<blockquote>
If one is a headmaster, deputy or senior teacher, one should have something to show for that. What we only urge the Government is to walk the talk. 
</blockquote>
He said that while the intention is good, they usually disagree with the government on the implementation plan. He said the new police must be clear among the stakeholders.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Public Service Commission Announces New Pay Structure For Civil Servants

Teachers have written to the government requesting a meeting over salaries with the hope that they will get a rescue package before schools open for the first term of 2023 on Monday 09 January.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> said it would deliver a letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) this Tuesday demanding an urgent meeting to discuss salary issues.
PTUZ president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takavafira_Zhou">Takavafira Zhou</a> told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
We have written a letter today (yesterday) to the PSC requesting an urgent meeting before the end of this week to solve our grievances, and we will deliver it today.
The most important thing is to resolve the issue of salaries and conditions of service because no one can turn up for work using an eroded December salary. We have hinted at getting a rescue package before schools open and it is our hope that they will agree to our pleas.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)</a> president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a> said they had resolved to go on strike when schools open next week. He is cited by NewsDay as saying:
<blockquote>
(Finance minister) <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube">Mthuli Ncube</a> has killed all the hope for a successful opening of schools for the first term of 2023. The teachers remain trapped in the challenges of 2022.
We conducted a strike ballot asking teachers to decide whether they wanted to go back to work under the current salary structure. 99% of the 52 340 teachers who have participated so far are in favour of going on strike.
We are engaging other unions to see if it’s possible to go on a united nationwide strike. If union bureaucrats choose not to participate, we will be engaging in a high impact collective action led from below by the teachers themselves.
</blockquote>
Ncube recently said the government had “tried its best” to improve the welfare of teachers and other civil servants given the circumstances.
In a statement, Zimbabwe National Union of School Heads secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni said educators want to return to work, but need more pay to sustain themselves.
Workers have over the years demanded US$540 or better.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Teachers "Hope" To Get A Rescue Package Before Schools Open

Unions representing teachers Wednesday said the salary issue is urgent and should be resolved before schools reopen in the new year.
Their remarks come after Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthuli_Ncube">Mthuli Ncube</a> said the government wouldn’t raise salaries as demanded by civil servants adding that the government tried its best to improve the salaries given the circumstances.
Public sector workers want pay hikes and have<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/teacher-arrested-for-posting-whatsapp-message-complaining-about-poor-salaries/"> spent the past three years</a> <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/teacher-arrested-for-posting-whatsapp-message-complaining-about-poor-salaries/">calling on the government to pay them their pre-October 2018 United States dollar salaries of around US$540.</a>
Throughout 2022, civil servants have been demanding a pay hike. Yesterday, some teachers’ unions said the parallel market rate was now $1 100 to US$1, which called for Ncube to pay teachers in US$.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association president Richard Gundani said it was unfortunate that Ncube was claiming that civil servants were well paid. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
That statement is inaccurate; he should have said since I cannot pay them — they must stop going to work. This thing is always two-fold because when people go to work they get a salary, which is an enabler for them to continue to go to work. Coming into the new year, the salary issue is urgent and must be resolved to ensure good service delivery. The minister must know that service delivery must not be compromised. His statement that he has already incentivised civil servants is very unfortunate.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said there is likely to be a massive brain drain if the government does not pay teachers a living wage.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said the finance minister must use the surplus he “boasts of every time” to pay “the poor civil servants.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Coming Into The New Year, The Salary Issue Is Urgent" - Teachers

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/TeachersforED">Teachers for ED (Economic Development)</a>, has urged the government to enter into a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom government to protect teachers from possible human trafficking.
The UK government had listed Zimbabwean teachers as eligible for a qualified teacher status (QTS) in that country with effect from February 1 next year.
But in a statement seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005405/protect-teachers-moving-overseas">NewsDay</a>, Teachers for ED, a shadowy group formed to prop up President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2023 electoral campaign, believes human trafficking is a possibility. The group said:
<blockquote>
Regarding this new development, Trs4ED is of the view that government needs to intervene so that those teachers willing to take up the offer are protected from the jaws of human traffickers, incidents of irregular migration and being ripped off by the so-called visa sponsors.
In this regard, Trs4ED is set to engage with the government of Zimbabwe; particularly the Primary and Secondary Education ministry (MoPSE) and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry to ensure that a system is developed that protects our teachers from trafficking, human smuggling, human organs trafficking among other transnational crimes.
The group called for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or some form of a bilateral agreement between the government of Zimbabwe and the UK so that ‘our teachers are protected, respected and the profession remains dignified.
Our view is to push for a similar agreement between Rwanda and Zimbabwe that saw teachers working in Rwanda. Lastly, Trs4ED can be represented in the diaspora where economic development projects are implemented back in our motherland.
</blockquote>
Educators Union of Zimbabwe President Tafadzwa Munodawafa said this was a ploy to restrict teachers from working in the UK.
Munodawafa said the government should not introduce stringent measures to deter those who want to leave the country to seek greener pastures.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure said the government should pay a competitive salary to prevent teacher mass exodus.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Ptuz) president Takavafira Zhou said the government needs to ensure that teachers are motivated as the employment of teachers by neighbouring countries and the UK might end up compromising the quality of education in the country.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Teachers4ED Says UK And Zimbabwe Should Have An Agreement To Protect Teachers

