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The Government has postponed the reopening of all day schools for the Third Term to Wednesday, 06 September 2023.
In a statement, Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Secretary, Ndavaningi Mangwana said boarding schools that had already received pupils should conduct lessons as normal. He said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to earlier communication on the deferment of the opening of schools in Zimbabwe.
Following further deliberations, Government announces that schools opening for all day schools countrywide has been deferred to Wednesday 06 September 2023.
Boarding schools that had already received pupils should proceed as normal.
</blockquote>
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education announced that the Third Term opening date for Harare schools had been moved to Wednesday the 6th of September.
The Ministry added that all other schools open as scheduled on Monday the 4th of September.
However, following the latest announcement, all day schools will now resume lessons on Wednesday.
No reasons have been given.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Govt Postpones Opening Of All Schools To 06 September

The Government has deferred the reopening of schools in Harare for the Third Term to Wednesday 6 September 2023.
All schools were scheduled to reopen on Monday, 04 September 2023 and while the date has not changed for the schools in the country’s other nine provinces, the holiday for learners in Harare has been extended by another two days.
The latest development was announced by Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Secretary, Ndavaningi Mangwana, who, however, did not give reasons for the postponement. <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1698308971965063313?s=20">Mangwana tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>
This is to notify that schools in Harare are now opening on Wednesday 6 September 2023.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education confirmed the postponement via a post on X, formerly Twitter. It said:
<blockquote>
<div class="css-1dbjc4n r-xoduu5">@MoPSEZim would like to notify all stakeholders that the third term opening date for Harare schools has been moved to Wednesday the 6th of September. All other schools open as scheduled on Monday the 4th of September.</div>
</blockquote>
Late last week, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had to refute social media claims that the commencement of the 2023 Third Term had been postponed to 14 September.
In a statement, the Ministry said schools will open on 04 September as planned, adding that any official changes regarding school openings would be communicated through formal channels and not through social media.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Schools In Harare To Reopen On 06 September

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said that 60 per cent of teachers nationwide reported for duty on Monday when schools opened for the first term.
The ministry’s spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told NewsDay that teachers at peri-urban and rural schools reported for duty while some educators were still on their way to their workplaces. Ndoro said:
<blockquote>
We had a 60% turnout of teachers nationwide. Those that did not report for duty are from metropolitan areas, while teachers from peri-urban and rural areas reported for duty. Other teachers are still en route to their stations.
</blockquote>
In Harare and Bulawayo and several other cities, teachers and school heads failed to report for duty citing “incapacitation”.
Educators are pushing the Government to pay their salaries in US dollars to cushion them from the rising cost of living.
In a statement on Monday evening, Primary and Secondary Education secretary Tumisang Thabela, however, claimed that the majority of teachers reported for duty. She said:
<blockquote>
Government is pleased to note that schools have opened, that the majority of teachers reported for duty and that the majority of schoolchildren were able to attend classes.
In instances where students and pupils were unable to attend, government awaits definitive information on the reasons, so as to respond appropriately.
</blockquote>
However, a parent from Highfields told NewsDay that she sent her children to Tsungayi Primary School, but they returned home as there were no teachers. She said:
<blockquote>
There were no teachers at the school. We saw officials from the Primary and Secondary Education ministry entering the school.
They must know that teachers are very important and must be paid well so that they report for duty.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) called on employers, including the Government, to pay their employees in US dollars. ZCTU said in a statement:
<blockquote>
Schools opened today with no word from the employer on the US dollar salaries for the dedicated suffering teacher.
The market is refusing Zimdollars and we demand that all workers be paid in US dollars as dictated by the market.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/chaos-as-schools-open/">NewsDay</a></h4>

