Zimbabwe’s schools reopened on a low note on Monday, as pupils were turned away from some schools because there were no teachers to conduct lessons.

 


Zimbabwe’s schools reopened on a low note on Monday, as pupils were turned away from some schools because there were no teachers to conduct lessons. 

This comes after various school teachers heeded to boycott calls by their various unions as very few teachers showed up for work even though students went to school in their numbers.

Many teachers failed to report for duty due to incapacitation and lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs). They are demanding wages in United States dollars and conditions that do not expose them to Covid-19.

One teacher from Mthombowesizwe Primary school in Entumbane who was interviewed by New Zimbabwe revealed that she only reported for duty because she feared the government might deal with those who fail to report for work.

“Honestly, I cannot wake up every day and waste my time here for just ZWL$3 000, it’s unthinkable. I also spend money on transport for me to get here.

“The reason why I am here today is just that I did not want to be victimized. Otherwise, if it continues like this, I will also not show up just like others,” she said.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) revealed that about 95 percent of its members failed to report for duty.

    “The response of the first day of opening was very encouraging. There were over 95 percent upsets of teachers in schools, confirming what we have highlighted to the government that teachers are incapacitated and that teachers could not be so silly to leave their own children at home whilst they are going to school to teach other people’s children.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)  president Obert Masarure also revealed that only one percent of its members reported for duty in Matabeleland North following the resumption of Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations classes.

    “Teachers failed to turn up for duty. A survey conducted by the ARTUZ today (Monday) revealed that about 5% of teachers showed up in Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North was the worst hit with around 1 percent of our teachers showing up for duty.

He implored on the government to engage with teachers as they have resolved to boycott learning until their salaries are reviewed and the issue of PPEs in schools is addressed.

    “We still urge the government to engage teachers so that normalcy can be restored in our schools. Teachers should be paid a living wage and we still demand US$520 for all teachers,” said Masaraure.

    “We will continue on this path until the value of our salaries is restored but on the World Teachers Day (October 5), we are going to escalate our struggle. We are going to take to the streets.”


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