The newly-formed <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/TeachersforED">Teachers for Economic Development (ED)</a> union is reportedly holding midweek workshops at schools forcing teachers to abandon classes.
Some workshops are said to have already taken place at learning institutions in Zvishavane, Bulawayo and Marondera in recent days, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200001896/teachers-for-ed-invades-schools">NewsDay</a>.
The group, seen as sympathetic to the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is popularly known as ED, was given the nod by the government to “roll out its economic development” programmes in all schools.
It is reported that hundreds of teachers are reportedly abandoning classes to attend the workshops to avoid victimisation.
Schools are allegedly being forced to use their own funds to cater for the travel and subsistence expenses of the organisers.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a> defended the mid-week workshops being conducted by the Teachers for ED union saying they were “enriching” the education sector.  
Ndoro said the workshops actually enriched the value of education. He said: 
<blockquote>
Teachers for Economic Development is a full-fledged teachers’ union with its own resources generated from its economic development projects; so I ask, why would a vehicle with a full tank of fuel go to a fuel station?
</blockquote>
Some teachers’ unions are, however, concerned about the government’s selective treatment of the Teachers for ED grouping.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe</a> secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Raymond_Majongwe">Raymond Majongwe</a> said any other teachers’ union would not have been allowed to mobilise teachers for workshops during the week. 
He added that under the Teachers for ED programme, teachers are being promised access to government loans, promotions, and mining rights, among others, which should be accessible to any teacher. 
Zimbabwe National Teachers Union chief executive officer Manuel Nyawo said the TeachersforED formation is a well-calculated plan to weaken the collective bargaining power of unions.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

TeachersforED Hold Midweek Workshops At Schools Forcing Teachers To Abandon Classes

Teachers are reportedly divided over reports that the government is giving senior civil servants in the education sector are being given travel and subsistence allowances pegged in United States dollars (US$).
The senior officials are getting per diems of up to US$125 per day, which is paid in local currency for attending meetings, chairing disciplinary meetings and other events in the education ministry, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200001443/govt-pampers-education-executives">NewsDay</a> reported.
Teachers who spoke to NewsDay accused the government of offering perks to the senior education officers to encourage them to intimidate and frustrate efforts to push the government to restore pre-October 2018 salaries that were around US$540. 
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a> claimed:
<blockquote>
A layer of elite civil servants is being created to strengthen ‘supervision’ of the majority of civil servants. That layer is enjoying special perks and is being deployed to scuttle any collective job actions. Government has divided teachers through the introduction of a layer of teachers who are promised to enjoy economic privileges, professional exceptionalism and social protection. The group named Teachers for ED is being used as a vehicle to bastardise trade unionism.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Raymond_Majongwe">Raymond Majongwe</a> said: 
<blockquote>
Senior officials in the Education ministry get per diems on several occasions during the course of the month while teachers are in class, working. 
</blockquote>
Majongwe added that the senior teachers were getting USDs and have, as a result, been pocketing way more than what teachers are earning, which is somewhat demoralising teachers in class.
Education ministry spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Taungana_Ndoro">Taungana Ndoro</a> said there was nothing amiss in giving allowances to senior members because it was the norm across all other government departments, as well as in the private sector.
He added that allowances in US dollars could be from partners including the British Council, Unicef or World Vision and the government “can’t stop them.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Senior Education Officials' "USD Allowances" Divide Teachers - Report