We Had A 60 Per Cent Turnout Of Teachers Nationwide - Ministry

The Government has warned unnamed people who reportedly barred pupils from accessing schools this Monday that they will be dealt with in line with relevant procedures.
Schools opened this Monday for the 2022 first term, almost a month after the initial date (10 January), due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Thabela, on Monday said the Government was pleased with the huge turnout of both teachers and pupils when classes resumed today.
Reports indicate that in Harare and Bulawayo, learners were turned away as teachers embarked on a strike, citing “incapacitation”.
In a statement, Thabela said the Government is seized with addressing the issue of teachers’ remuneration and an announcement will be made once specific details have been finalised by the Ministry of Finance. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Government is pleased to note that schools have opened, that the majority of teachers reported for duty, and that the majority of schoolchildren were able to attend classes.
In instances where students and pupils were unable to attend, Government awaits definitive information on the reasons, so as to respond appropriately.
Regrettably, Government has noted that, in a few instances, learners were barred from accessing schools.
Government has been in discussion with its workers in the framework of the National Joint Negotiating Council, and, in its continuing sensitivity to the needs of its workers, is committed to the shared aspiration for the continuous improvement of conditions of service in the entire civil service.
In that regard, Government is seized with the positive adjustment of conditions for its workers within the current budgetary framework.
Those adjustments will be announced soon when specific details have been finalized by Treasury.
Government urges its workers to report faithfully at their workstations to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to the public. Access to education is the inalienable right of every child.
Deliberate interference with that right is a grave affront to the child, as well as to parents and guardians, apart from being an act of misconduct that cannot be tolerated.
Consequently, appropriate measures will be taken in line with relevant procedures.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Warns Teachers Against Shutting Down Schools

The government has implored schools not to send pupils home for failure to pay the full amount of fees on time but to make payment plans with parents and guardians.
Speaking to State media on Sunday, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said they want all pupils to be allowed to attend classes while parents engage schools authorities on payment plans. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
All things go ahead as both learners and teachers are ready for the resumption of examination classes.
In terms of school fees, schools are allowed to do payment plans with parents.
We want learners to go back to school first, parents should just engage authorities with their payment plans, but no one should be sent home.
</blockquote>
The three examination classes, that is Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six resume in-person learning this Monday.
They have 80 lesson days in the 16 weeks, with no exeat weekends and no public holidays.
Other classes, which start next Monday, have 75 school days in a 15-week term.
Meanwhile, parents have bemoaned the rise in the prices of food and uniforms and a rise in schools fees.
They also said it was hard to prepare for their children given the short notice.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/all-set-for-schools-reopening-parents-decry-steep-uniform-prices/">The Herald</a></h4>

No Learner Should Be Sent Home - Govt

Schools will close on 17 December and open on 11 January next year, the Chronicle reported.
The government announced on Wednesday that schools across the country will reopen in a staggered format, starting with learners who are sitting for public examinations this year.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on 28 June for the second term but due to a spike in COVID-19 infections, the government was forced to postpone face-to-face learning.
The government amended this year’s schools’ calendar which will see three examination classes (Upper Six, Form Four and Grade Seven) commencing on 30 August while the remaining ones resuming on 6 September.
The reopening of schools for the second term has now been set with a total of 80 teaching days and 24 vacation days.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/just-in-schools-to-close-eight-days-before-christmas/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Schools To Close On 17 December

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to release a revised school calendar soon after Cabinet on Wednesday announced the date for the resumption of classes.
Spokesperson in the Ministry Taungana Ndoro said a decision on school terms as well as calendar spelling out closing dates will be announced soon. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The ministry executive is in communities preparing for the resumption of classes as well as encouraging everyone to come back to school. The Permanent Secretary will release the schools’ calendar possibly before the end of the week.
</blockquote>
Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said schools reopen on Monday next week for examination classes and a week later for the rest of the grades and forms. She said:
<blockquote>
Regarding Primary and Secondary Education, the collaboration between the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education, and Health and Child Care has buttressed the sector’s COVID-19 prevention and management systems.
The two Ministries met with provincial teams to evaluate progress in the implementation of the Joint Operational Plan of the Standard Guidelines for the Coordinated Prevention and Management of COVID-19 at Learning Institutions.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education also met with teacher organisations and deliberated on the safe re-opening of schools, among other issues.
Noting with satisfaction the preparations for the resumption of classes in schools, Cabinet is advising that schools will re-open on 30 August 2021 for examination classes, and on 6 September 2021 for non-examination classes.
As such, the inter-city and intra-city transportation for learners will be allowed during school re-opening periods, subject to close monitoring by law enforcement agencies.
</blockquote>
Restaurants, badly hit by the higher level lockdowns, now join churches in being able to give normal service to the fully vaccinated, that is the more than 1,5 million Zimbabweans who have had both doses. 
Patrons who want a sit-down meal will have to present their vaccination cards as they enter and obey strict COVID-19 protocols which will include sanitisation and social distancing.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-reopen-next-week/">The Herald</a></h4>

