Staff Reporter
The Progressive Teacher`s Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) had been lambasted by citizens for inciting teachers to embark on a strike to push for United States Dollars pegged salaries, as the schools opened.
Tweeting on its handle yesterday, PTUZ demanded the payment of a living wage from the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube.
“Schools will open tomorrow, with learning essentially closed to those learners whose parents cannot pay for extra lessons. This pathetic and heart-rending situation is brought to you by Mthuli Ncube and Zimbabwe Treasury. We demand the payment of a living wage now Raymond Majongwe,” posted PTUZ.
Citizens lambasted PTUZ highlighting that the Government is doing all it can to imrpove the welfare of teachers and all Civil Servants and that school closures must not be prolonged as it affects the child`s ability to learn.
“As a parent I am really troubled by the utterances of PTUZ. It actually shows that PTUZ is not concerned about our children. PTUZ is forgetting that our children were negatively affected by the closure of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic; it is now time for our children to catch up. Even a lay man understands that prolonged closure of schools affects the child`s ability to learn,” said Chipo Mangena.
Another citizen, Rutendo Nyoka from Mbare blasted PTUZ`s utterances saying that the Union does not appreciate that the challenge of drugs was mainly brought about by the prolonged closure of schools during the Covid-19 era.
“One can tell that the Union is up to no good. Its mandate is to further its selfish regime change agenda, PTUZ does not want the schools to open, but we all know the dangers of prolonged closure of schools. We all know that the country grappled with substance abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic contributed to a mental health crisis driven by substance abuse in children. An idle mind is an evil mind. PTUZ is just selfish,” said Nyoka.
A teacher from a local school in Harare castigated PTUZ highlighting what the Government is doing to meet the welfare of teachers.
“Government is doing all it can to meet the welfare of its teachers. Every teacher is getting a Covid-19 allowance in United States Dollars including a cushioning allowance. The Government is also paying school fees for all the children born to teachers. Government is also subsiding transport fares for the teachers. I do not know why PTUZ gets frustrated whenever schools open,” she said.
Government has pledged its commitment to civil servants` welfare. Addressing Parliamentarians last month, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavhima said that the Government is committed to periodic salary reviews in recognition of the inflationary environment. Government is also working on providing accommodation to its civil servants as part of non-monetary incentives.