The president of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a>, Dr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takavafira_Zhou">Takavafira Zhou</a> has urged the government to address the plight of teachers whom he said have been reduced to mourning on payday.
In a statement seen by Pindula News this Tuesday, Zhou said in addition to the fact that teachers’ salaries are not enough, there are delays in paying them. He said:
<blockquote>
Today, a day teachers should have been visiting banks and accessing their pay, they have been reduced into national mourning. The majority of teachers have suffered heavy deductions and their bank balances indicate salaries ranging from $360 to $10,000. Worse still teachers have not been timeously receiving their payslips for the past two months and they are left wondering what these heavy deductions are emanating from. 
Is it coming from loan sharks trying to recover their money following govt ban of loans, is it deductions from February incapacitation, is it an increase of funeral policies and medical aid services, is it from the one-armed banditry Gems deduction etc, teachers wonder? 
Whatever it may be emanating from, there is no doubt that teachers are taken for a ride, and must collectively act together to end this insult and assault on their livelihoods. 
There is an urgent need for individual teachers to visit the nearest SSB sub-offices for an explanation, and convey that to their respective Unions. We also urge SSB and the line Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to timeously provide teachers with their payslips. 
It is imperative for teacher unions to meet urgently and chat a way forward, more so in light of the inundation of Union offices by teachers with complaints and flooding of the Union district, provincial and national chat groups with complaints. 
This assault on teachers’ pay comes at a critical juncture govt has continued to unilaterally deduct GEMs money from teachers who have long opted out, and teachers are struggling to pay exorbitant school fees and exam fees. Worse still govt promise to assist teachers to pay school fees for their children is proving to be elusive and evasive. Teachers are their own liberators from slave wages and assault on their livelihoods.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou, PTUZ President
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Teachers Reduced Into Mourning On Payday" - PTUZ President

A Bulawayo-based journalist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zenzele_Ndebele">Zenzele Ndebele</a>, has reported that some unnamed people visited a school in uMzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province asking why the learning institution’s uniform was yellow.
This follows some unverified reports that a verbal directive was made recently when school heads met in Marondera that teachers must not wear yellow when they come to work. Zenzele said on Twitter:
<blockquote>
Is wearing yellow now a crime?. I hear some people visited a school in uMzingwane District asking why the school uniform is yellow. 
</blockquote>
 
 
The reports are being made after the launch of the newly-formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party led by Nelson Chamisa.
It is argued by some observers that the move is meant to reduce the party’s popularity.
Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were fruitless as our calls were not not being picked.
Meanwhile, Dr Takavafira Zhou, the president of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) told Pindula News that they had received such reports.
He said the directive was not communicated formally or clearly. He told this reporter in an interview:
<blockquote>
Teachers across the country are reporting that the matter was discussed but we haven’t received a formal communication ourselves. Infact, there are some schools tha are being told to change their uniforms. In case someone is planning to put it into writing, we say this decree is a  nullity, schools cannot change uniforms on the basis that a new political party wears the same colour. What came first the school uniform or CCC? The law doesn’t operate in retrospection. 
</blockquote>
Zhou added that authorities deliberately give verbal instructions whenever they do illegal deals “just like the supension of teachers that were not put into writing. Nether the head office nor the provincial office issue any document.”
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

School Asked Why Its Uniform Is Yellow - Report

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTATS) has announced that it will recruit teachers to conduct the 2022 National household and population census but those who embarked on industrial action in February won’t be considered.
The process is scheduled to run from April 7 to April 30 this year. In a memorandum to all provincial education directors Wednesday, ZIMSTATS said: 
<blockquote>
The provincial education directors are directed to facilitate the smooth release of staff to take part in the national census and to take note of selection criteria for selecting teachers that take part in the national census…
Those teachers that took part in the industrial action witnessed in the first two weeks of the term shall be ineligible for selection of census duties
</blockquote>
ZIMSTATS said the government directed that only those teachers that had been consistently attending classes since the opening of schools in February 2022 should be considered for the census duties.
When schools opened on February 7 for the 2022 first term, teachers declared incapacitation, demanding that they be paid the pre-October 2018 salary of US$540.
This resulted in more than 50 school heads and 32 teachers being suspended from duty.
On Tuesday during the post-Cabinet media briefing, Information and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the number of teachers reporting for duty had risen to 94‚3%.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/03/teachers-to-conduct-census/">NewsDayZimbabwe</a>

