Staff Reporter

There has been a hundred percent teacher turnout throughout the country as schools opened, contrary to Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ)’s claims that teachers would not report for duty as they stand in solidarity with that organization’s 16 members who are facing jail term for staging an unsanctioned demonstration.

Teachers reported for duty on time at the different learning institutions across the country.  Speaking to this publication, George Stark High School Headmaster, Mr Masimba Mupavaenda confirmed a 100 percent teacher and student attendance at the school.

“It is pleasing to note that we have recorded a 100 percent turnout amongst the teachers despite harsh conditions which they might have been exposed to.  It is pleasing to note that they have come eager to attend to innocent learners,” said Mupavaenda

Meanwhile, citizens have come down hard on some political parties that continue to shout for free education at the same time calling for the best school and education standards.

“I believe Government is putting in place measures for free education to be implemented across the country. However, we should realise that most Government schools charge very minimal school fees. The school is the one that charges its levies according to the standards that school wishes to maintain. 

“When Government is done with the modalities of implementing the free education for all, you can be sure that the levies will stay on as those have nothing to do with school fees.  We all need to be able to separate between school fees and levies,” said Elita Marowa a parent from one of the schools in Harare.

Meanwhile in order to preserve life, Government allowed a travel delay to students whose school roads cross rivers due to the heavy rains that are currently occurring throughout the country.  In 2019 the country was struck by Cyclone Idai affecting over 270 000, among them school children.