New School Calendar To Be Released Soon

The government has announced the dates for the reopening of schools which was delayed by the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said schools will reopen on 30 August 2021 for examination classes and on 6 September 2021 for non-examination classes.
Mutsvangwa also said intercity and intracity transportation, which was banned when the government tightened lockdown measures two months ago, will be allowed to transport learners. She said:
<blockquote>
Noting with satisfaction the preparations for the resumption of classes in schools, Cabinet is advising that schools will re-open on 30 August 2021 for examination classes, and on 6 September 2021 for non-examination classes.
As such, the inter-city and intra-city transportation for learners will be allowed during school re-opening periods, subject to close monitoring by law enforcement agencies.
</blockquote>
She also revealed that restaurants are now allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated subject to the production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, which include wearing face coverings, social distancing and hand sanitising.
Mutsvangwa said the government has so far acquired 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, out of the 20 million required in order to achieve herd immunity. She said on the advice of scientists, the vaccination programme will be extended to the 14-17 year age group. 
The government will, “in the spirit of regional cooperation and solidarity,… donate 20 000 doses of vaccines to the Government of Namibia”, Mutsvangwa further revealed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Govt Announces Dates For Schools Reopening

The government says it has allocated ZWL$500 million to schools as part of its commitment to ensuring that they reopen in a safe environment for both learners and teachers.
Last week (Friday), government representatives and teachers’ unions held a virtual meeting where the teachers’ representatives managed, for the first time, to air their grievances.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told NewsDay that the government will also speak with different teachers’ unions on the way forward. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
The ministry has always been concerned with ensuring quality education in schools. We welcome all unions that represent teachers for the betterment of the educational system.
However, the ministry also represents about two-thirds of the teachers who are not subscribing to any union.
Therefore, the government always strives to avail the required resources to meet the needs of both learners and teachers for a flourishing education system.
</blockquote>
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure said during the meeting, teachers raised a number of grievances, including that parents could not afford to foot the bill for PPEs. He said:
<blockquote>
We highlighted the unpreparedness of schools to open given the government’s reluctance to assist in safe schools’ opening.
ARTUZ bemoaned the fact that the government had issued a decree for parents to entirely foot the bill for the implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) disregarding the fact that citizens had their savings and livelihoods eroded by COVID-19-induced lockdowns.
The ministry admitted that this was an error and the government had reserved $500m for schools for the SOPs.
</blockquote>
In June the government postponed the reopening of schools but last month President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered that preparations should begin.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ)<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/11/consider-reopening-schools-after-mid-september-teachers-tell-govt/"> recently called for the reopening of schools after mid-September,</a> based on the premise that more vaccinations and high temperatures would have by then lowered COVID-19 cases.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/08/govt-meets-teachers-over-schools-reopening/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt, Teachers Meet Over Schools Reopening

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is inspecting schools across the country to ensure they are compliant with COVID-19 control protocols before the date for the resumption of classes is announced.
The nationwide inspection of schools includes private and mission schools and is meant to ascertain if adequate measures, informed by World Health Organisation guidelines are in place.
Speaking after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
Assessments on the state of preparedness for the safe re-opening of schools are ongoing across all provinces.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has redoubled efforts towards the targeted provision of tents, additional furniture, reliable water sources, ablution facilities, and the de-congestion of teacher accommodation. Testing for COVID-19 is also being escalated in communities.
</blockquote>
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has however cautioned against rushing to reopen schools without ensuring the safety of learners and pupils.
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/11/consider-reopening-schools-after-mid-september-teachers-tell-govt/">Consider Reopening Schools After Mid-September, Teachers Tell Govt</a></h2>
</li>
</ul>
The PTUZ on Tuesday said schools should be reopened after mid-September to allow more teachers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and also the high temperatures would have by then lowered coronavirus cases.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-re-opening-preps-advanced/">The Herald</a></h4>

"Govt Redoubles Efforts To Ready Schools For Reopening"

The government has postponed the reopening of schools for the second term by a further two weeks as a result of rising coronavirus infections and deaths linked to the virus.
This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday afternoon.
Schools were scheduled to open on 28 June for the second term but an increase in coronavirus infections forced Government to postpone face-to-face learning.
This was the second time this year for the government to postpone the reopening of schools as it did the same in January after COVID-19 cases increased.
An adjusted level four lockdown is currently in place, with a dusk to dawn curfew was in place, intercity travel was banned, and businesses directed to operate between 8 AM to 3.30 PM.