ZIMSTATS Excludes Striking Teachers From Conducting Census

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has issued a statement in solidarity with striking health workers and lecturers at state institutions. PTUZ said an injury to one is an injury to all. Workers have been calling upon the government to restore the salaries they were getting prior to October 2018. Pindula News presents PTUZ’s statement below:
<blockquote>
<h2>PTUZ SOLIDARITY MESSAGE WITH HEALTH WORKERS AND LECTURERS </h2>
The PTUZ would like to express its solidarity with workers under the Health Apex, as well as lecturers and non-academic staff In universities and colleges throughout the country. It is an incontrovertible fact that these workers, like teachers are suffering due to underpayment by government, with the result that most have been unable to discharge their duties as they ought to. We believe that government should make a deliberate effort to break the cycle of incapacitatlons that have inundated the labour space that over the past few years.
We demand that government address the demands of lecturers, health workers and teachers as a matter of urgency. It does not make sense that the social service sector in the country is tittering on the brink of collapse while government pretends that all is well. The restoration of the purchasing power of the work as it existed at the beginning of 2018 is very necessary and urgent. Government should also cease the weaponization of laws against workers who have genuine grievances.
The government should also urgently align labour laws to the constitution, which it has failed to do In the 10 years since the inauguration of the current constitution.
An injury to one is an injury to all
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

PTUZ Solidarity Message With Health And Lecturers - "Injury To One Is Injury To All"

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has said the government has backed down on the suspension of all teachers who went on strike when schools resumed on 7 February. Teachers say the government’s failure or refusal thereof, to pay them US$540 they were being paid prior to October 2028 rendered them incapacitated to perform their duties. Pindula News presents PTUZ statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Which Way Forward?: Dilemma of Teachers’ Struggle</h2>
21 February 2022
The Great Question of the Day preoccupying teachers and general populace is “what would happen in schools tomorrow?” Will teachers report for work? Will they teach? It was within this framework that Ptuz leadership sought guidance from its PTUZ members following govt ultimatum that all teachers should report for work by tomorrow. The collated evidence from the ten provinces revealed that:
The major reason behind our incapacitation struggle, viz, US$540, has not been addressed.
Our initial momentum and unity in diversity across the teacher unions divide has been riddled following some teacher unions’ romance with govt and complicity in incapacitating teachers.
that as much as solidarity from other workers in Zimbabwe was welcome it fell far short where it matters most, viz, solidarity in action that could entice govt to address the plight of all workers in Zimbabwe.
Govt has been embarassed by teachers and was forced to back down on suspension of all teachers, but its potential to decimate divided educators remains realistic.
All provinces urged the Union to allow teachers to report for work between 22 and 25 February in order to continue fighting for US$540 without fallen heroes.
Collated evidence from provinces revealed that the best protection from the employer is unity of purpose in diversity and therefore teachers must return to our terrain of conflict, viz, schools to mobilise some fighters that have demobilized, so as to continue fighting for US$540.
Members also urged PTUZ leadership to continue engaging teacher union leaders inside and outside FOZEU, parliament, Education International and ILO over starvation wages received by teachers.
Members expressed that there will never be any meaningful teaching and learning in schools until govt pays US$540.
In light of the foregoing PTUZ leadership therefore reluctantly encourages teachers to:
report for work for a limited number of days per week until we are capacitated by the govt.
mobilise at school level in order to continue with the incapacitation struggle.
remain ready for a fresh full-throttle incapacitation struggle based on mobilisation levels in schools.
notify school heads in advance the date they will be reporting for work if they are not able to report for work by 22 February 2022.
to get organised and be ready to take party in a Petition March to Parliament within the next 14 days with our full demands.
We also urge the govt to address the quandary of incapacitation that teachers are facing as a matter of urgency. We reiterate to govt that given the levels of high incapacitation, many teachers may fail to report for work by 22 February and such teachers must never be deemed to have resigned. At any rate, govt can only cease salary for a teacher whose whereabouts are not known after 14 continuous working days. Such continuous working days lapse on 25 February. The govt has no locus standi to cease salaries of incapacitated teachers whose whereabouts are known. At law, only teachers that are absent from work for 30 continuous days can be deemed to have resigned.
Teachers and pupils are the best assets that Zimbabwe must treat well and with dignity. Govt arrogance and failure to address teachers’ challenges remain puzzling. As teachers, we must once again unite as brothers and sisters against incapacitation or else we will die as fools.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou, PTUZ President
Raymond Majongwe, PTUZ SG
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Embarrassed Govt Forced To Back Down On Suspension Of All Teachers" - PTUZ

