Zimbabwe recruits 2 500 teachers

The government has taken significant measures to strengthen various sectors in September. This included the recruitment of 2,500 teachers to enhance the workforce in schools and an 18 percent increase in social protection funding, amounting to $867 billion. Additionally, substantial funding, totaling $555.5 billion, was allocated to a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country during the same month.

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, presented these developments during a Cabinet meeting.

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, underscored the government's dedication to utilizing local resources for the nation's development.

He noted, "In September, tax revenues amounting to Z$2.7 trillion and non-tax revenues amounting to Z$6.3 billion were mobilized."

Furthermore, Dr. Muswere detailed that the government met its financial obligations, with employment costs amounting to Z$1.083 trillion for September 2023. These payments encompassed recent adjustments made in July 2023, as well as the recruitment of 2,500 teachers in September 2023.

The Treasury disbursed Z$867 billion for the government's social protection initiatives, exceeding the target by 18 percent. The funding also extended to infrastructure development, such as road construction and various projects in sectors like education and healthcare.

The government's focus on agricultural preparation for the upcoming summer cropping season was emphasized. Farmers were granted until November 15 to complete land preparation. Despite projections of normal to below-normal rainfall, the government is aiming for a bumper harvest in the 2023/2024 summer season.

Dr. Muswere shared that the country remains food secure, with sufficient maize and traditional grains stocks, lasting approximately 10.8 months at the current consumption rate. The country also maintains a wheat reserve of 9.4 months.

The government intends to employ different financing models to support farmers during the cropping season. The target for the 2023/2024 summer season includes the production of 2.8 million tonnes of maize, 120,000 tonnes of soya beans, 150,000 tonnes of sunflower, 350,000 tonnes of sorghum, 92,658 tonnes of pearl millet, and 270,000 tonnes of cotton.

Seed availability for these crops is confirmed, with an emphasis on early to ultra-early maturity varieties. The government is supporting farmers through programs like Pfumvudza/Intwasa, facilitated bank financing, private sector involvement, and self-financing.

Dr. Muswere encouraged farmers to seek information on crop varieties from Agricultural Extension officers and assured the availability of sufficient fertilizer stocks.

Preparations for the farming season have advanced, including the establishment of farmer field schools and a commitment to complete three plots per farmer by the extended deadline of November 15, 2023. A substantial fleet of 13,628 tractors is available for tillage.

The government has also allocated 70,316 hectares for maize production under irrigation, with a potential yield of up to 500,000 tonnes.