The government of Zimbabwe has suspended without pay for three months all striking teachers and education officials who have been absent from work since schools opened on Monday, February 7.
Many students across the country were forced to go back home after teachers went on strike, demanding a salary of US$540 per month. After some teachers and education officials failed to heed the government’s warning to return to work, Education Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu suspended the striking teachers.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Minister said,
MINISTRY OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Press Statement: SUSPENSION FROM SERVICE
February 10 2022
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 February 7, 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.
Hon. Dr. E. Ndlovu (MP) Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
The government of Zimbabwe has suspended without pay for three months all striking teachers and education officials who have been absent from work since schools opened on Monday, February 7. Many students across the country were forced to go back home after teachers went on strike, demanding a salary of US$540 per month. After some teachers and education officials failed to heed the government’s warning to return to work, Education Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu suspended the striking teachers. In a statement released on Thursday, the Minister said,
(Photo Credit: VOA)
Since the teachers went on strike, President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed the government to give civil servants a 20 perccent pay increase as well as an additional US$100 per month in hard currency. The government also introduced non-monetary benefits.
Teachers will now import cars duty-free as part of the benefits. In addition, the government will be paying school fees for the children of teachers and giving them a transport facility to ferry them to their workstations.
However, some teachers unions rejected the government’s offer describing it as woefully inadequate.-iharare