Schools Reopening Deferred By Another Two Weeks

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it expects to get a directive from Cabinet today on when schools will reopen.
Schools were scheduled to open on 28 June for the second term but an increase in coronavirus infections forced Government to postpone face-to-face learning.
This was the second time this year for the government to postpone the reopening of schools as it did the same in January after COVID-19 cases increased.
An adjusted level four lockdown is currently in place, with a dusk to dawn curfew was in place, intercity travel was banned, and businesses directed to operate between 8 AM to 3.30 PM.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/02/govt-reviews-implementation-of-calas/">READ MORE: Govt Reviews Implementation Of CALAs</a>
In an interview with State media on Monday, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry communications and advocacy director Taungana Ndoro said:
<blockquote>Let’s wait for Cabinet meeting tomorrow. It (Cabinet) is expected to guide us on when schools shall reopen.</blockquote>
Matabeleland North acting provincial medical director Munekayi Pandingani said there is a need to break the cycle of new infections before schools reopen.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/07/09/teachers-schools-will-not-open-any-time-soon/">READ MORE: Teachers: Schools Will Not Open Any Time Soon</a>
He said this while responding to Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema who wanted to get a medical opinion on when schools should reopen during the Matabeleland North COVID-19 Provincial Taskforce meeting on Sunday.
Meanwhile, teachers’ unions have urged the government to postpone the reopening of schools to August or until the COVID-19 infections have gone down.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/cabinet-to-decide-on-reopening-of-schools/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Cabinet To Decide On Reopening Of Schools

The government has dispatched inspectors to schools across the country to assess their readiness to reopen for the Second Term.
This was revealed by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday. She said:
<blockquote>With regard to primary and secondary education, the nation is advised that in preparation for the opening of schools for the Second Term, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has instituted the following contingency measures; Inspection visits being carried out to assess the state of preparedness at all boarding schools, high enrolment day schools and schools with very limited infrastructure; Ensuring adequate WASH provisions at every school; Completion of COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control training workshops for teaching and non-teaching staff; Confirmation of COVID-19 essential supplies in all districts.</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet resolved that exemption mechanisms (such as exemption letters), which were used during the first lockdown in 2020, will be reactivated with immediate effect.
She said visits by senior Government officials to Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Midlands and Mashonaland West established that funerals were identified as super-spreaders of COVID-19 and as a result, traditional leaders have been implored to be more forceful in the enforcement of lockdown regulations.
The report on the COVID-19 situation in the provinces also revealed that there is a shortage of PPEs, misinformation on vaccines about their alleged negative effects and a shortage of health care workers at some stations.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-deploys-inspectors-ahead-of-schools-opening/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Preparations For The Reopening Of Schools Ongoing - Govt

Teachers’ unions have welcomed the decision by the government to delay the reopening of schools following an increase in COVID-19 cases.
They also called on the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to strengthen distance learning to help pupils cover the gap for the lost time.
Schools were expected to reopen on 28 June for the second term of the year but a surge in coronavirus infections resulted in Cabinet on Tuesday deferring schools opening by two weeks.
The government said the reopening of schools will be determined by an assessment that will be made at the end of the period.
National Association of Secondary Schools president Arthur Maphosa said Cabinet decision was timely as schools could be virus super spreaders. He said:
<blockquote>There could not have been a better decision that the Government could have taken as a result of the recent spike in cases.
We observe that some of our pupils are coming from districts that have been declared COVID-19 hotspots.
Others are coming from areas that have been placed on localised lockdown.
The reopening of schools could have seen learners travelling back to their learning institutions and this could have become a super spreader of the virus.
Hence, we applaud the Government’s decision to postpone the reopening of schools.</blockquote>
Maphosa however, said that there is an urgent need to strengthen distance learning as most learners have no access to online learning tools. He said:
<blockquote>However, the online learning measures are seriously restricted to a few as most of the pupils live in rural areas where there are access challenges.
Therefore, we hope that when schools reopen Government will come up with a catchup strategy that will help pupils cover the gap for the lost time.
We need a serious strategy that targets examination classes as most of them did not cover much ground last year.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said it was plausible for the country to be science-led in dealing with COVID-19. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>Education cannot wait, the country is competing with other countries to produce the best human resources and also to create an opportunity for economic development.
So when we shut down education, we are delaying the future and that must not be our mode of operation in response to the pandemic.
While it is plausible that we are advised by science and statistics of the dangers of the pandemic, we must plan to mitigate those dangers.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/teachers-commend-schools-reopening-delay/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Teachers Welcome Schools Reopening Delay

