Zimbabwe Teachers Divided Over Schools Opening

Patience Nhamburo

Zimbabwe’s second school term began today (Tuesday). And for the first time in two Years, schools opened at once unlike in the past when they opened in phases due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parents and students hoped the term would start without incident as they were worried teachers might not report for duty. But the teachers are divided.

Those under the Zimbabwe Teachers Association are reporting for duty while their grievances are being addressed.

Zimta chief executive, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu told ZTN that their members reported for duty.

“Our members have struggled to report for duty because of economic challenges, but they were present in schools. We advised them to report for duty, as we look to fix the issue of the bread basket, and not focus on the opening of schools”, he said.

President of the Progressive Teachers Union, Dr Takavafira Zhou spoke on how their members did not manage to report for duty, declaring incapacitation due to the low salaries they received and said their members will only return to work after their issues have been addressed.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said the second school term began without incident.

Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions president Cecilia Alexander said salary talks with their employer will be held this week.