The President of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takavafira_Zhou">Dr Takavafira Zhou</a> has said the union’s members decide the course of action and the best way forward on whether to report for work or not. He speaks after reports that he had encouraged PTUZ members to report for work this Monday. Since the 7th of February when schools resumed, some teachers have not been reporting for duty saying they are incapacitated despite the government increasing their salaries by 20 per cent and offering US$100. In response to the industrial action, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/02/10/salary-industrial-action-government-suspends-striking-teachers-without-pay/">the employer suspended those participating for three months without pay</a> leaving many confused. Some are for the continuation of the strike while some are considering going to work. Pindula News presents Zhou’s statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>PTUZ Members Decide Course of Action and Best Way Forward not Leaders</h2>
My phone has been inundated since morning by PTUZ members over a malicious Sunday Mail report that I have said PTUZ members are reporting for work tomorrow (Monday 14 February 2022). For the record, I never said that, but indeed I spoke to a Sunday Mail reporter by the name of Debra. I indicated to her that PTUZ leaders are conveyor belts that communicate what members would have agreed on. I unequivocally indicated to her that even if some teachers are willing to report for work I did not see how they could do that as they are incapacitated. I also reiterated that govt must have offered teachers a rescue package to afford them to report for work whilst they are waiting for the next payday as they are virtually incapacitated. Never in our discussion did I usurp members’ rights to decide a course of action collectively.
By way of this communique, I also request provincial chairpersons to swiftly collate provincial reports on members’ input and suggestions on the best way forward. My only candid advice is that members must be guided by PTUZ philosophy of making maximum gains and minimum losses. Any genuine struggle has casualties and we must be able to know our weaknesses and strengths as well as the weaknesses and strengths of the govt in order to fight a thousand battles without losing one. The uniform of a guerilla is the colour of his/her enemy. 
Venceremos.
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou, PTUZ President
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"PTUZ Members Decide Course Of Action And Best Way Forward, Not Leaders"

Some disgruntled parents in Harare have defended school teachers’ ongoing industrial action, saying the strike must spread to other sectors.
Schools reopened amid chaos Monday, with pupils being sent home after finding teachers absent from work.
The situation was the same in most schools on Tuesday and only a few schools were completely shut down while many were opened but without any learning taking place.
Some parents who came to pick their children told NewZimbabwe.com that every worker who is earning the Zimbabwean dollar must go on strike. Said one anonymous parent:
<blockquote>
Everyone must join the strike. Not only teachers, all workers who are earning the useless Zimbabwean dollar must go on strike. We are tired of poverty.
</blockquote>
Another parent said the ZW$20 000 that teachers are getting was insufficient for their welfare. Added the parent:
<blockquote>
We pay rent in foreign currency, school fees, transport, food all on that little amount. Strike ngaiende mberi. We are tired of the rtgs that does not even pay rent.
</blockquote>
Teachers’ unions have been calling the broader working class to join their campaign for better salaries and working conditions.
The government has threatened to withhold salaries for teachers who are not reporting for duty. It has also increased the salaries by 20 per cent across the board.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/parents-back-striking-teachers-call-for-widespread-industrial-action/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Some Parents Endorse Teachers' Salary Industrial Action

Teachers yesterday described the $16 500 that the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_School_Examinations_Council">Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC)</a> has offered them for marking examinations, as paltry and an insult to the profession.
In a statement, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> alleged that teachers who are marking examinations will be paid an equivalent of US$10.25 per day ($16 500) for 14 marking days. PTUZ said:
<blockquote>
Zimsec has sent out its contract for 2022 markers. No dinner, just tea and lunch. They will also pay US$10.25 per day in RTGS which we presume will cover dinner. This is impudence, hubris and nonsense all rolled into one.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amalgamated_Rural_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)</a> president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Masaraure">Obert Masaraure</a> said the council must pay allowances for teachers who invigilate and mark examinations. He added:
<blockquote>
They must formulate a contract with clear roles and responsibilities and payment modalities.
</blockquote>
But Zimsec spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini said the teachers had not yet informed the examination body about the complaints raised by their unions. Dlamini said:
<blockquote>
We cannot comment over social media issues.  We will wait for their formal letters to reach us first and then we will properly respond.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/29/teachers-declare-incapacitation-2/">Teachers’ unions have also highlighted that they will not turn up for work</a> when <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/28/full-text-schools-to-reopen-on-7-february-govt-relaxes-national-lockdown/">schools open for the first term</a> on Monday as they were incapacitated.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Mavima">Paul Mavima</a> recently said the government would not hesitate to implement a “no-work-no-pay” policy on truant teachers. 
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/zimsec-exam-makers-scoff-at-paltry-allowances/">NewsDay</a>

"This Is Nonsense," - Teachers Comment On Allowances Paid To ZIMSEC Examination Markers