The majority of schools have adopted the COVID-19 standard operating procedures such as temperature checks, sanitising, wearing of masks and social distancing.
Schools opened for examination classes last week, with non-examination classes also resuming lessons yesterday, nearly three months after escalating coronavirus cases forced premature school closures.
Some schools have resorted to hot-sitting and alternate learning days to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
In Harare, Borrowdale Primary School has halved classes, meaning half the school is in classrooms on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remainder learning online.
The two groups then swop from Wednesday to Friday. Borrowdale Primary School Head Charles Chisekochevana told ZTN:
<blockquote>The term has started off very well and it is all because of the preparations that we made in terms of cleaning, provision of sanitisers and washing basins.
Overall, we are following the standard operating procedures outlined by (the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education).
Our children have now adapted and understand the (rationale) behind social-distancing and sanitisation.
In terms of social-distancing; each class is now using two classrooms so that we maintain the distance. We have infants who we have now put on staggered learning.</blockquote>
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro on Monday <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/22/no-alternating-for-examination-classes-ndoro/">said examination classes are required to attend school daily</a> as Government moves to catch up on lost time due to the closure of schools for the better part of the first term.
Ndoro added that for non-examination classes, they can alternate if only the school has a huge enrollment or they have a justifiable explanation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2021/03/covid-19-forces-new-class-arrangements/">ZTN</a></h4>

Corona Forces Schools To Make New Class Arrangements

Zimbabwe’s schools reopened on Monday for non-examination classes with teachers reporting for duty in large numbers while there were few pupils at most schools.
Information ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana confirmed the development on his Twitter handle, saying:
<blockquote>Surprisingly, it is the students who registered less than 100% turnout in some schools such as Munondo Primary, Daikieth and Windsor Primary School (in Goromonzi).</blockquote>
Several teachers’ unions had said their members are incapacitated to report for duty but Mashonaland West provincial education director Gabriel Mhumha said there was a high teacher turnout in the province. He said:
<blockquote>Today, we witnessed more teachers reporting for work than students reporting for school. The teachers’ percentage turnout was around 90%-100%, while students’ turnout was around 70%-95%.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that over 90% of teachers had heeded the call to strike. He said:
<blockquote>We have embarked on a nationwide protest under the banner #SaveOurEducation. We are demanding that the government resolves the incapacitation of teachers as our salaries should be restored to pre-October 2018 levels, where we were earning salaries ranging between US$520 and US$550.</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said they supported ARTUZ’s stance and called for dialogue between the government and teachers.
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers Union (ZRTU) national co-ordinator Wonder Nyapokoto said teachers are financially incapacitated and can only go to work once a week.
But Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said there were no protests and the ministry was happy with the teachers’ and pupils’ turnout.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Mangwana said the high teacher turnout proves that teacher unions that have called for a strike are med up of a few activists who do not represent teachers’ interests. He wrote:
<blockquote>Teacher turnout in schools yesterday proved that certain unions comprise a few activists and do not represent the interests of teachers. We are all products of the noble teaching profession and applaud those who push learners future ahead of their narrow political interests.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/03/pupils-snub-schools-opening-day/">NewsDay</a></h4>

