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Zimbabwe teachers bemoan poor working conditions
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Zimbabwean teachers have raised alarm over worsening working conditions, accusing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of piling extra duties on them despite poor pay and lack of resources.
Educators say their workload has increased as colleagues resign or take early retirement, leaving those who remain overstretched. "We are seriously being abused by the government," said one teacher. "They pay us far below the poverty datum line and force us to work during holidays, yet we and our families gain nothing from it. Some of us cannot even afford school fees for our own children while we teach other people's children."
Veteran educationist Benny Moyo, who retired after more than 35 years of service but now survives on a meagre US$30 pension, warned that the current environment is stifling productivity. "Teachers should not be blamed for poor results. The government must create an environment that respects and promotes them," he said.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou confirmed receiving reports of harassment, noting that over 15 000 teachers are leaving the profession each year. "Holiday duties are a prerogative of school administrators. Forcing ordinary teachers to do it without allowances is harassment. Pathetic salaries and frustrations are draining the sector and compromising quality education," Zhou said.
South Africa-based educationist Nkosilathi Ncube echoed the concerns, urging teachers to unite against unfair labour practices. "Pay them according to their qualifications and years of service. Provide incentives, reduce working days, and treat them with respect. Otherwise, many will die poor and ridiculed in their communities," he said.
Nkayi Community Parliament Speaker, Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, added that teachers were being crushed by an "undemocratic environment" both in the profession and in the country at large. "Physically exhausted and emotionally drained teachers and learners will never bring good results. Overburdening them will only lead to burnout," he warned.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro had promised to comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
Educators say their workload has increased as colleagues resign or take early retirement, leaving those who remain overstretched. "We are seriously being abused by the government," said one teacher. "They pay us far below the poverty datum line and force us to work during holidays, yet we and our families gain nothing from it. Some of us cannot even afford school fees for our own children while we teach other people's children."
Veteran educationist Benny Moyo, who retired after more than 35 years of service but now survives on a meagre US$30 pension, warned that the current environment is stifling productivity. "Teachers should not be blamed for poor results. The government must create an environment that respects and promotes them," he said.
South Africa-based educationist Nkosilathi Ncube echoed the concerns, urging teachers to unite against unfair labour practices. "Pay them according to their qualifications and years of service. Provide incentives, reduce working days, and treat them with respect. Otherwise, many will die poor and ridiculed in their communities," he said.
Nkayi Community Parliament Speaker, Nhlanhla Moses Ncube, added that teachers were being crushed by an "undemocratic environment" both in the profession and in the country at large. "Physically exhausted and emotionally drained teachers and learners will never bring good results. Overburdening them will only lead to burnout," he warned.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro had promised to comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
Source - Newsday