The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has urged the government to use the time schools will be deferred to address the remuneration dispute with teachers. 
The union said it won’t make sense to reopen schools later on without the learning and teaching processes happening, as “our members will only work if the money is worth it, not this US$110.”
The teachers also want the government to look into their health and safety and of students when schools reopen amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
The government last week postponed the reopening of schools in 2022 as part of measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Only students who are returning to write the remainder of their 2021 Ordinary and Advanced level final examinations are returning to school this week.
However, PTUZ president Takafira Zhou says while the deferment of the opening of schools is welcome, it will be useless if the government does not use this period to engage teachers in meaningful dialogue, address their parlous salaries and conditions of service. He told NewZimbabwe.com:
<blockquote>
The government should also prioritise the health and safety of teachers and pupils by providing Covid-19 abatement equipment to schools, and testing teachers and pupils before conglomeration in schools. Any attempt to discard professional advice that we constantly give will be disastrous.
</blockquote>
Zhou called for the restoration of the purchasing power of teachers’ salaries pegged at US$540 they earned until 2018. 
The PTUZ also urged the government to act on the exorbitant school fees pegged by some schools. Most schools are pushing for school fee increases of up to 300% to cushion them against the depreciating local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/address-teachers-plight-ptuz-begs-govt-again/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Teachers Urge Government To Address The Remuneration Issue Before Schools Resume

Teachers’ unions have declared a deadlock with the government over the payment for invigilating examinations after Monday’s meeting failed to resolve the impasse.
The teachers want to be paid for invigilating the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) end-of-year examinations.
They met with the Primary and Secondary Education minister Evelyn Ndlovu, ZIMSEC officials and other education officials to press their issues.
The meeting failed to make headway with the educators saying none of their concerns was addressed. 
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said:
<blockquote>
The minister asked for time to solve teachers’ problems, including low salaries and invigilation allowances.
That being the case, our members will still not invigilate the examinations outside of a written contract with ZIMSEC.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Teachers Union chief executive Manuel Nyawo said teachers told Ndlovu that there was no reason for them to fight the government as all they needed was more disposable income.
But Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said it was encouraging to note the common ground reached. He said:
<blockquote>
It was resolved that in respect of invigilation, the unions must come up with a consolidated position paper and the minister would consider it for the way forward.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, examinations are already underway.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/11/govt-teachers-in-deadlock-over-zimsec-contract/">NewsDay</a>

Teachers Declare Deadlock With Govt Over Payment For Invigilating Exams

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Progressive_Teachers_Union_of_Zimbabwe">Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)</a> has written a letter to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_School_Examinations_Council">Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC)</a> expressing displeasure over the council’s stance on payment of invigilation allowances to teachers. ZIMSEC had notified the union that payment of teachers is the duty of the Public Service Commission. Pindula News presents PTUZ’s letter to ZIMSEC dated 17 November 2021 addressed to ZIMSEC’s director. 
<blockquote>
<h2>RE: INVIGILATION WITHOUT PAYMENT</h2>
We acknowledge receipt of your letter today responding to our letter, which we had also copied to other offices. It is therefore commendable that you have chosen to respond timeously to our letter.
However, we would like to express our displeasure with the response, in which your organization tries to wash its hands off the issue of payment for invigilation, choosing instead to engage in semantics. It is not untrue that the issue of payment for ZIMSEC duties has nothing to do with ZIMSEC, and that payment of teachers for your duties lies with their employer, the Public Service Commission. It would seem that both your organization and the PSC want to send teachers from pillar to post in the hope that we will tire of asking on the travesty of free invigilation.
We do remember that in the 2019 meeting you referred to, it was never agreed that payment for invigilation be left at the doorstep of the PSC. Rather ZIMSEC highlighted that it was underfunded and that its parent ministry, MOPSE and the PSC would appeal to Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to improve ZIMSEC’s financial position so that it could in a better position to pay invigilators. The reason why we were meeting with ZIMSEC is because we were aware, as we are still even now, that the running of public examinations is a preserve of ZIMSEC.
It is a fact that you pay item writers, who happen to be teachers, for work they do for your organization. You also pay school heads for examination management, and examiners for marking scripts, although they are also employed by the PSC. We are awake to the fact that ZRP details provide paid services also funded by ZIMSEC.
By copy of this letter, we would like to advise you that since the payment for invigilation is, in your judgement, a matter between ourselves and our employer, our members will only report for invigilation of your work when we finish engaging with the employer.
Yours faithfully
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Raymond_Majongwe">R Majongwe</a>
PTUZ Secretary-General
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Teachers Refuse To Invigilate ZIMSEC Exams Without Payment Of Allowances