High Teacher Turnout As Non-Examination Classes Resume

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said that it is expecting all teachers to report for duty on 15 March when schools open for the first term.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro told NewsDay on Monday that schools have already been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) for both learners and teachers. He said:
<blockquote>Government is expecting a 100% upward trajectory of teachers returning to work on March 15.
Schools have already been provided with proper personal protective equipment for students and teachers to use as the 2021 learning calendar commences.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, teachers’ unions are divided over whether their members would report for duty when schools open next week.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) have both said their members are financially incapacitated to report for duty.
However, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) chief executive Sifiso Ndlovu yesterday urged teachers to report for duty saying they should not mix the issue of salaries and that of safety from the coronavirus at schools. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>We are saying let us get support from every corner to ensure that the opening of schools is a success and we should not mix COVID-19 issues with the perennial issue of teachers’ welfare and salaries because the closure of schools was due to COVID-19 challenges.
The issue of salaries is a permanent feature that can never be exhausted even in developed countries, and right now, the issue at hand is about addressing the safety of teachers and students when schools open during COVID-19.</blockquote>
Ndlovu added that teachers’ unions risk losing public sympathy is they continued to hold leaners at ransom over salaries. He said:
<blockquote>I do not think that the other unions will get public support by continuing to advance the issue of salaries at the expense of the learners.
I would encourage my colleagues to desist from marrying the issue of COVID-19 with the issue of salaries.
Our position is clear, that we should ensure that students get back to school in a safe environment.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/03/ministry-confident-of-100-teacher-turnout/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Govt Expects All Teachers To Report For Duty

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has not given schools a fixed fees structure but schools should involve parents in the pegging of fees before headteachers seek consent from Government for any increase.
This was said by the Director of Communications in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Taungana Ndoro.
Ndoro said in coming up with fees proposals, schools authorities should ensure that the fees are within the reach of parents and guardians. He said:
<blockquote>We have not given schools a fixed fees structure. We are going to deal with the school fees increment on a case-by-case basis.
We have said that schools will make their proposals for school fees increments and submit them to the ministry.
This depends on their budget and proposed developmental projects to be undertaken by the school.
So there are some fees structures that can be approved at the provincial level while other proposed fees would have to be approved at the ministry head-office.
We also want to ensure that the fees are realistic and within reach. We also want to avoid exorbitant fees structures so parents will also have to consent to the proposed school fees.</blockquote>
Schools are set to reopen on 15 March for examination classes and on 22 March for non-examination classes.
The schools’ calendar for 2021 will see the holidays being reduced to three weeks to enable all three terms to fit into the calendar year.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/parents-get-powers-to-peg-school-fees/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

No Umbrella Structure On School Fees - Ndoro

Teachers have called upon the government to stick to the November 2020 conditions of service agreement by paying them the minimum US$550 at the interbank rate and to be vaccinated against the coronavirus ahead of the phased reopening of schools later this month.
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Paul Mavima, said teachers should not worry as the National Joint Negotiation Council (NJNC) engagement was in progress.
Mavima added that the issue of vaccination will be addressed through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. He said:
<blockquote>The engagement is in process. NJNC will meet soon to discuss those issues. We are pushing Treasury for speed on that issue. The other specific issues such as vaccination are addressed through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) president Richard Gundani said teachers and ancillary staff need to be vaccinated before schools reopen and the US$550 minimum salary threshold needs to be paid for the education system to be functional. Said Gundani:
<blockquote>There are so many fears, fears of the unknown and the Government should create confidence so that we are vaccinated so that we are protected against COVID-19 before we open the schools.
What is good is that we have the November 2020 agreement which agreed that the salaries and allowances for all teachers are going to be reviewed reverting to the 2018 level when the salaries were around US$550 and this is the minimum requirement needed for the education system to be functional.</blockquote>
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) said the government was supposed to engage teachers through all teachers’ unions and agree on solutions to a number of issues affecting teachers before announcing the school opening date.
ARTUZ spokesperson Nation Mudzitirwa and PTUZ secretary for research Josiphat Gwezhira concurred that teachers are currently incapacitated and they’re demanding the 2018 salary structure and the provision of PPEs.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/teachers-call-for-vaccination-before-schools-reopen/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Teachers Call For Vaccination, US$550 Salaries Before Schools Reopen

