News / National
Zimbabwe govt shuns crucial teachers' talks
10 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwean government is facing mounting criticism for its refusal to engage with teachers, despite growing calls for dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse over salaries and deteriorating working conditions. As schools officially reopen for the new term today, educators are expressing frustration and demanding action.
Teachers' unions have been vocal throughout last year, repeatedly calling for meetings with government officials to address the crippling challenges facing the education sector. However, the government has remained evasive, ignoring these pleas and effectively closing the door on meaningful dialogue.
In response, teachers' representatives have decided to meet and strategize on how to handle the government's apparent indifference.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) President Takavafira Zhou condemned the government's lack of engagement at a crucial time for the education system.
"As PTUZ, we are still in the process of engaging our members and other unions over the course of action to take as a collective," Zhou said.
"We are, however, perturbed by government's arrogance at a critical time of our education system. Many teachers have, as of now indicated that they are ill-prepared for opening schools and have no money to pay fees for their own children, let alone travel to their respective schools."
Zhou emphasized that isolated attempts to address teachers' concerns will not yield meaningful results. He called for unity among teachers across union divides and greater collaboration to push for effective solutions.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera echoed the need for collective bargaining and collaboration among teachers.
"We work together as a confederation," Taderera said.
"We need a collaborative approach and we continue consulting each other on the best way forward."
Despite these concerns, schools are set to open today, with teachers expected to report for duty. However, the situation remains tense as teachers grapple with mounting challenges.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has initiated a week-long protest from January 14 to January 21, 2025, to push for improved working conditions. Artuz Secretary-General Robson Chere detailed the dire financial situation teachers face, citing the burden of unpaid salaries and the call for a US$200 hardship allowance for every term's opening month.
"This will go a long way to cure the perennial incapacitation crisis," Chere stated in a letter to the Public Service Commission secretary.
In response, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro dismissed the teachers' threats of protests, confidently stating that schools will open smoothly and as scheduled.
"Yes, schools will open as usual and smoothly so. We are all raring to go and it's all hands on deck," Ndoro said.
Teachers' unions have been vocal throughout last year, repeatedly calling for meetings with government officials to address the crippling challenges facing the education sector. However, the government has remained evasive, ignoring these pleas and effectively closing the door on meaningful dialogue.
In response, teachers' representatives have decided to meet and strategize on how to handle the government's apparent indifference.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) President Takavafira Zhou condemned the government's lack of engagement at a crucial time for the education system.
"As PTUZ, we are still in the process of engaging our members and other unions over the course of action to take as a collective," Zhou said.
"We are, however, perturbed by government's arrogance at a critical time of our education system. Many teachers have, as of now indicated that they are ill-prepared for opening schools and have no money to pay fees for their own children, let alone travel to their respective schools."
Zhou emphasized that isolated attempts to address teachers' concerns will not yield meaningful results. He called for unity among teachers across union divides and greater collaboration to push for effective solutions.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZTA) Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera echoed the need for collective bargaining and collaboration among teachers.
"We work together as a confederation," Taderera said.
"We need a collaborative approach and we continue consulting each other on the best way forward."
Despite these concerns, schools are set to open today, with teachers expected to report for duty. However, the situation remains tense as teachers grapple with mounting challenges.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has initiated a week-long protest from January 14 to January 21, 2025, to push for improved working conditions. Artuz Secretary-General Robson Chere detailed the dire financial situation teachers face, citing the burden of unpaid salaries and the call for a US$200 hardship allowance for every term's opening month.
"This will go a long way to cure the perennial incapacitation crisis," Chere stated in a letter to the Public Service Commission secretary.
In response, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro dismissed the teachers' threats of protests, confidently stating that schools will open smoothly and as scheduled.
"Yes, schools will open as usual and smoothly so. We are all raring to go and it's all hands on deck," Ndoro said.
Source - newsday