The Progressive Teachers of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has written to the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) over the possibility that the union’s members will be forced to invigilate ZIMSEC examinations for free, against their will. Pindula News presents PTUZ’s letter.
<blockquote>
<h2>RE: INVIGILATION CONTRACTS</h2>
The above matter refers.
We write on behalf of our membership which is in a potential conundrum of being forced to invigilate examinations run by your organization for free, against their will. As an organization, we do look out for the interests of our members, therefore, we are exhorting you to activate the agreement we had in 2019 for the payment of teachers for invigilation of public examinations.
It is very unfortunate that the whole system, including yourselves and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) continue to prepare for examination under the impression that the forthcoming examination session will be business as usual, and that teachers will, as usual, donate their services and invigilate examinations without contracts.
It is also unfortunate and provocative that the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Finance have also ignored the agreement that was reached between teacher unions (TUZ, ZRTU, ZDTU, PTUZ, ZIMTA and PEUZ ) and MOPSE over the issue of invigilation. The said meeting was also attended by Dr V Hungwe (PSC Chairperson), yourself, Prof P Mavima ( then Minister of Primary and Secondary Education), Madam T Thabela (MOPSE Permanent Secretary) and Madam Chinabe (PSC Legal Advisor). For the record, our members are not workers of ZIMSEC, therefore, both ZIMSEC and MOPSE have no right to press-gang them into working for a parastatal, without valid written contracts enforceable at law.
By copy of this letter we, therefore, do hereby inform you that if there are no such contracts between ZIMSEC and teachers by the times the examinations start, our members will not be able to take part in invigilation processes. We do make this declaration knowing that the law is on our side, and that the only reason teachers previously invigilated your examinations was it erroneously appeared as part of their job description when in actual fact it was not hence our rightful and legitimate demand to be paid for the services rendered.
Given that you have increased their workload through CALAs, and that everyone else involved in national examinations such as item writers, markers and School Heads who manage the examinations are rightfully paid for that duty, it is imperative and trite at law that you undertake in writing to pay teachers should they offer invigilation services to your organization.
We trust you will find our request for contracts in order.
Yours faithfully
R Majongwe
PTUZ Secretary-General
CC: Minister, Primary and Secondary Education
Chairperson, Public Service Commission
Minister, Finance and Economic Development.
</blockquote>
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PTUZ Concerned By Reports Saying That Teachers Will Be Forced To Invigilate ZIMSEC Exams For Free

The president of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, Dr Takavafira Zhou has said Continuous Assessment Learning Areas (CALA) has disrupted learning and or teaching in schools. Zhou says both teachers and learners are now focusing on completing the projects at the expense of the syllabus. Pindula News presents Zhou’s statement on the matter. 

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CALAs Retrogressive as Teaching/Learning in Schools has Come to a Stand Still
The pre-occupation with Continuous Assessment Learning Areas (CALA) in schools in Zimbabwe has virtually crippled meaningful learning and teaching in schools. Against professional advice given by teacher unions, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has imposed upon teachers and learners the burdensome CALA of three projects per subject area, a total of 18 CALAs for a Grade 7 pupil and even more than 45 CALAs for an ‘O’ level learner. All this must be done before examinations. The cumulative effect is that teachers have stopped teaching in schools while learners have stopped learning in schools in order to focus on the defective CALAs.
One wonders how these students would write exams without covering the syllabus given the long period of lockdown due to covid 19 and the current pre-occupation with CALAs.
With several boarding schools becoming quarantine centres due to a quantum leap of covid infections of pupils and teachers in schools, and several day primary and secondary schools giving pupils affected two weeks sabbatical leave at their homes, the CALA projects have been difficult to do by learners, let alone monitor and supervise by teachers. Several other students under the incessant CALA pressure have turned to mercenaries to have CALAs done for them for US$10 per CALA project for Grade 7, and US$20 per CALA project for ‘O’ and ‘A’ level pupils. The level of confusion over CALA, lacking as they do standardised assessment tools across the country, effective training of teachers, limited time for effective supervision and monitoring of learners, coupled with mercenary element that has cropped into CALA, have cumulatively turned it into a useless exercise that is derailing teaching and learning in 2021. The 2021 results would be very bad as our prescription of educational challenges have been worse than the disease. It is sad that Ministry officials as always, are intransigent, irresponsible and adopting commandist approaches over issues that need engagement with teachers who in essence are the linchpin in the supervision of learners and on ensuring the success or failure of CALA.
It is sad that as a nation we are failing to adopt and adapt to the serious challenges faced by the education system in Zimbabwe. Planning in the comfort of offices has never been a prudent way as such offices are far detached from vagaries and realities in schools. Worse still occupying a big or spacious office is no substitute for critical thinking as knowledge does not come through an osmosis way that resonates with the occupation of a big office at Head Office. The level of bureaucratic red tape at the Head Office has become a liability in our education system. As Ptuz we reiterate our long-held view that there is no substitute for engagement in order to ensure the success of policy formulation and implementation in the education sector.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou, PTUZ President
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More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

