THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has with immediate effect suspended all teachers who have been absenting themselves from duty since the reopening of schools on February 7, 2022.
By Michael Gwarisa
In a statement, Education Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said, “The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education would like to inform the Nation and its valued stakeholders that all officials within the Ministry who absented themselves from duty since the official opening of schools on 7 February 2022 have been suspended without pay forthwith, for a period of three months.”
During this period of suspension, members are not to hinder or interfere with any investigation or evidence relating to the alleged misconduct. Appropriate action will be taken against members who abrogate their duties and responsibilities.
The Ministry remains committed to the provision of quality, affordable, accessible, relevant, equitable, inclusive and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans.
Teachers in Zimbabwe through their various Unions have been demanding a pay increase to up to US$540 from the recently adjusted salary which is equivalent to US$200.
Unions in Zimbabwe say before the recent adjustment, teachers have been earning an average Z$21,000, about US$180 at the government’s controlled official exchange rate, or US$90 on the widely-used parallel market. Talks between unions and the government collapsed without a decision last month. The Unions and the generality of teachers have also rejected government’s latest offer.