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Tumisang Thabela and announced the revised school calendar for 2021.
Schools will re-open for the 2021 calendar on a phased approach with examination classes commencing on March 15 while the rest of the learners will resume classes on March 22.
Teachers for examination classes are required to report for duty on March 10 while the rest are supposed to be at their workplaces by March 17.
Below is the calendar in full:
FIRST TERM
Begins (Exam Classes): Monday 15 March 
Begins (Non-exam classes): Monday 22 March 
Ends: Friday 04 June 
Public Holidays: 8 
No. of School Days: 56 days 
Exeat Weekends: None 
Vacation: 23 days
SECOND TERM:
Begins: Monday 28 June 
Ends: Friday 10 September 
Public Holidays: Two 
No. of School Days: 53 days 
Exeat Weekends: None 
Vacation: 23 days
THIRD TERM
Begins: Monday 04 October 
Ends: Friday 17 December 
Public Holidays: None 
No. of School Days: 55 days 
Exeat Weekends: None 
Vacation: 23 days

Govt Releases Revised 2021 School Calendar

Schools will not break for the traditional first school holidays incorporating the Easter and Independence Day holidays.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on Wednesday, however, said there would be no classes on these public holidays which run from Friday, 2 April (Good Friday) to Monday, 5 April (Easter Monday) 2021.
The school calendar for this year has not yet been announced but it is likely that there will be three normal-length terms each of 60 teaching days.
This entails that there will be very short school holidays once weekends and public holidays have been taken into account.
Traditionally schools open for the first term early in January, with the first term ending shortly before the late March and April public holidays and the second term ending just before the Heroes and Defence Forces.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal school calendar has been set aside and a new calendar is expected to be finalised before the 15th of March.
On Tuesday, the government announced a phased reopening of schools, with examination classes commencing on 15 March while the rest of the learners will resume classes on 15 March.
In her post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>Cabinet agreed that the school calendar for 2021 starts on a slightly phased approach, with the examination classes opening on 15th March and the rest on 22nd March 2021.
Teachers for examination classes should therefore report for duty on the 10th of March, and the rest on 17th March, 2021.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/short-holidays-under-new-school-calender/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Short Holidays Under New School Calendar

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has urged the government to provide at least the minimum amount of resources needed to curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools so that learning can resume.
ZIMTA chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu acknowledged that the government has no capacity to avail all the resources needed by schools for COVID-19 prevention measures, hence the need for a compromise. He said:
<blockquote>The truth of the matter is that there won’t be sufficient resources to meet the demands of COVID-19 prevention measures and as such a compromise must be made and that is where we bring in the issue of dialogue. We need to have a basic minimum that has to be met.
For example, we should know how primary pupils are affected by COVID-19 as well as their teachers. We should prepare to live with the virus.
We can’t be running away from the virus by continuously opening and closing our schools but we have to come up with measures to mitigate rapid infections in schools.</blockquote>
Ndlovu also called upon authorities to come up with a catch-up programme that will compensate for lost time as well as the provision of an incentive for teachers. He said:
<blockquote>We should agree on a catch-up programme and what motivation tools to be provided so that teachers can go the extra mile to ensure pupils catch up in addition to their normal teaching programme.
We need to rethink the timetabling of the school’s calendar. What does it mean? We have to change, do we still have a one-month long break or a one week to two weeks’ vacation.</blockquote>
Schools were set to reopen on the 4th of January but the idea was shelved indefinitely by the government following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Teachers_Association_(ZIMTA)" rel="noopener" target="_blank">For more on the Zimbabwe Teachers Association, please click here.</a>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/official-school-calendar-next-week/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZIMTA Pushes For The Reopening Of Schools

School heads who turned away pupils when schools reopened on Monday said they did not want to risk the health of learners as they had no thermometers, sanitisers or face masks.
Several school heads told the Chronicle on condition of anonymity that they were still waiting for personal protective equipment (PPEs) from Government and extra teachers to take other classes. One of the school heads said:
<blockquote>We can’t put these pupils in danger. We don’t have enough thermometers, sanitisers, masks and the idea of attending two classes since one class is divided into two is not going on well with teachers.
So, the pupils have been turned away as we wait for the Ministry to provide the PPE and extra teachers to take other classes.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said they were yet to receive a detailed report following the reopening of schools on Monday.
Ndoro however, said the provincial education directors and district education officers were on the ground assessing the situation.
He admitted that there could have been cases where pupils were turned away for various reasons but said the ministry was working on the issues.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-rules-at-schools-sports-suspended-handshakes-hugs-banned/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

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