Learning/Teaching Come To A Stand Still Due To CALAs - PTUZ

The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has said the government has ambushed parents and teachers by directing the reopening of schools.
This comes after the government’s announcement that examination classes would open on 30 August 2021, while non-examination classes would open on 6 September. Posting on Twitter, PTUZ said:
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Parents, teachers and learners have all been ambushed. Who has a stash of money just lying around to be used for fees or bus fare back to work? Government may be ready, but no one else is. The so-called salary was used up around payday for everyone. Anyone listening?
</blockquote>
PTUZ Secretary-General, Raymond Majongwe reiterated saying a number of issues needed to be addressed before schools reopen. He said:
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The truth is while school was supposed to start any time it was better for gvt to engage. There are serious issues of teachers who don’t have bus fare (incapacitated) others are waiting to be vaccinated. It seems gvt enjoys starting fights with its workers. We love our jobs.
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Responding to Majongwe, ZANU PF activist, Kudzai Mutisisaid teachers should not be talking about not being vaccinated considering that they were part of the groups invited to get the jab in March this year. He said:
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Vaccination for teachers open in March. Why didn’t you get your members vaccinated? Everyone is getting vaccinated now, why aren’t they getting vaccinated? Unions are a problem. They should be banned. U love silly activism.
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Some agreed with Majongwe that teachers are incapacitated saying their salaries are not sustainable. 
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

School Reopening: Teachers, Parents Ambushed - PTUZ

Stakeholders have expressed concern after it emerged that a local teacher was paid ZW$57 242.72 in terminal benefits after 26 years of service.
This amount translates to US$673 using the official exchange rate. However, using the widely accessible parallel market, this amount translates to US$380 using the black market rate.
The development startled and angered stakeholders with the president of the Progressive Teachers’ Union (PTUZ), Dr Takavafira Zhou describing the benefits as “academic terrorism.”
According to the PTUZ, the teacher received ZW$57 242.72 in terminal benefits following 26 years of service. 

The case of the teacher’s terminal benefits was shared by the PTUZ on social media platforms. The union shared the teacher’s letter which is dated 30 June 2021. In the post, PTUZ tagged the Public Service Commission, Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and PTUZ Secretary-General Raymond Majongwe. 
Commenting on the development, Takavafira Zhou said:
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Academic terrorism, educational genocide and vandalism is when government gives a teacher who has worked for more than 26 years a Pension refund less than a monthly salary of a police officer or a soldier.
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Others who responded to the development also had no kind words for the government using words like “satanism”, “witchcraft,” and “ridiculous,” to describe the terminal benefits.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

Teacher's Terminal Benefits For 26 Years Of Service Described As "Academic Terrorism,"

Teacher unions Wednesday claimed that about 50 school heads and several teachers tested positive for the coronavirus when schools reopened on Monday for examination classes.
The claims were made by Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou while the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) chief executive, Sifiso Ndlovu, also confirmed reports of the virus hitting school heads, learners and teachers.
Zhou blamed the government for failing to put in place adequate measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. He said:
<blockquote>As of yesterday, more than 50 school heads across the country tested positive to COVID-19, while several other teachers and pupils are vulnerable. The ministry has not come up with a robust approach to COVID-19, thereby leaving teachers and pupils vulnerable.
Indeed, 2020 must best be remembered as a wasted year in terms of starvation wages educators received and the failure to prioritise the health and safety of teachers and pupils. But if anything, 2021 may be worse.</blockquote>
Ndlovu confirmed the soaring cases of teachers testing positive for COVID-19, saying it was ill-advised to open schools when the country was recording a surge in new infections. He said:
<blockquote>Schools are likely to be clusters of spreaders in the wake of what we are witnessing. We have a problem given that testing is inadequate and expensive for educators and learners.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Edgar Moyo and Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education chairperson Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said they were yet to get the report.
The committee on Education report last year had recommended the closure of schools and had hoped the government would be able to deal with smaller numbers of those writing examinations.
Stakeholders have been opposed to the idea of reopening schools saying teachers and learners should stay at home to save their lives.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/01/50-school-heads-test-positive-to-covid-19/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

50 School Heads Test Positive For COVID-19

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